General Information
We fly throughout the year but the main flying season is from March to the end of October. Flights take place early morning (soon after dawn!) and late afternoon or early evening. You can book a flight for a specific date or, if giving a VOUCHER as a present, let the recipient book at their convenience. All flights of course are subject to weather. Ideal ballooning conditions are light winds, a calm stable air, no rain and good visibility.
The Flight
Every flight is different and depends on wind speed and direction on the day. We aim to be airborne for 1 hour or so, but you should allow up to 4 hours for the whole experience.
Once you have confirmed a flight date you will be asked to telephone the office a few hours before the scheduled flight time to check on weather conditions. On arrival at the launch site you will receive a full technical and safety briefing and may be asked to assist with the inflation procedure. As soon as the huge ‘envelope’ is fully inflated passengers will be asked to climb aboard for their magical mystery flight!
As we ascend, the beauty of the Cotswold landscape unfolds beneath us as we drift with the breeze over the woodlands, fields, villages and lanes. Far below you may be able to pick out our ground crew following us in the retrieve vehicle.
For an hour or so we literally fly with the wind. We may reach heights of 3,000 ft, or drift over the treetops on an aerial nature walk. Eventually we have to return to earth and your Pilot will prepare for landing.
Experience of the area will ensure we pick a suitable landing site and our retrieve crew will arrive to help us pack up the balloon. After thanking the landowner or farmer for their hospitality, we make our way home by road.
Your adventure and return to earth will be celebrated in traditional style with a glass of CHAMPAGNE and a FLIGHT CERTIFICATE.