The Balloon Flight ...

"... The best way of travel, if you aren't in any hurry at all, if you don't care where you are going, if you don't like to use your legs, if you don't want to be annoyed at all by any choice of directions, is in a balloon. In a balloon, you can decide only when to start, and usually when to stop. The rest is left entirely to nature ..."
William Pene du Bois

The Flight Schedule ...

We fly in the Boston Metro-west area and launch from the Minuteman Airfield in Stowe, MA .... just 25 miles west of Boston. Flights are scheduled by reservation only, seven days a week, all year long. Due to New England's weather conditions, early mornings usually offer the best conditions for flight, and that's why the majority of our flights take place at sun-up.

An average flight covers 10 miles and flight time will be approximately 1 hour in duration. Weather conditions, as well as the direction and speed of the wind, will determine the flight path and destination. As a result, each balloon flight is guaranteed to be a unique experience.

Safety ...

In order for the Balloon flight to be conducted in a safe manner:
• Balloons usually fly in the early morning hours and launch at sun-rise
• There can be no forecast of Thundershowers within 100 miles
• Winds must be lighter than 5 knots on the ground
• Winds at 3000 feet must be less than 14 knots
• There can be no rain or fog in the area

All balloon flights are subject to the whims and fancy of mother nature. Rain, sleet, hail, fog, winds in excess of 5 knots and other nasty conditions prevent safe flight ... safety comes 1st. The Pilot has the ultimate decision as to whether the flight can be conducted safely. Should it become necessary to cancel the flight, it will be rescheduled or, at the passengers discretion, the money will be refunded.

What Should I Wear And Bring ...

The air temperature during the flight is about the same as it is on the ground, so don’t overdress. Wear casual outdoor attire ... jeans and sneakers are great. We suggest dressing appropriately for the time of year we are flying and remember that early mornings often bring cooler temperatures. Your balloon experience offers limitless panoramas and great scenery, and pictures are a great way to remember your adventure ... so don’t forget to bring your camera equipment.

Pre-Dawn Preparations ...

Sunrise? Yes, balloons usually fly within two hours of sunrise ... that's when the winds are calmest and conditions most stable. During the middle of the day, the development of thermals can be dangerous for ballooning. Balloonists try to be back on the ground no later than two hours after sunrise. We fly year round and winter flights often provide more latitude with flight times and duration.

Post Flight Ceremonies ...

Following the flight, we celebrate our return to earth with a champagne toast and a snack consisting of cheese, crackers, fruit, orange juice, etc.