1. We take-off at first light, which is generally half an hour before sunrise, as this is when the air is most stable. Times vary throughout the year with sunrise.
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| 2. You will be notified of our meeting point when you make your booking. |
| 3. Generally no more than 4 hours from start to finish. Flight time will be determined by weather conditions, flight path and safety factors. Flight time is between 40-60min. The Pilot in Command will have sole discretion on flight time. |
| 4. You should wear layered clothing suitable for the time of year, preferably made of natural fibres. A hat or cap will help to protect your head from the heat of the burners.Trousers, sensible walking shoes or boots are recommended, preferably ones that are waterproof. The grass is usually damp at the launch-field. Do not bring luggage or rucksacks on board as there are no compartments for storage. |
| 5. We can fly anywhere in Northland. Whangarei and Paihia are our regular flying areas. Where the balloon goes is entirely dependent on the wind, no two flights are the same. Launch-sites are chosen to give the safest flight path. |
| 6. We fly within a radius of 5 nautical miles of our take-off point(10 km) and between 500 and 4,000 feet altitude. Wind speed determines distance and altitude. |
| 7. Possibly. If you have booked a Private Charter with us we will consult you on launch-site and flight path possibilities. Safety factors are our highest priority and launch-sites and flight paths must fall within our Safety Parameters. Call us for further information. |
| 8. Friends are welcome to watch and participate in the balloon launch. They will have to follow you in their own vehicles and follow the instructions of the ground crew. |
| 9. The decision to fly can be made the evening before. If the weather looks unsuitable you will be notified. However unless the weather is severe the final decision to fly, or not, will be made at the launch-field. |
| 10. Yes, providing you give us 3 working days notice, you can change to another day. |
| 11. To be assured of a space you should book your flight three to four weeks in advance. It is generally easier to book one or two spaces without too much notice. However cancellations do occur so call us to check availability. |
| 12. Yes, but you are responsible for looking after your camera and personal possessions. In-flight photos will be available for purchase. |
13. Our balloon basket holds 4 passengers, or 5 passengers of 80kgs or less plus the pilot. The basket is divided in to 2 passenger compartments.
Exclusive, Private Charters for 2 or more passengers are available. Subject to the location, it may be possible for these flights to be made from passengers’ own launch site. |
| 14. Ballooning is classed as 'soft adventure' and involves the possibility of physical risks greater than those encountered in daily life, even though they are conducted under the supervision of commercial pilots who exercise all due precautions to ensure safety. By taking part in such ballooning activities passengers are understood to be fully aware of these risks. All Balloons are certified and regulated by the NZ Civil Aviation Authority and all our pilots hold full Commercial Pilot Licenses. |
| 15. There is no upper age limit, but you must be able climb in and out of the basket unassisted, which is about 1.1m high and stand for at least an hour. A child under the age of 12 years will only be flown if accompanied by a responsible adult appointed by the parent(s) or guardian. Balloons are loaded according to the aircraft flight manual. You will be asked your weight when you book and you may be weighed again prior to take-off. You may be refused to board the balloon if it is obvious your weight is not that stated at the time of booking. |
| 16. You must ensure that you are fit to fly. You must not fly if you are suffering from any significant medical condition, or have recently undergone surgery. It is necessary that you disclose any aspect of your medical or physical condition ('prior to boarding') that could be considered to affect your safety or the safety of others. You must not fly if you are pregnant or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. You may be refused boarding if the Pilot in Command suspects any of the above. |
| 17. We welcome the participation of disabled people in our experiences, though we recognize that to be able to participate safely in a Hot Air Balloon Flight certain disabilities may present greater difficulties than others. We are committed to ensuring that customers with disabilities are given every opportunity to participate, so we require that you tell us about any disability, even if you do not consider that it is a disability. Such information is needed to allow us to respond to our duty of care for our passenger's safety. This enables us to do our best to meet particular needs if possible. Call us for more information. |
| 18. Contact us by email, phone or Skype. Flights can be paid for prior to take-off, by Cash, Eftpos or Credit Card. Bring your Gift Voucher on the morning. |
