Welcome to Above Reality - Vermont Hot Air Balloon Rides


How safe is ballooning?	How many people at once?	How do you steer?
Where do we launch?	Are there any restrictions?	Where do we land?
How long does the flight last?	What should we wear?	How far will we go?
How much is a balloon?	Why fly at sunrise and sunset?	How high will we go?
What does a ride cost?	What if I have motion sickness?	Is it cold up there?
Can children ride?	Can I go if I'm afraid of heights?	What's the balloon made of?
	Where do we meet?

How safe is ballooning?
All of our pilots hold a Commercial Pilot's license issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Our balloons are scrutinized each morning before the flight by the Pilot in Command. In addition, each balloon goes through an annual inspection at a certified FAA facility. A large part of safety comes from the decision to fly or not to fly. We want you to have a safe and memorable flight. If the pilot cancels your flight, PLEASE understand that this is because there are circumstances that would make the flight unsafe. You will not be charged for the flight (unless you failed to show up or arrived late for the flight). Return to the Top
*Where do we launch?*
The direction and speed of the wind on the day of your flight will determine the exact location where we will launch the balloon. We have several carefully selected launch sites in the foothills of Mt. Mansfield. For those of you not familiar with the area we fly on the west side of the mountain 25 minutes from Burlington and 35-45 minutes from Stowe. Return to the Top
*What is the duration of the flight?*
From lift off to landing a typical balloon flight lasts about an hour. The entire experience will last between 3 - 4 hours. The main factor that dictates the duration of a flight is safety. A safe flight includes, appropriate wind speed and direction, a landing site free from obstacles, an area large enough to accomodate the balloon with the given winds, remaining fuel supply at appropriate levels, and lastly access to retrieving the balloon. As these factors vary and change so will the duration of the flight. We would rather provide you with a very safe, wonderful, and memorable 53 minute flight than making any unsafe flight choices that would create a safety hazard just to tack a few extra minutes onto the flight. Return to the Top
*How much does a balloon cost?*
Balloons generally start at about $15,000 and may run up to amounts in the $100,000 range. Return to the Top
*How much does a ride cost?*
Pricing is done on a per person basis and the rates are as follows:
Adults $250 each Adult Foliage Flights (October Only) $285 each Child pricing is done on the honor system. Please be honest. Child prices are applicable only when accompanied by adults. Kids between the ages of 15 -17 $225 each Kids between the ages of 12 -14 $199 each Kids between the ages of 8 -12 $179 each We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and cash is always welcomed with a 5% discount. We can customize or personalize any flight. Please call for quotes and information. Return to the Top
*Can children ride in the balloon?*
Children must be eight years old to ride in the balloon. Many children under that age are still afraid of the sights and sounds produced by the burners. Additionally, children under 8 may not yet be tall enough to see over the side. Most importantly ALL riders must be able to secure themselves during a windy landing (read description of a windy landing in the next question). Children may NOT be held during a flight. Return to the Top
*How many people can fly at once?*
Our largest balloon can carry between four and six passengers. Perfect for families or two couples. Our smaller balloon will accommodate two to three passengers. Perfect for romantic flights. We fly several different sizes of balloons. We have balloons small enough to accommodate couples and a balloon large enough to carry 8 people in addition to the pilot. Return to the Top
*Are there other passenger restrictions?*
Those who are pregnant or who have other medical conditions that would put them at risk during the course of a flight are not permitted to fly. There are NO seats in the balloon and passengers will stand for the duration of the flight. In addition, if windy conditions arise it is possible that the balloon will come to a sudden stop from a speed of 10 MPH. The balloon may hit the ground several times before coming to a complete stop. The force of this impact is about the equivalent of jumping off of your kitchen table or counter top. All passengers must be in good health, and as a MINIMUM must be able to secure themselves during a windy landing. These landing scenarios are possible but certainly not the standard. On most landings the balloon will touch down softly, more like jumping off of a chair. Return to the Top
*What should we wear?*
