© 2011 - All Rights Reserved - Catskill Mountain Balloon
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
1. When Do You Fly?
Balloon flights typically begin within an hour of sunrise or during the two hours prior to sunset. We do not fly during the day because the air is turbulent with thermal winds. In the winter these winds are not as strong and can sometimes fly later in the day.
2. When Don’t You Fly?
Conditions that can prohibit a flight are: rain, fog, low cloud cover, too much wind or not enough wind. We consider wind speed in excess of 9 knots as the upper threshold for safety. Even at that, launches and landings can be hazardous. Each pilot will make his or her own decision whether it is safe to fly on your scheduled date. Not enough wind? Unlike too much wind, we like to give our clients a nice scenic flight. As you might imagine, an hour or so going nowhere isn’t much of an adventure. We know that having that special flight postponed can be a disappointment, but we have a saying in ballooning:
“ 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!”
3. 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 passengers. Lift is derived from heating the air inside the envelope and to descend by allowing some of the air to cool naturally or manually vent some out.
4. Where Do You Launch?
The choice of the 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 landing sites. We are fortunate that, In the Catskill and Hudson Valley region we have a variety of launch sites that suit the various wind directions.
5. Where Do You Land?
Balloons don’t have any means of controlling lateral movement so they go wherever the wind takes them. The adventure of Ballooning is not knowing your destination prior to departure. During the flight, the pilot will select a landing site and bring you safely back to mother earth.
6. Where do you fly?
Our flying area is: Catskills, Hudson Valley, Cooperstown, Oneonta, and many Up State NY festivals
7. How Long Is The Flight?
Flights usually last 45 minutes to over an hour, but we suggest you allow up to three hours for the whole excursion. This will include set–up, flight, pack-up, champagne or non-alcoholic beverage toast, as well as travel back to the launch site.
8. What Should I Wear?
You should dress to suit the season. You won’t be 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 -- no high heels or open-toe shoes.
9. What Should I Bring?
You may want to bring a camera or two to record your experience. Our crew chief can take photos of you in the balloon from the ground while you take the scenery from the air. We have not lost a camera yet so use the straps provided for your neck or wrist.
10. How Can I Book A Flight?
Call us at 607-435-9839, e-mail BalloonNY@aol.com or use the Reservation Form provided on this site. If you have a special day in mind it’s best to book as soon as possible. If the weather is uncooperative on the selected day, we can arrange an alternate date. Balloons can fly any time of the year and each season has its own particular attractions. The choice is yours!
11. Can I Purchase A Gift Certificate?
Yes, of course, it’s a great way to help someone celebrate a birthday, anniversary, marriage, or any occasion and gives them the opportunity to choose when they wish to fly.
