If you’d like to check an item off your bucket list, you may want to consider booking a balloon ride experience from one of the participating FAA Certificated Commercial Hot Air Balloon Pilots attending the festival. Balloon rides are available Saturday, September 9, 2023, and Sunday, September 10, 2023.  Morning flights launch at 7:30 AM and afternoon flights lift off at 5:30 PM. The passenger check in tent will be at the balloon launch site marked on the festival map. IMPORTANT – Arrive at the check in tent at 7:00 AM for a morning flight and 4:30 PM for an afternoon flight. Balloon Rides are $325 per person.

 

***BALLOON ACTIVITIES ARE WEATHER PERMITTING***
If your flight is canceled due to weather the fee is refunded.

BALLOON RIDE INFORMATION

• Hot air balloons only fly the first two hours after sunrise and the last two hours before sunset as winds are less stable during the middle of the day.

• Weather is everything. Hot air balloon pilots don’t fly unless the weather is right. If the weather isn’t right for flying or the comfort level of your individual pilot, the pilot will tell you that there is always time to wait for better weather. Per FAA Regulations each Pilot in Command has final say regarding the flight.

• Be prepared for an outdoor adventure. Our hot air balloons may take off from the airport but will land downwind, likely you’ll find yourself in the beautiful countryside or suburban setting. Dress for outdoor activities. Wearing closed toe shoes is strongly recommended.

• Passenger weight matters. The total weight of the passengers is important. The hotter the weather, the less weight the hot air balloon can carry. Combined passenger weight should be no more than 400 lbs. This limitation will vary depending upon the balloon and heat of the day you’re flying. So, when your pilot asks you how much you and your fellow passengers weigh, be honest. It’s for your safety.

• Children. Different pilots have different policies about flying minor children; some do not fly minor children while others do. Some pilots have a minimum age requirement. In general, most children should be tall enough to see over the edge of the basket – about 48 inches or taller – to enjoy the experience. After all, if they can’t see the beautiful sights, they’ll get bored. Have a conversation with your pilot about your child and his/her maturity level

• You must be in reasonably good health. If you’ve had surgery (especially orthopedic related procedures), you should wait to heal and your doctor has cleared you for more strenuous activities. If you’re a “seasoned citizen” answer the question for yourself, “If you were to jump from your kitchen chair to the floor, would you hurt yourself?” If the answer to this question is yes, you may wish to consider being a spectator. You need to be able to stand comfortably for the duration of the flight, the landing and pack up. The excursion will last approximately 2 hours of total time when your pilot will return you to the festival site.

• Notify your pilot if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.

• Hot air ballooning is an outdoor activity with inherent risk.  It is important that you understand the risks associated with hot air ballooning before, during and after the flight. Before your flight, ask your pilot for briefing about the unique safety procedures for his/her aircraft. Festival organizers require all persons planning to enjoy a flight in a hot air balloon read and sign a Waiver of Responsibility. Your pilot will provide the waiver, be sure to read and understand it and ask your pilot about any questions you may have.

• Balloon rides can be booked at the festival.

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BALLOONIST LIST AND CONTACT INFO

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