Pre-Flight Info
Your safety is our main concern, so we reserve the right to cancel a flight due to adverse weather conditions or safety reasons. All flights must adhere to all FAA safety standards for passenger-carrying commercial balloon operations. We don’t anticipate flight delays, however if the pilot requires more time to see how the weather is developing, it is possible that your flight might be put on hold. If that happens, you will be instructed to phone back at a later time that day for an update.
Ballooning is a fair-weather activity. Inclement weather conditions may cause flights to be cancelled or rescheduled, so keep that possibility in mind when planning your adventure with us. Please don't be upset if we have to inform you it's not flyable on the day of your flight - we can't control the weather. All flight decisions are made in the best interest of the safety of our guests. We'd love to fly all the time, but sometimes Mother Nature just doesn't cooperate. If the weather is not safe, the pilot will cancel the flight and you simply reschedule for another date that suits you.
Weather cancellations can and do occur, so please have patience. We cannot always fly on your chosen date. Weather cancellations can be rescheduled at your convenience. Previously-scheduled flights will have priority (first scheduled, first priority). If you cannot reschedule after a weather cancellation, there is no further obligation. The credit card on hold to secure your reservation will not be charged.
Gift certificates will not be refunded due to a weather cancellation. You may reschedule as many times as necessary until your flight can be completed.
• Weather conditions that will generally cause cancellation: High winds, rain, thunderstorms within 100 miles, low cloud ceiling or low visibility.
• Weather conditions that are preferred: Winds under 4-7 miles per hour, no precipitation, good visibility.
We meet our balloon passengers at sunrise! Due to the weather requirements of hot air ballooning, an early meeting time is critical for safe flying. Please be prompt as we cannot delay the launch time. Remember to call in between 10:00am and 6:00pm the day before the flight to verify favorable weather conditions. Failure to do so may result in being billed as a no show.
For safety, meeting times scheduled thirty minutes prior to sunrise or two & half hours prior to sunset.
Fall, winter and early spring mornings in Columbus are usually a little chilly before sunrise (30-50°F), so dressing in layers is recommended. Once the sun comes up, it warms quickly. Dress accordingly.
Layers: So you can add or remove sweaters or jackets as you see fit.
Long pants and sleeves: Dress for being in fields by wearing long pants..
Boots or sneakers: Hiking or rubber boots to travel on wet grass.
Bring a hat: If you’re sensitive to the heat, please bring a hat.
Heels or sandals: Avoid them to keep your ankles safe during a bumpy landing or on uneven and muddy terrain. Please NO open toed shoes, high heels or shorts or skirts.
Uncomfortable clothes: To climb in and out of the basket comfortably.
Back Packs or Camera Bags: The baskets are designed to carry passengers, not luggage
Absolutely! You are encouraged to bring along a camera, digital camera or small video recorder. You'll be able to capture beautiful pictures aloft to remember your flight by and to show friends your exciting adventure. However, please have a neck or wrist strap, and make sure to bring a padded bag or case to stow your camera in before final landing (not hanging from your neck). We cannot be responsible for personal belongings. Bring twice as much film/memory as you think you'll need, and then some. Many people fill up their memory cards or run out of film in the first few minutes after liftoff! Camera batteries have a nasty habit of running out right after liftoff, so make sure they are fully charged or you have spares on hand.
In order to fly, passengers must be in good physical condition due to the possibility of a rough landing. All passengers must be able to climb in and out of the basket, stand for the entire flight and walk out of a field if necessary. Due to insurance restrictions, we cannot fly any passenger who has recently had:
• Surgery
• Injuries
• Hip, Back, or Knee Problems
• Health Concerns
• Physical Limitations
• Severe Auditory Restrictions
• Is/Or May be Pregnant
Your safety is our main concern. If you are concerned with health or safety issues, please consult with your physician or call our office to discuss the individual situation.
There are inherent dangers in absolutely everything we do each day. You can get hurt doing anything - driving a car, taking a shower, crossing the road, mowing your lawn, climbing a flight of stairs, or riding a bicycle. Ballooning is not a magical exception to this rule. There are always inherent risks present that we do our absolute best to minimize and avoid.
All passengers must read, understand, and sign our Assumption of Risk Agreement. In the case of minors under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the Agreement. Please take the time to view and understand our Assumption of Risk Agreement before you come to fly with us. It is presented here so you can read and understand clearly before you show up. Passengers who refuse to sign the Assumption of Risk Agreement will not be flown.
This Agreement does not absolve us from responsibility - it is our absolute duty to minimize risks and ensure the safety of all people in the air and on the ground. We expect to never have the need to use these signed pieces of paper for their intended purpose.
Each passenger will be required to complete a Passenger Liability Waiver. Please bring it with you to your flight as the pilot will be collecting them. You can download and print these documents below:
Passenger safety, comfort, and enjoyment are always our first priority. Flights are conducted only under FAA Visual Flight Rules and light winds on the surface of less than 8 mph. The wind speed at 2400' must be less than 19 mph. We need excellent visibility - no rain - no fog, and if there is a cloud layer, it must be at least 3000'. In order to change direction we need to be able to maneuver up and down to find winds going in different directions. The balloon will land at a location determined during the flight, at the same speed as the wind.
