When can I
fly?
We fly year-round, weather permitting.
Hot-air balloons fly within 2 hours after sunrise and 2 hours before
sunset. Winds are mostly at their calmest during these
times.
How long will the
flight be?
Most hot-air balloon rides last more than an hour. We try
to provide rides of at least an hour. Factors which control the
length of flight time include clear landing zones, weather, and
obstacles ahead. Be sure to allow at least 3 hours for
the entire experience.
Where will we fly from?
We can fly almost anywhere. It
is necessary to stay 5 miles from any major airport and we must have
a clear landing zone. We will not fly passengers over the City of
Columbus. Some frequently used launch site areas are near: Bolton
Field, Dublin, Plain City, Pickerington, and Polaris. We are happy
to try and accommodate any special launch locations. Just
ask!
How high will we fly?
Most hot-air balloons fly from
tree-top level to 1500' above the ground. Passengers can see things
on the ground much better and are more comfortable at lower
altitudes. There are minimum safe altitude standards which we
follow.
How do we get back to our
car?
A balloon chase/ground crew will
follow us on our flight. After landing we will pack up the equipment
and drive back to your vehicle at the launch site.
How many can fly
together?
We normally fly 2 passengers and 1
pilot. On cool mornings we may fly up to 3 passengers plus the
pilot. All of this depends on the weight/age of the passengers and
flight conditions. Flights for larger groups are
available.
Is there an age limit?
For standard flights we prefer that
children be at least 12 years old. Beyond safety concerns, we have
found that children quickly become bored and restless with the slow
pace and serenity of a hot-air balloon flight. For tethered flights
at special events we will fly much younger children. For
younger passengers we recommend a tethered balloon ride.
How far will we
go?
We fly as far as the wind will take
us. We fly only when the winds are under 8 mph. When the winds
are any faster landings can be a little too bumpy.
Can I
give a hot-air balloon ride as a
gift?
Absolutely! We are happy to
provide a gift certificate for special occasions. Gift certificates are available by e-mail on the same
day ordered! Gift Certificates are good for one year,
but can be updated for additional time.
Gift Certificate example & Gift Certificate limitations
We
do not accept national balloon ride certificates. Only local
companies and pilots can provide the level of service and value that
customers desire. More
information...
Can we fly on a specific
date?
We are happy to reserve a specific
date for you; but due to weather concerns we cannot guarantee any
date. If we cannot fly on the date that you reserved, we will try to
schedule another date of your choosing.
Should I make a
reservation?
YES! See Reservation information on the "Pricing" page.
How much does a
flight cost?
See the "Pricing" page.
Should I tip the pilot?
While not
required, some passengers have
wanted to thank us with a gratuity. If you feel the urge to do so,
all tips are used to feed the "ravenous" appetites of our
intrepid and valuable crew members who help us get off the
ground, land and take us back to where the flight
started.
Printable Hot-Air Balloon
Information
Balloon
Ride Boarding
Pass
Don't forget to read, sign and bring your
Boarding
Pass to the
flight location!
More
Questions?
(614) 443-1200
info@raballoon.com
All information
and pricing subject to change without notice!
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read any
document links.
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