Balloon Rides During Fiesta, What to Expect
Welcome to the wonderful world of ballooning!
It is a world filled with beauty, excitement, and adventure. Ballooning
is strictly a fair weather sport. Flights are conducted during the early
morning hours (sometimes late afternoon hours) when winds are light and
the air is stable. Generally a launch is not feasible in high winds, and
as balloons move at the speed of the wind, landings above that may become
a bit too exciting with an added risk of an injury. Weather determination
can usually be made early, but if not, your pilot will make a final judgment
as to conditions at the launch site.
Dress comfortably, we suggest layered clothing. Shorts and dresses
are not recommended and high heels are prohibited. When you check in for
the flight temperatures will be in the 30's and 40's, but temperatures
normally increase throughout the flight and may be in the 50s or 60s by
the end of your flight.
Your flight will last a minimum of 45 minutes airtime, but may last
up to an hour depending on weather, direction of flight, and available
landing sites. After landing, the balloon will be packed up and traditional,
complimentary champagne (or other beverages) will be offered. You will
be presented a flight certificate, flight pin, and other memorabilia. After
the flight, we return you to the original rendezvous. You should plan the
outing for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours for this experience. By the way, your friends
and relatives are welcome to follow along, but our transportation space
is limited and following along in their own vehicles may be necessary.
Don't forget to bring your camera and 4 times as much film as you expect
to use. Videos are welcome too, and our crew will be happy to take pictures
of you. However, we can't be responsible for your personal property.
Passenger exchanges
When accommodating large groups or during special events, (like the
Fiesta) it is sometimes necessary to do hops (passenger exchanges). Some
passengers will get to chase our balloon (in our vehicle) and when the
balloon lands, they exchange places with those who were flying. Then, the
balloon takes off again. The earlier passengers now get to chase. Chasing
balloons is fun, too, and the challenge is to be there when the balloon
lands. Sometimes exchanges are not possible because the winds may have
increased. Ballooning is sometimes fickle and we can't force balloons
to behave.
Safety
With any form of aviation, there are certain risks. It is important
that each passenger understand the critical aspects of a flight, and that
they assume the risks inherent including the chance of personal injury,
loss of life, or damage or loss of property.
During flight, passengers are encouraged to call to the pilot's attention
to other balloons underneath that may be rising, or obstructions in the
path of flight he may not be aware of, such as towers, powerlines, or fences.
Landings are the most critical. If higher wind exists, the balloon
will tip and drag or may even bounce and bump along. It is of paramount
importance that you stay in the basket. In order to prepare yourself for
the landing, face the direction of travel and hold very tightly to the
superstructure or hand-holds inside the basket, bend your knees slightly,
and don't let go until the balloon comes to a complete stop. Keep your
hands and arms inside the basket and try to keep your weight off other
passengers. Do not exit the basket until authorized by your pilot as he
may need your weight to keep the balloon on the ground.
During your flight, it is very important to follow the instructions
of your pilot. He is the captain of your craft. Ask questions if you don't
understand. It's for your safety and is your personal responsibility. You
are required to sign an acknowledgement of this personal responsibility
and a liability release as a condition of the flight. A parent or guardian
is required to sign this acknowledgement in case of minor-aged passengers.
Reservations
We can usually accommodate you on weekdays with 24 hours notice. Reservations
are confirmed upon receipt of 100% payment which can be made in person,
by mail, or by phone with Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. Cancellation of
confirmed reservations for flights during the Kodak Albuquerque International
Balloon Fiesta is 85% refundable if cancelled by September 25th. Full
payment is forfeited for later cancellation regardless of circumstances.
If the actual flight is cancelled by World Balloon for weather or equipment
problems, the customer may, at their option, reschedule or receive a 100%
refund. World Balloon reserves the right to delay, postpone or cancel a
scheduled flight at any time for reasons of flight safety.
Acknowledgement
Below is the acknowledgement and release phraseology that appears on
the "Boarding Pass" which you are required to sign and present to your
pilot to board the balloon:
I acknowledge that my participation in a hot air balloon
flight is a potentially hazardous activity. I understand that during my
participation in a hot air balloon flight conducted by World Balloon, hereafter
called "OPERATOR", I will be exposed to above normal risk and assume the
risks inherent including the chance of personal injury, loss of life, or
damage or loss of property. __(Please initial) I understand too, that although
"OPERATOR" has taken precautions to provide an airworthy balloon, equipment
and safety preparations for each flight, it is impossible for "OPERATOR"
to guarantee absolute safety. Also, I understand that I share the responsibility
for safety in flight and assume that responsibility. I agree to comply
with the instructions and directions of "OPERATOR's" personnel during the
flight and while participating as crew. I have accepted responsibility
to varify with my physician that I have no physical or psychological problems
that would prohibt me from participating in a hot air balloon flight. I
hereby release "OPERATOR", and their agents, representatives,successors,
and assigns, from all liability and responsibility for any injury, loss,
or damage suffered by me or my property before, during, or after the flight
for any reason whatsoever. We
would love to have you join us! If you have any questions,
or would like to make reservations for balloon rides during the Fiesta,
please contact us at (505) 293-6800, outside Albuquerque, 1-800-351-9588,
Fax (505) 294-5619 or info@worldballoon.com. |
