
Frequently asked questions
When shall we fly ?
For safety reasons, hot air balloon flights occur during the two hours following sunrise and the two hours preceding sunset. In order to guarantee the most comfortable trip, we suggest we meet at the following times:
We will fly only if the following weather conditions are met: no rain, no fog, no stormy conditions (TCU,CB) and litlle wind. For your safety, we will cancel the flight if weather forecasts expect wind over 7Kts (13 km/h) and gust winds over 9 Kts (16 km/h).
If the weather is not suitable for a safe and pleasant trip, we will arrange a new date. Weather cancellation insurance: if the flight cannot be done at another date or because of poor weather conditions, then you will be fully reimbursed within 2 weeks.
Why a morning or an evening flight only ?
Please consider that atmosphere is very unstable when stormy conditions. Therefore, prohibit any balloon ride, even if the weather seems to be nice and sunny.
What are the medical conditions
However, passengers must be able to climb in and out the basket (1.2m high), stand unassisted for an hour and adopt the bended knee seated landing position. Passengers must also be able to fully understand and follow all instructions given by the pilot and react quickly to them in the unlikely event of an emergency. Under French Civil Aviation Law, the balloon pilot has a duty of care for all passengers and can decide ultimately if someone is able to safely participate to the flight or not.
We recommend that children under 7, people in poor health and pregnant women not to fly.
In any doubt, we advise you to ask your doctor.
Are there any precautions to take ?
Can we steer a balloon ?
Each flight is unique, the route taken and the landing are never known in advance.
What about Vertigo ?
However, very anxious people may suffer from « aeronautics stress « . Examples are people who refuse to board on a plane or in an elevator. This is a psychological problem that has nothing to do with vertigo.
How long a flight lasts ?
on-site transfer and installation: 1 hour
balloon flight : 1 hour (+/- 10 mns)
landing, folding and packing: 1 hour
toast and champagne: 30 mns
Flight duration may slightly vary according to the opportunities for landing during the flight
Where shall we land ?
In addition, the direction of the wind may vary with the altitude, which is interesting when you want to go in a specific direction.
The art of piloting lies in using these air masses and also in the choice of a breeding ground, preferably grass and close to a path or a road.
How high do we fly ?
Don’t worry, we will not go so high. In general, the flight altitude varies from several meters to 600 meters. As you will see, the interest of the balloon is the ability to contemplate the nature and admire the scenery unfold before our feet.
Can we fly over Paris ?
In addition, Paris is a big city and it would be very difficult for a balloon to find a place for landing unless on a building roof !
Only tethered balloons are allowed to rise in the sky of Paris, but it is a totally different experience from a hot air balloon ride.