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 3 passengers (4 on occasion), 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 5-6  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 shoot for a minimum of 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 6 mph to launch and land. 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.