Carolina BalloonFest BALLOON RIDES

Hot Air Balloon Rides

One of the questions we are asked most frequently is, "Can I take a balloon ride at the festival?"

Some of our pilots and/or balloon companies are offering balloon flights during Carolina BalloonFest at $200 per person. To reserve your flight, call or e-mail and book directly through individual balloonists listed below. They will provide you with the details of their flying services at BalloonFest. All flights are weather permitting, at the discretion of the Pilot-in-Command. Soft Landings!

If you've never flown in a hot air balloon before, we offer these helpful articles for you...

Questions to Ask When Booking a Balloon Ride - and - Getting Ready for a Hot Air Balloon Flight

Questions to Ask When Booking a Balloon Ride

Following are suggested questions to ask before reserving your flight. As with any other sport, safety should be considered first.

• How long have you been in business?
• What is the experience level of your pilot(s)?
• Are your balloons and vehicles fully insured?
• How many passengers are in each balloon?
• If you fly more than 6 passengers, are the baskets partitioned?
• What type of safety items do you carry on board? (fire extinguishers, first aid kits, etc.)
• How old are your balloons?
• What can you tell me about the equipment you use?
• How often and by whom are your balloons inspected?
• How long will we fly?
• What time should I arrive at the balloon?
• What if weather prevents our flight?
• Where will I find your balloon(s) at the Carolina BalloonFest?

Getting Ready for a Hot Air Balloon Flight

Carolina BalloonFest flights are scheduled twice a day, weather permitting — near sunrise or about two hours before sunset — the best times of day for ballooning when the winds are usually calm.

You will likely fly several miles, depending on wind speed and wind direction. Altitude can vary from crop level and treetop height to several thousand feet. On a clear day you may see up to fifty miles — view the Brushy Mountains, Charlotte, Hickory, Winston-Salem, Pilot Mountain— or even hear a creek gurgling beneath the branches!

Preparation

Plan to dress comfortably for ground weather and about three hours of outdoor activity. Dressing in layers is always a good idea in case the day warms up or the early evening cools down. Because air temperature cools only about three degrees per 1,000 feet, extra heavy clothing is usually not necessary.

Please wear tennis/sports shoes or other sturdy shoes. Long pants are wise since landing sites are sometimes in a field or tall grass. In the morning, grass is often damp with dew so shoes might get wet. Dresses, clogs, sandals, open-toed shoes or high heels are not recommended.

Family and friends are welcome to send you off. Some may even become part of the balloon crew.

And, be sure to bring your camera! Balloon flying is the ultimate Kodak moment!

Preflight and Inflation

When you arrive at the launch site, you'll get a preflight briefing about what to expect and how to help. There will be plenty of opportunities to take pictures and ask questions. Before you know it, your pilot will fill the balloon with hot air and you will be invited to climb into the basket.

Launch

Takeoff and ascent are often so gentle that you might not even realize the balloon has left the ground.

Flight

The true adventure of balloon flying is that, even if you have flown before, each and every flight is unique. Relax, enjoy the breathtaking views, savor the silence and shoot some spectacular photos!

Landing

You are always an unexpected guest when you land. Therefore, it is important to respect any landowner's solitude, privacy and property.

As your flight comes to a close, your pilot will find a safe place to set down, perhaps in a farmer's field or even someone's front yard. Once the balloon is packed up, you'll ride back to the launch site in a chase vehicle and celebrate with the traditional toast of balloonists —

"Soft Landings!"