Hot Air Balloon Rides with

(603) 344 3128

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On the Day Of The Flight . . ?

 

About an hour or so before flight time, we do a weather check to get the information we need to plan the flight. We'll give you a call soon afterwards and let you know if there will be a flight and, if so, exactly when and where you should meet us for the launch. After the flight, of course, we'll bring you back to the launch site.

 

When Do You Fly?

 

Balloon flights are normally timed to take off within an hour of sunrise or during the two hours before sunset. We don't fly during the day because the air is turbulent with thermal winds.

 

When Don't You Fly?

 

Rain, fog, low cloud cover, too much wind or not enough wind are the typical weather conditions that will prompt us to postpone a scheduled flight. We consider a wind speed of 7 knots as the upper threshold for safety. Even at that, launches and landings can be hazardous. The pilot will make his decision whether or not it is safe to fly. Not enough wind? Unlike a boat becalmed on water, a balloon can only wait as long as its fuel supply allows and we prefer to have a choice of landing sites. And, of course, an hour or so of going nowhere isn't much of an adventure.
We know that it can be a big disappointment to have your special flight postponed, but there is a saying that " It is better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air, than to be in the air wishing you were on the ground! ".

 

How Does A Hot Air Balloon Work?

 

Present-day Hot Air Balloon systems closely resemble the original balloons and work on the simple principle that hot air rises. They consist of an envelope to contain the hot air, a system to produce the hot air and a wicker basket to carry the people. Lift is derived from heating the air inside the envelope and descent by allowing some of the air to escape through a vent or by letting it cool naturally.

 

Where Do You Launch?

 

The choice of launch site will vary depending on the wind direction at the time of the flight. We want to go in a direction where we know there will be a fair selection of good landing sites. We are fortunate that, in Henniker, there are a variety of launch sites that suit the various wind directions.

 

Where Do You Land?

 

Balloons don't have any means of controlling lateral movement so they go wherever the wind takes them. Part of the adventure of Ballooning is not knowing your destination prior to departure. During the flight, the pilot will select a landing site which is free of obstacles, large enough for a safe landing and deflation of the balloon, and not too far from a road. Happily, there are many such spots around Henniker & Hopkinton.

 

How Long Is The Flight?

 

Flights are about an hour, but we suggest you allow up to three hours for the whole excursion. This will include set-up and pack-up time as well as travel time back to the launch site.

 

What Should I Wear?

 

You should dress to suit the season. You won't be much warmer or cooler during the flight than you would be on the ground. You should also choose footwear that's suitable for walking through country fields. Long pants are the only required item. Please no shorts.

 

What Should I Bring?

 

You may want to bring a camera to record your experience, binoculars to enhance your enjoyment of the spectacular scenery, or a friend to share it with. Remember, cameras have neckstraps!

 

Can I Help?

 

Certainly!, if you wish. We have sufficient, experienced ground personnel, but we also understand that some people would like to get a little more involved. Remember though, listen carefully to the pilot or the crew chief when they're giving you instructions and if you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask!

 

How Can I Book A Flight?

 

Call us at 1 (603) 344-3128. If you have a special day in mind it's best to book a couple of weeks in advance. If the weather is uncooperative on the selected day, then an alternate time will be arranged. Hot Air Balloons can fly any time of the year and each season has its own particular attractions. The choice is yours!

 

Can I Get A Gift Certificate?

 

            Sorry, We no longer offer Gift Certificates.

 

What's a Tether?

 

A tether is a set of lines that secure the balloon to the ground and allow it only to ascend to about 50 feet. Tethers are usually used for party situations (Birthdays, Weddings, Company outings) when there are a large number of people who would like to experience a balloon ride. Tethers are a great way to "try out" ballooning before going for a un-tethered ride.

 

Questions? Email me