Will the weather be suitable?

This is probably the most asked question when it comes to flying balloons. Pilots obey a number of rules. The surface wind must be less than 10 knots (17 km) and the wind at 500 feet (some 150 m) must be less than 15 knots. Common sense dictates that flights do not take place in conditions more severe than this as the balloon is very much part of the elements.
Balloon flights do not take place in the rain or when rain threatens. Typically, the best time to carry out a balloon flight is when the area is in a high-pressure situation. This weather pattern increases stability.

What should I wear?

You should wear whatever you feel comfortable in. You should also wear the type of clothing that you would wear if you go for a walk in the countryside on the day in question. Remember that some fields may be wet or used for animals. There really is no need to over-dress during the summer months. During the winter months it is recommended that thick socks and stout shoes are worn.
It is recommended that all shoes worn should have flat soles, and that the majority of top clothing is made of cotton rather than man-made fibres.
Taller passengers may find a hat useful during the summer months.

Can I take a camera?

Yes, there is no problem in taking either a still or video camera with you during the flight. There is always plenty to photograph both prior to the flight and, again, afterwards. We do recommend, however, that you have a suitable soft case with you in which to stow the camera during the landing phase of the flight.

How long does it all take?

From start to finish we estimate that it can take around 4 hours. The inflation and preparation of the balloon normally takes about 30 minutes. The flight itself normally takes about one hour. Once the retrieve crew have found the balloon, allowing for 30 minutes to pack away and 30 minutes drive back to the launch field takes us to around 3 hours. The balloons normally carry sufficient gas for about 1.5 hours duration plus a 30 minute reserve capacity.

How far will we be flying?

This depends on the wind speed. Hot air balloons travel with the wind and an hour flight is likely to carry its passengers up to 25 kilometers, somedays more, somedays less.
The balloon also flies at different heights. Although the balloon is at the mercy of the wind when it comes to direction, the vertical control of a balloon can be very precise. It is not unusual for an experienced pilot to be able to brush the bottom of the basket across a cut stubble field in the late summer. A leaf picked from a treetop is a very worthwhile souvenir of the flight!

Is there a balloon 'season'?

Strictly speaking - no! Hot-Air Ballooning takes place throughout the year although the months of October / November and February / March seem to bring strong winds and lots of rain. The cold winter months of December and January are quite often the most spectacular. During these months, our company provides flights in the Alps.

What time of day do flights take place?

It depends on the time of year. Balloons, being lighter than air, need to fly in stable conditions. This being so, during the summer months flights take place early morning and late evening. This can mean a 6 o' clock start in order to complete the flight before the ground and air warm up too much causing thermal activity. An evening summer flight would plan to land around an hour before dusk.
During the winter months the days tend to become more stable allowing balloon flights to take place later in the morning and earlier in the evening.