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Routes & Experiences
Ballooning
Fly from a range of launch sites in and around
the Yorkshire Dales
the Yorkshire Dales
Flights take place from a range of launch sites in the Yorkshire Dales and surrounds. Most flights last up to one hour in the air but please allow three hours for the whole experience, from your initial arrival at the launch site to the time that you return.
How fast and far do you fly? The balloon travels at the same speed as the wind. As the hot air balloon can only safely be inflated and flown in winds below 10 mph, the average distance is usually 7-10 miles "as the crow flies". The maximum forecast wind speed that can be flown is 15 mph at 2000 ft. Flights are usually at an altitude of between 500 – 1000 feet, but on occasions may climb to an altitude of 5000 feet - around a mile high!
Winds are generally lightest first thing in the morning and late afternoon.
In the calm conditions in which you will fly, the basket hangs motionless in the air current in which it is travelling. The feeling is one of remaining totally still as the countryside is wound by underneath you.
The balloon travels with the wind and it is not possible to steer it, so this makes it impossible to make a round trip. After an hour’s flight, the balloon will land in a suitable field and you will be collected and transported back to the launch site by road.
Family and friends can watch or join in the adventure. Non-flying participants are invited to follow the retrieve vehicle by road and assist with the take off and landing.
How?
Subject to weather flights take place twice a day during the ballooning season, which runs from April until October. Flying in the winter is sporadic and depends on the condition of the fields as much as the weather.
Every flight offers a unique experience and every month of the flying season can be recommended.
Reservations for your first flight attempt are made for the day you would like to fly on. It is always a good idea to book up to a couple of weeks in advance for a weekend flight and two or three days in advance for a weekday flight.
What should you wear? Sturdy flat shoes ideal for fields are essential, the ground is often quite damp first thing in the morning, so walking boots are recommended. It is not cold in the hot air balloon basket and if you are comfortably warm standing on the ground, you should only require a light additional layer of clothing. It is recommended that you wear casual clothing, i.e. long trousers and sleeves in natural fabrics and a hat to protect your head from the radiant heat of the burners.
Bring a camera and plenty of film to capture your experience but make sure that you can safely stow away your camera for landing.
Previous ballooning experience is not necessary, everyone is welcome.
Airborne Adventures
As long as you are tall enough to see out of the basket (roughly age ten and over) fit and healthy you will enjoy your balloon flight. Our oldest client was 94 when she took her flight.
Blue Sky Balloons
We have a lower age limit of eight years and passengers must be at least 4 feet 6 inches tall. Children under the age of sixteen will not be carried unless accompanied by an adult. We do not have an upper age limit, but passengers must be medically fit to fly.
Of all types of air transport, balloon travel is by far the safest. Balloons are inspected annually and issued with certificates of airworthiness.
Flights in the Yorkshire Dales, Three Peaks and tailor made, visit www.airborne.co.uk
Flights around Harrogate and York, visit www.blueskyballoons.co.uk
