'A Whole New Way to See Branson!'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to fly?
Really anytime of year is good for a hot air balloon flight; it's just that every season has it's own appeal.
Spring has bright green foliage everywhere and the flowers are in bloom below.
Summer is fun because everyone seems to be outside and there is more activity around the balloon at launch and landing.
Fall has such brilliant colors as the leaves change and sometimes there's a nip in the air saying that winter is coming soon.
Winter has crisp and clear skies that make you feel like you can see forever. You can easily see the wildlife through the empty branches
When do you fly?
We fly at sunrise and just before sunset weather permitting. Sunrise and sunset are when the winds tend to be at their most gentle and predictable. Sunrise flights are more peaceful with maybe a hint of fog hovering in the nooks and crannies below you. Sunset flights are more exciting with so much activity on the ground. We will sometimes fly low enough to have a conversation with those less fortunate on the ground. People also tend to hang around at launch and landing to see what it's all about.
How long does the flight last?
The flight itself lasts about an hour give or take depending on wind conditions and other considerations of safety. The overall adventure is about 3½ -4 hours.
Can I help set up the balloon?
Yes, we encourage you to help set up the balloon and get the feel of the whole experience of ballooning from start to finish.
Can my friends & family come to watch-crew-have fun?
Yes, sharing your balloon adventure with friends or family is very popular. They can just tag along with the chase and shoot pictures of you or roll up their sleeves and have fun. They are also invited to join the celebration afterwards.
Is Hot Air Ballooning safe?
Yes ballooning is very safe and we have a 100% safety record. Our pilot is a commercial rated with instruction privileges by the F.A.A. and the balloons are also certified and regularly inspected in accordance with the F.A.A.
Will it be cold up there?
No, it might even feel a tad warmer since we are flying with the wind and you won't feel a wind-chill.
What type of weather is best for hot air ballooning?
For safety reasons, in this area, balloonists generally prefer for the the winds to be less than 8 mph and the clouds to be at least 2000' above the ground. .
What if the weather is bad?
We will contact you the day or two before your flight to discuss the details of your flight including the weather. For most flights, we know the day before if the weather is cooperating. There are however days when we have to cancel at the last moment or even at the launch site. We don't want to cancel that late, but your safety is our first priority.
How do you steer the balloon?
Well, we don't really, we just go wherever the wind takes us. Your pilot controls the up and down, but not the left and right. Sometimes the winds are blowing in different directions at varying altitudes. If that happens, your pilot can climb or descend to the altitude with the most favorable wind.
Heights and I don't get along, will I be scared?
We have flown many people who have a fear of heights or were just anxious about flying. In virtually every case, they realize it is not what they were expecting and are ok with it. You are not likely to get vertigo because you rarely feel any wind like on a bridge, you don't see the perspective of things getting smaller like on a roof, and there is no rocking or turbulence like on a plane.
How far in advance do I need to reserve my flight?
It's generally best to give us at least a week (and up to 3 weeks during Spring & Fall) before you want to fly. But, if you have the urge to fly sooner, give us a call . We may just have an opening. Please remember that with only 2 possible flights a day, a weekend is quite short. However, keep in mind that even if you get just the right date reserved, the weather may have different plans. If the special date is part of a surprise, please let our pilot know if it is a birthday, proposal or a surprise. You may also want to purchase a gift certificate for them in case the weather doesn't cooperate.
How many people can fit in the basket?
We can fly up to 3 adults in your basket (maybe 1 more if some are children). As it warms up towards summer, we can carry 2-3 adults on a hot afternoon. It is actually based more on weight and temperature than on number of people.
How far will we fly?
Well, that depends on the winds. Since we fly with the winds, if the wind is 2 mph, we will fly about 2 miles. If the wind is 8 mph, we will fly closer to 8 miles. You get the picture.
Where do we land?
Wish I had an answer for you on that one, but I don't. And that is really a part of the excitement and adventure of ballooning! Your pilot will choose a launch field where the winds will take you in a good direction for landing spots. We might land in a large field, a cul-de-sac, or even someone's front yard.
What happens after we land?
The first thing we do if possible is have the chase crew ask the landowner for permission to land. As the balloon deflates, you enjoy the excitement of your flight and landing. After packing up the balloon back in the trailer, it is time to celebrate.
How do we get back to where we started?
You will come to appreciate our chase crew most once we have landed and you realize we have to get back. We are going nowhere until our crew shows up to get us. Balloon chasing is a fun challenge and hopefully the chase will be there waiting on us, or will arrive shortly after we land We all drive back to the meeting site together and say our goodbye's.
What time will we meet and when will I be finished?
For sunrise flights, we meet about 30 minutes before sunrise and for sunset flights, we meet about 2½ hours before sunset. The entire experience lasts about 3½ -4 hours.
Can I bring a camera?
Yes, definitely!
What should I wear?
Dress casually and comfortably for the weather. Remember it is a little cooler after dark and a little warmer while the sun is out. Also, no open toe shoes or high heel shoes allowed. We want to protect your feet just as much as the rest of you.
Do you offer Gift Certificates?
Yes we do! Check out our Gift Certificate page to purchase online and print out to give immediately.
What material is the balloon made of?
Most hot air balloons are made from ripstop nylon which is similar to the material for parachutes. One difference is that our ripstop is coated inside to contain the hot air.
What is the basket made of?
Baskets or gondolas are made from wicker with a weave similar to your household wicker furniture. They are reinforced with metal tubes or aircraft cables and a wood floorboard. The wicker weave is what gives a balloon it's strength and flexibility at landing.
What kind of fuel do you use?
Balloon burners use propane similar to your gas grill. The only difference is that we use the liquid rather than the gas.