Why do you only fly in the mornings and evenings?

The effect of the sun shining on the earth causes the air in the atmosphere to heat up. As the air in the atmosphere warms, the air pressure changes, generating thermal winds. These "thermals" are minimal just after sunrise and two hours before sunset giving the ideal conditions for making a balloon flight.

Will it be cold up above?

As the hot air balloon moves with the wind there is no wind-chill effect, you should therefore feel no colder than you would when standing on the ground.

Who can fly?

A balloon flight can be considered for passengers of all ages, but we would not normally recommend it for children under the age of about 14 years. Child passengers must be accompanied by an adult.

Balloon flights are suitable for elderly passengers provided they can climb in and out of the basket (similar to climbing over a gate - with assistance, if necessary). They must be able to maintain a firm grip on a handle during the landing and to stand for at least an hour in a basket.

Passengers with a specific medical condition or disability should check with their own doctor and advise us accordingly. It is not advisable for pregnant women to make the flight.

How long have you been flying balloons?

All of are pilots are fully-trained and experienced commercially. Length of experience varies; Ian Hooker has over 20 years of flying experience and Chris Davies over 15 years, with over 1200 hours each.

What should I wear when flying?

No special clothing or equipment is required for ballooning. Just dress as you would to spend three to four hours in the countryside. You will be able to judge the temperature on the day of the flight; it is seldom any colder in the air than on the ground, but especially in the evening you may find it necessary to bring a jacket or sweater to put on after we have landed.

Clothes made of natural fibres, such as wool or cotton, are preferred. Nylon garments are not to be recommended.

You should wear flat shoes that are reasonably strong. Walking shoes or boots are ideal; sports shoes or trainers are quite adequate, but remember that grass may be wet in the early morning or evening.

When do you fly?

Conditions are normally best for flying in the early morning and early evening when the winds are most gentle. Most flights are booked to start an hour or two after sunrise and about two hours before sunset which means that actual times will vary with the time of year. Our flying season runs from March to October every year. We attempt to make some winter flights on a 'standby' basis, contact us for further details.

Flights are made only in light winds and dry weather - we do not fly when it is rainy, windy, foggy or if there is a risk of thunderstorms. Since the flight is so weather sensitive, passengers may have to be patient in waiting for the right conditions.

Why do you suggest a child needs to be 14 years old to fly?

To gain the full experience of the flight, passengers need to be at least 4 ft 6 inches tall to see over the edge of the basket and have to cope with standing still in one space for at least an hour. It is for these reasons that we suggest that children over the age of 14 are the best suited to get value for money.

Can those with disabilities fly?

We have flown passengers with sight and with hearing disabilities. If you have any special accessibility requirements please contact us and we will help advise you on the suitability of a balloon flight.