Information

How safe is it?
Where do you fly from?
How long do you fly for?
Where will my flight take me?
When do you fly?
Weather conditions
Who can fly?
What to wear
Landing
Family & Friends
Other Questions

How safe is it?

Balloon flying is very safe because of the combination of simplicity, technology and modern materials along with low flying speeds.

Where do you fly from?

We have launch sites in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Occasionally our clients negotiate a launchsite of their own because they want to fly from home or from somewhere special to them.

How long do you fly for?

We fly between one hour and hour and a half, however, from meeting us at the launch site to returning back to it, please allow between three and four hours.

Where will my flight take me?

The mystery and adventure of a balloon flight comes largely with the speed and direction of the wind. The choice of landing site is made during the final phase of the flight.

When do you fly?

We fly early in the morning about an hour after sunrise and in the evening about two hours before sunset, when the weather is at its calmest. We usually fly from April to October and also occasionally in the winter months if the weather conditions and, just as importantly, the ground conditions are suitable.

Weather conditions

Obviously there are some weather conditions which do not permit us to fly, such as strong winds, fog or rain. We give careful consideration to the weather forecasts to ensure a safe and enjoyable flight. This may mean that your flight may be postponed, so please bear with us but you can rest assured that we rearrange your flight just as soon as we possibly can.

Who can fly?

Provided you are in good health, fit enough to climb into the basket and be able to stand throughout the flight there’s no other requirement. But if you any doubt we will answer any questions you have to the best of our ability but it is your responsibility to determine whether you are "fit to fly". Unfortunately we are not allowed to fly pregnant ladies and you should definitely not fly if you have brittle bones. We do not have an upper age limit but we do not fly children younger than eight years old.

What to wear

We advise that you dress comfortably, as you would for a walk in the countryside. Just normal outdoor clothing preferably long sleeves and trousers in natural fibres ie cotton, wool etc and bring a jumper or fleece with you as it can drop cooler after the flight. Please wear flat shoes, trainers or walking boots. Also don’t forget your cameras, videos binoculars etc and plenty of film!

Landing

Part of the adventure of ballooning is not knowing exactly where you will land as the wind always has the last word. Whilst you enjoy your flight, the retrieve crew, who are in radio contact with the pilot, will follow your progress and meet up with you after the landing. They will also ensure that everyone returns back to the launch site after the celebratory chilled champagne toast.

Family & Friends

Family and friends are welcome to participate with the balloon launch and to follow the retrieve in their own vehicles and join in with the chase! If they do intend to follow, please ask them to make their intentions known to the crew. We ask however that no-one should enter the field until we have the land owners permission.