Balloons
MANITOWOC AIRSHOW BALLOON RIDE INFORMATION
Experience the magic in the air as you are gently carried away on a peaceful journey. Come fly with us for a unique and memorable experience that you'll carry with you forever. From inflation to landing, it's a soaring, two to three-hour hot air ballooning adventure!
Your ballooning adventure includes approximately one hour of flight time with you floating effortlessly above the treetops, providing you with a panoramic view of the scenery below. Depending on where we launch from, you may see parks, farms, fields, ponds and wildlife. You may see folks in their backyards enjoying an early morning cup of coffee or an evening barbecue. You may even see your own backyard. From the air, you'll gain a unique and amazing perspective of the ground below.
We'll meet at sunrise for our morning flights at the Manitowoc Airport. The crew will begin to spread out the balloon's fabric "envelope." Gas-powered fans will force air through the balloon's "mouth" and into the envelope. After it fills with air from the fan, the balloon and basket are stood upright by igniting the burners, thus forcing hot air into the envelope. You are invited in join in and help if you would like, or just stand back, take pictures and enjoy the excitement. When the envelope is fully inflated, you'll receive a pre-flight briefing, similar to a commercial airline flight.
We have no flight attendants; therefore your pilot gives the passengers the briefing. You will then be instructed to climb inside the basket. When everyone is aboard, the balloon will slowly ascend and you'll be off on a breathtaking adventure. A chase vehicle and the crew will follow the balloon's entire flight from the ground. The pilot is in constant communication with the ground crew via two-way radios.
After about an hour of flight, the pilot will select a good landing spot and will notify the crew of his intention to descend. The chase vehicle's crew that followed the balloon during the flight will meet you at the landing site, help you out of the basket, and begin deflating and packing up the balloon. You will then be driven back to your vehicle.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Its my first time in a balloon, what do I expect?
It is not uncommon for people to express a fear of heights or uneasiness with flying. That's quite natural, especially if you've never been around hot air balloons. There is no sense of movement. You'll hardly even realize that you're up in the air or moving at all, unless of course, you look down. All in all, a balloon ride is very calm and gentle.
Is Ballooning safe?
Our balloons are certified aircrafts, inspected on a regular basis as per FAA regulations and are flown by experienced commercial pilots. Ballooning is the oldest form of flight and statistically the safest.
When will we fly?
Ballooning is a fair weather sport. Assuming the visibility is good, the key consideration is the wind speed. Generally a launch is not feasible when the winds exceed 8 miles per hour. The preferred flying time is at sunrise, when the winds are lighter and more stable than at any other time throughout the day. The pilot will make a determination concerning the weather, prior to the flight, in part by calling National Flight Services for the current forecast and wind speed in the launch area, and to receive clearance to enter the airspace. Pilots reserve final judgment based upon actual weather conditions observed at the launch site.
Who Can Fly?
Anyone in good physical condition, able to stand for about one hour, agile, at least 4 1/2 feet tall and not pregnant may ride. An adult must accompany children between 12 and 16 years of age. Sorry, no children under 12 years of age.
What should I wear?
You should dress for the season. It is essentially the same temperature in-flight as on the ground at takeoff. You should wear casual clothing and comfortable shoes with ankle support, suitable for a walk through country fields. Sorry, no shorts or sandals.
What should I bring?
Cameras, video cameras and binoculars are all permitted during the flight. We suggest that you have straps on all your equipment to prevent you from loosing your expensive cameras overboard. It is also suggested that you bring a small equipment bag to safely secure all equipment prior to landing.
If we have to cancel - Flights may be cancelled due to unfavorable weather conditions, you will receive your payment back in the event that the weather does not cooperate during the Airshow Weekend.
The cost of the balloon rides during the airshow is $225.00 per person, CASH ONLY!
Our balloons can accommodate up to four passengers each. You may ascend the earth as strangers, but you will return as friends.
All balloon events are wind and weather permitting.
For More Information about Hot Air Ballooning and Balloon Rides during the Airshow Weekend, contact WindDancer Balloon Promotions at wiwinddancer@cs.com or 262-522-6675
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