On the day of your flight check the temperature and dress just as you would if you were going to be outside for the next 3 hours. Layers, a cap, and sturdy footwear, (waterproof if possible) are all strongly suggested. Athletic shoes are acceptable; they just might get wet. The grass at the launch field often has enough dew on it to substantially dampen your shoes. On sunset flights we might encounter a damp field. Regardless of field conditions open toed shoes and sandals are NOT permitted; they do not provide sufficient support or protection. The Sun will either be rising or setting during the course of your journey which means the temperature will be changing. In the morning it will be chilly before the Sun rises and layers are best as you can shed what you don't need. In the evening we can keep your layers in the chase truck to be waiting for you after the flight. On warmer days the balloon must be flown at high temperatures; a baseball cap is recommended to absorb heat from the burners over head. Return to the Top
*Why do balloon flights only take place at sunrise and sunset?*
Calm to light winds are the most desirable for a balloon flight. Wind is created by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface. The winds are lightest when the sun is rising (Earth is just starting to warm) or setting (Earth has already started to cool). A balloon flight revolves around Mother Nature and we don't like to test her limits. PLEASE be on time for your flight since it is very important that we take off as scheduled. Return to the Top
*What if I get motion sickness? Can I still fly in the balloon?*
ABSOLUTELY. Since the balloon travels with the wind there is no turbulence. The elements to create motion sickness are not there and thus it is NOT possible to become motion sick. Return to the Top
*I'm afraid of heights should I still go?*
We often find that if a couple takes a flight and one member claims to be afraid of heights, it is actually that person who demands to fly again! Here's why...many people who say they are afraid of "heights" are actually afraid of "edges" --the sensation or fear that is felt when standing on a tall ladder or when standing near the edge of a cliff. The brain perceives height based on information relayed from the eyes in relation to objects of familiar size. When you are in the balloon there are no objects from your perspective to give you an accurate perception of height. Give it a try. Return to the Top
*How do you steer a balloon?*
A balloon pilot can control the altitude (up and down motion) of the balloon by adding or releasing heat. Different wind speeds and directions can be found at different altitudes and your pilot will "steer" the balloon with the given winds. Return to the Top
*Where will we land?*
Part of the charm associated with ballooning is that we never know exactly where we're going to touch down (if you've read the previous questions you probably have an idea of where this one is headed). But the pre-flight planning will usually give us some idea of which direction we are headed. The safest and most preferred landing sites are large fields with no obstructions. Common places to land include farm land, backyards, and sometimes we'll even set down in a neighborhood cul-de-sac. Then we celebrate and the chase crew returns us back to the launch site. Return to the Top
*What distance will we travel?*
Again, depending on the winds, your flight may take you as little as a half mile away from the launch site or up to 15 miles away. Normally we will travel between 4-9 miles as the crow flies. Return to the Top
*How high will we go?*
A typical flight will involve skimming just above treetop level to dancing with the clouds several thousand feet above the ground. Return to the Top
*Is it cold up there?*
No. During the flight we will not reach altitudes where temperature difference is noticeable. Rule of thumb says temperature will decrease by 3 degrees (F) for every 1,000 feet of altitude gained (normally we don't fly higher than 3,000 feet). On sunrise flights the time spent on the ground before the flight will be the coolest since the Sun hasn't had a chance to warm up the Earth. On warmer days some of the residual heat from the burners, the balloon's heat source, can be felt in the basket. Return to the Top
*What type of material is the balloon made out of?*
The fabric is rip-stop nylon designed to function at extreme temperatures. The fabric has a finite life span of several hundred hours and must be replaced in accordance to manufacturer and FAA specifications. A balloon can not pop. Nor will the fabric suddenly rip in mid-flight (that would be the equivalent of you walking down the street and your shirt all of a sudden developing a tear). Return to the Top
*Where do we meet?*
We meet at the Inn at Essex – Vermont’s Culinary Resort. 70 Essex Way Essex, Vermont 05452 For written directions to the Inn just click this link http://vtculinaryresort.com/about_the_inn/directions.cfm Return to the Top