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When we fly
Hot air ballooning is a weather dependant sport which means that a majority of our hot air balloon rides take place in the summer months. Our flying season generally starts in April and goes through till October.
In the winter months hot air balloon rides can take place during any time of the day. However very few balloon rides will occur because the ground is too wet and retrieving of the balloon is not possible. We do have a standby list for the winter if anyone is keen to fly at short notice.
The weather conditions
A hot air ballooning requires stable weather conditions in order to be able to fly. During the summer we can only fly early morning and late afternoon when the winds are at their calmest. This is because during the day thermal activity is too strong to permit flying. Generally hot air balloon rides will not take place if the winds are stronger than 12mph.
On many occasions the day can be sunny and warm with a nice breeze, this does not necessarily mean the conditions for ballooning are ideal, unless the wind is forecast to die down in time for us to launch. This can be very frustrating for both parties and we ask you to bare with us on these occasions, we can only assure you that all the professional pilots and crew are as keen as you to fly if at all possible.
Hot air balloons are also weight loaded, the reason for this is because the balloon has a maximum weight that it can lift. The maximum weight that a balloon can take is effected by the ambient temperature. This is why on hot summer days we have to carry less number of passengers in order to achieve lift. Passengers cancelling at the last minute can jeopardise the whole flight by making the loading too light for the balloon to fly within it’s safety margins. The failure to turn up for your flight when confirmed can cause immense disappointment to others and you would loose your voucher.
We do require 48 hrs cancellation notice.
Do Balloons Fly At Night?
Hot air balloon rides do not take place at night because it would be too dangerous. The ground and obstacles need to be visible at all times.