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| It is imperative that you phone our flight line prior to your balloon flight. Flight locations may vary depending on wind and weather conditions. The Winnipeg Flight Line is (204)943-6393. |
| SUNRISE CONTACT TIMES | |
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The Flight Line will be updated between 10:45pm - 11:00pm the night prior to your
scheduled flight to confirm flight status, meeting time and meeting location.
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| SUNSET CONTACT TIMES | |
| The Flight Line will be updated between 2:15pm - 2:30pm the day of your scheduled flight to confirm flight status, meeting time and meeting location. Please note that if you are flying in October, our flight line is updated at 1:15pm, due to shorter days. |
| Please remember to dress according to the temperature. Wear clothes and shoes suitable for an outdoor adventure. |
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Flight Cancellations
Please be advised that hot air ballooning is VERY weather dependant. There are a number of factors that are taken into consideration
before the flight is called on. Just because it is a sunny day, doesn't necessarily mean that the flight will go ahead. It is not uncommon to have to
re-schedule a number of times before the flight is successful. We will strive to complete the flight on the day that you have scheduled but if the
flight is cancelled due to the weather conditions, we ask for your understanding and co-operation. |
Flight Length Although we attempt for 1 hour of flight time, this is an approximate length of time. Actual flight time varies depending on weather conditions, flight direction and landing field availability. Your pilot will determine the safest time to land. |
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What times are the flights?
Balloon flights launch at two different times - morning and evening. Sunrise meeting times generally range from sunrise - 45 min. after sunrise. Sunset meeting times generally range from 1 1/2 hr. - 2 hr. before sunset. These flight times are when the winds are the calmest. Who shouldn't fly? People who have recently undergone surgery, those with severe hip or back problems, pregnant women, frail elderly people and small children should not fly in a balloon. If you are unsure, check with your doctor. Is it cold up there? Surprisingly, no. Balloons fly with the wind, so there is no wind chill factor, even on a cold day. For this reason you may actually feel warmer in the basket than you do on the ground. What should I wear? You should wear whatever you feel comfortable in outside (NO FLIPFLOPS). Hiking shoes, running shoes or footwear with good ankle support is a must during the summer months and during the winter time a snowsuit, hat, mitts and warm boots would be suitable. Layers are always a good idea, especially for the morning flights when the sun tends to warm things up. We also recommend that you bring a hat in the summer, should you like to shield your head from the heat of the burners. How high do balloons fly? Normally between 500 and 1500 feet. Occasionally, when conditions permit, we may dip down low to brush treetops, or climb as high as 5000 feet to enjoy a panoramic view of the Region. What if I'm afraid of heights? Suspended beneath a balloon in a wicker basket is not the same as standing at the top of a cliff, or on the roof of a tall building. There is no wind and very little sound or sense of movement. From our experience even the most nervous passengers soon relax after take-off and throughout their journey. Why is champagne served after the flight? It is a very special feeling to have had your first balloon flight, and we celebrate this with a champagne toast - a tradition that goes back to the very first flight in the 1700's. |
What if the weather is bad and the flight is cancelled?
The pilot is the only one who can make the decision to fly or not. If the weather is not suitable for ballooning on the day that you are booked, we will let you know at the Flight Contact Times and ask you to reschedule your balloon ride to a later date. Can I bring a camera? A balloon basket is a very stable platform for photography and videos. Many passengers obtain spectacular results, using no more than the family instamatic. Be prepared to pack up your equipment before landing. How safe is it? Ballooning statistically is the safest form of flying. Balloon pilots have been trained to the highest professional standards under procedures laid down by Transport Canada for all aircraft operators, so you can be assured of the highest standards and the most up-to-date equipment available. How do we get back to our vehicle? A ground crew will follow the balloon throughout the flight, and will often be right there when it lands. You will enjoy a champagne toast before departure. How many people can go in a balloon? The size of hot air balloons vary. The larger the balloon the more people it will be able to carry. Maximum capacity is 10 passengers. How far do we fly? The distance we fly depends upon the speed of the wind. The upper level winds tend to be faster than that on the ground. Usually you can expect to cover a range between 5 and 25 kilometers. Gratuities At your discretion. |