Safety is our main concern when flying our RE/MAX balloons.
The only time to schedule a Safe and Successful balloon flight is at sunrise or a couple hours before sunset. Because this is the coolest and calmest part of the day it provides the best flight conditions.
For sunrise/sunset times in your area go to
http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/RS_OneYear.php .
Actual flights last 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on weather conditions and availability of landing sites. You should allow 2 to 3 hours for the whole balloon excursion.
The ideal area to launch and land a balloon is an open grassy field, with the landowner's permission.
We will not launch from parking lots.
The following should be discussed with the pilot prior to scheduling the flight:
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Proximity to Airports
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Nearby Lakes and National Forests or heavily wooded areas.
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Nearby Livestock (the balloon often frightens them)
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Age and weight of your passengers
Please pre-screen your passengers prior to the day of the flight. When screening a passenger, you should consider their age and physical condition. For safety reasons, we cannot take children under the age of 14. In addition, an elderly or frail passenger may not be able to adequately brace properly during landing in slightly windy conditions. The majority of our landings are smooth and uneventful, however, in slightly windy conditions the basket may end up on its side.
Please provide your pilot with the weight and physical conditions of your passengers prior to the flight to avoid disappointment or embarrassment on the day of the flight. For most flights, we will carry a maximum of two passengers. If flight conditions are breezy, the pilot reserves the right to limit the flight to only one passenger. The weight and size of the passenger is also a consideration as the balloon basket is limited in space and the ability to safely lift the balloon off the ground depends on the total weight of the basket.
Still have questions? Please contact us anytime! We look forward to hearing from you.
Joel Sturdevant | email: joelsturdevant@remax.net phone: 816.812.8086