Frequently Asked Questions

YES!  A camera and video recorders are highly encouraged to capture your amazing flight.

We  recommend that you dress for the weather of the day and as if you were  going for a hike in the woods. Dress in layers that are easy to put on or remove as the temperature changes. During a flight, temperatures rarely change more then 10 degrees from what it was on the ground, but a  jacket may be needed once we land and the sun sets following an evening flight.

Please wear long pants, socks above the ankles, and low or no heel shoes, which cover your feet, no matter how hot the temperature. Please, NO OPEN-TOED SHOES. We highly recommend water resistant shoes for morning flights. A hat is also recommended,  especially if you are 6 feet tall or more. This clothing will greatly reduce injuries to your skin in case of a windy landing and provides protection from briars, poison ivy, other irritating vegetation and biting insects encountered at some landing sites. Shorts, skirts and sandals are not recommended for these reasons. Cameras are a must!

Ballooning is an activity that relies on good weather. We don't fly in rain, fog, snow, or wind consistently above 7 mph. Balloons don't fly when there is a threat of thunderstorms in the area.  Also, evening flights may be cancelled when the heat index reaches 85°F at any time  during the afternoon (hot air balloon rides can be very uncomfortable when the heat index is above this temperature). There are other conditions that can affect the decision to fly or not to fly. These factors are taken into consideration by the pilot to ensure a safe  flight. The pilot in command has the final decision if the flight will take place. If your scheduled flight is cancelled, the flight will be rescheduled at no additional cost.

Air Apparent usually flies with 2 passengers, but the largest ride balloons carry up to 20 passengers. Balloon volume, outside temperature, altitude above sea level, and other variables all factor in.

If you have a  larger group it is a possibility to arrange to have multiple balloons to  accommodate your party, or we will gladly refer you to another balloon ride provider that we know and trust.

For maximum safety and enjoyment, most pilots will only fly children who  are old enough to understand a preflight briefing and tall enough to see over the side of the basket unaided (typically at least 5 years old). These children often more fully appreciate flying.

Hot air balloon flights can occur twice a day, minutes after sunrise and about an hour prior to sunset. These are the times of the day when the air is most stable which will provide lighter winds for a safe and enjoyable flight. Stronger winds and turbulence make mid-day flying too risky.

Balloons can fly all year and every season has something different to offer. However, late spring through late fall are most popular.

Fuel consumption, weather conditions, and landing availability can cause the length of each flight to vary. We guarantee a 40 minute flight, but will fly as long as we can do so safely. An average flight is 45 minutes to 1 hour. The entire event from the time we meet at the launch  site, inflate the balloon, fly, have our champagne celebration, and  return to the launch site takes about 2.5 - 3 hours.

Flights usually cover 5-10 miles, but distance depends on fuel onboard, wind speeds, and available landing sites.

Balloons can climb over 12,000' above sea level before pilots and passengers require oxygen. Most flights occur within 2000' of the ground for more close-up views, skimming treetops, and conversations with those below.

Balloons travel as fast or as slow as the wind. Many pilots prefer winds less than 10mph. Stronger winds may compromise safety and comfort on launch and landing.

Officially, balloons are non-steerable aircraft. You climb or descend to find various wind speeds or directions, but you can only fly with the wind.

Yes. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) issues a pilot certificate after you've passed written, oral, and flight exams for both private flying (alone or with non-paying passengers) and commercial flying (flying for hire). Our pilot has a commercial pilot certificate.