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WHO CAN GO
Flying in a hot air balloon is an exciting, wonderful
experience. The flight is quite peaceful and serene.
Normally, the landings are fairly gentle. Occasionally,
however, they can be bumpy and on rare occasions, the
impact with the ground can be quite hard, presenting the
possibility of injury. Therefore, we must request that
passengers have the ability to hang on tight to the basket
and be able to flex their legs upon landing. Passengers
with any physical or medical problems must inform us of
them prior to their date of flight. Unfortunately, we can
not take pregnant women or children under the age of five.
LENGTH OF FLIGHT AND COST
Whether you choose to fly on either one of our morning or
evening flights, the length of the flight is approximately
one hour. The total time we are together is about 3
hours. We have both group flights and private
flights. Some of our balloons can carry up to 6
passengers plus the pilot. Some can carry strictly 2, 3 or
4 plus the pilot.
The price per person is
as follows:
|
1, 2, 3 or 4 |
As part of a group
of 5 or 6 |
$205.00 |
|
2 |
Privately |
$300.00 |
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3 or 4 |
Privately |
$250.00 |
|
5 or 6 |
Privately |
$190.00 |
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8+ |
Group |
$180.00 |
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Children under 12 |
As part of a group |
$165.00 |
WHEN WE FLY
Ballooning is an enjoyable adventure 12 months a year.
However, our busy season runs from April through November.
During these months, we fly seven days a week, weather
permitting, either in the morning or early evening.
Ballooning is only possible during the first couple hours
after sunrise and the last couple hours before sunset.
During the middle of the day, the winds are generally far
too strong to safely fly balloons, and there are also
unpredictable thermal conditions caused by heating from the
sun.
WHERE WE MEET
We meet at Kalloway's restaurant in Oxford. Click
HERE for a map.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
The winds must be under 12 mph in order to fly safely.
Naturally, we cannot fly in thunderstorms or fog. If a
flight must be canceled because of uncooperative weather
conditions, the flight will be rescheduled for a mutually
agreeable date.
SCHEDULING PROCEDURE
In order to schedule a flight, a gift certificate or a
$50.00 per person non-refundable deposit is required.
Reservations can be made over the phone, generally, with
only a few days notice. However, weekend flights and
private flights are best reserved well in advance, as they
fill up quickly. If you have friends that would like to
join you on your flight, we can put you all together in
your own balloon. Since we fly eight balloons with varying
capacities, quite often we may have an opening for the very
same day that you call. You can also
schedule a flight online.
WHAT TO WEAR & BRING
Depending upon the time of year, you should dress
appropriately for each season. We feel that casual clothes
are most comfortable. Jeans are fine and tennis or
comfortable walking shoes will suit you best for evening
flights. For morning flights, you may wish to wear
water-proof footwear that can keep the dew off your feet.
Please no open toe or high heel shoes and no sandals should
be worn. Bringing a light weight jacket is a good idea,
because sometimes the temperature is cooler at higher
altitudes. A hat or cap is also advisable, to prevent your
head from the radiant heat of the burner. You are welcome
to bring still and video cameras along on your flight to
capture your wonderful ballooning adventure at your own
risk.
FOLLOWING THE BALLOONS
Upon arrival of all the passengers and guests, we will
choose a launch site, which is determined by which
direction the winds are blowing at that time. We will offer
transportation for all of our passengers, and encourage any
family and friends of those who are flying, to follow in
their own vehicles. After all of the balloons are launched,
each will be followed by its own chase vehicle and crew,
who will be in radio contact with their particular balloon.
Again, guests are welcome to follow each chase vehicle. Be
prepared to stop often and wait on the side of the road
while the balloon passes by. Guests are encouraged to bring
their cameras to snap shots of their friends waving as they
fly overhead.
FOR POTENTIAL CREW MEMBERS
Volunteering to chase balloons and becoming a part of the
Sky Adventures team is a great way to become involved with
hot air ballooning. We always welcome new crew people.
Anyone who is a good driver, personable, and enjoys the
outdoors, is a good candidate for chasing. (A strong back
helps, too!) We offer special deals on balloon flights for
our chase crews. Give us a call for details!
CHAMPAGNE & SOUVENIRS
Once we return after the flight, we commence with the
traditional champagne celebration for all our passengers
and their guests. (We naturally have sparking juice for our
young passengers and also for adults that prefer
non-alcoholic champagne.) All passengers drink their
champagne in Sky Adventures champagne flutes, which they
take with them as a keepsake. As well as the traditional
champagne celebration, all passengers receive a souvenir
balloon pin that is a replica of the balloon in which they
flew. We offer a wide selection of Sky Adventures goods for
sale including: golf and baseball caps, sweatshirts,
embroidered golf shirts, coffee mugs, as well as film for
your cameras. Once you arrive, come take a look!
GIFT CERTIFICATES
Sky Adventures gift certificates make unique, extra-special
gifts. We offer them for individuals, couples, and groups,
and they can generally be used with short notice. Please
call for more information. Gift certificates can be sent
out immediately through the mail.
PILOT TRAINING
Sky Adventures is a full service ballooning center.
Complete pilot training is offered during the spring and
summer months. Sky Adventures is a sales representative for
FireFly Sport balloons and can assist anyone interested in
purchasing a new or used balloon. We also operate a FAA
certified balloon repair station and we always keep all of
our equipment in perfect airworthy condition.
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