Since we have precise vertical control and wind direction varies at different heights, we can change altitude to achieve some degree of steerage. For the most part though, we are floating with the wind at the helm, which is part of the reason ballooning is such an adventure! Since we can't turn around and fly back to the launch site, we must always have a Chase Crew who follow us on the ground. When it's time to land, we choose a site directly in out flight path; one where we won't cause damage and is easily accessable to the Crew. Our Crew arrives at the landing site about the same time we do and often, grab us as we touch down, to help us slow up. After we deflate the balloon, they remove the air from the balloon and help us pack it up. By the way, thank goodness for the Crew. They are hardworking volunteers who make it possible for us to fly, so a gratuity is appropriate. Without them, we would have to hitch-hiked back! If there are landowners and they wish, this is the time to share the traditional champagne toast. Otherwise, we drive back to the launch site and have a champagne toast to celebrate our flight. From the time passengers arrive until they're ready to leave is about two and a half hours. Many like to go to breakfast after a morning flight or have dinner after a sunset voyage and we can recommend several excellent restaurants in the neighborhood. |
YOU ARE INVITED to share an Aerial Adventure which mankind has enjoyed for more than two centuries! Join us as we drift in the gentle breezes over the lovely hills and valleys of Hunterdon County in New Jersey. It is truly a vista of breathtaking beauty! Your hot air ballooning adventure may take you to heights where you can view distant objects; and you'll fly low near the tree tops close enough to touch the leaves. It was a hot air balloon that carried man on his first flight aloft. Wine was carried as an offering to puzzled landowners and frightened peasants and this delightful tradition lingers on today in the form of our champagne celebration that follows each flight. We can fly any day of the week, year-'round, if weather permits. But flight times are only in the morning at daybreak or about an hour and a half before sunset. These are the only times we can expect to find the light winds and stable air most favorable for ballooning. 
There are some nice things to know about flying in a hot air balloon. First, a fear of heights, or falling, is normal for most people but not when they're in a balloon. Unlike the aeroodynamic motion experienced in airplanes, balloon flight is absolutely smooth and there is no sensation of motion. You can see going up or down but if you close your eyes, you can't feel it. Also, it's nice to know the balloon is like a parachute. If we couldn't add heat, the balloon would gently descend like one. The big difference is we inflate a balloon on the ground and know it's working instead of jumping out of an airplane and hoping the chute opens! Within minutes after launch, passengers feel secure and comfortable. Then they relax and enjoy the view, which is spectacular anywhere you look.
A word about clothing; It is actually warmer in the balloon than on the ground and noticeably so on a hot day. That's because we're moving with the wind so there's no "wind chill"; we don't go to altitudes where it is cold and we get some radiant heat from the hot-air burners above us. So dress for your comfort on the ground and wear casual clothing. Also, we usually land in a pleasant spot but, on rare occasions, we may have to hike out; so sneakers are better than heels or flip-flops. Finally, if you are flying in the morning we recommend water-proof shoes, as dew can be heavy.