Flight Info
Essential information for booked passengers
Call in and Check in procedures
Our pilots make a go/no-go decision 2-3 hours prior to the meeting time once the latest aviation forecasts are available. Passengers are responsible for calling 585-243-3178 to confirm the flight status.
Check the flight status message (585-243-3178 select option 1) after the indicated time in order to avoid showing up at the meeting location and finding no pilot or crew there to meet you!
Call-in times for the date of your flight are listed on the following charts. Please note any time changes if you rebook!
Morning (Sunrise) Flights
| FLIGHT STATUS AVAILABLE | CHECK IN AT LAUNCH SITE |
|
| Oct – Dec | After 5:00am | 7:00am |
| May – Aug | After 4:30am | 6:00am |
| September | After 5:00am | 6:30am |
| Jan – Apr | After 5:00am | 7:00am |
Evening (Sunset) Flights
| FLIGHT STATUS AVAILABLE | CHECK IN AT LAUNCH SITE |
|
| January | 1:00pm | 2:30pm |
| February | 1:30pm | 3:30pm |
| March | 3:00pm | 5:00pm |
| April | 3:00pm | 5:30pm |
| May | 3:00pm | 6:00pm |
| June – July | 3:00pm | 6:30pm |
| August | 3:00pm | 6:00pm |
| Sept 1-15 | 3:00pm | 5:30pm |
| Sept 15-30 | 3:00pm | 5:00pm |
| Oct 1-20 | 2:30pm | 4:30pm |
| Oct 21-31 | 2:30pm | 4:00pm |
| Nov – Dec | 1:00pm | 2:30pm |
Sign your waiver online
All passengers must sign the waiver prior to taking their ride. We strongly suggest signing before arriving at the launch site to expedite the check-in process. If your flight is rebooked and you have already signed, there is no need to re-sign.
If you are unable to sign digitally, you can print out the waiver and turn in a signed physical copy.
What to wear, what to bring
Ballooning is an outdoor activity, so dress in clothes that are suitable for the temperature of the day. We do not fly high enough for the temperature to change significantly while we are in the air. Jeans are ideal, and footwear should be suitable for walking in fields or tall grass if necessary. Especially on morning flights, the ground may be covered with dew. A hat can also be helpful, as the heat from the burner may affect some, especially the taller folks.
You may carry a jacket, camera bag or purse, or other small personal items with you in the basket. You also will have the option to leave these items with the chase crew during the flight so that you have access to them upon landing without having to carry them in the basket.
Ballooning Courtesies
Gratuities
Gratuities for pilot and crew are not included in the price of the flight. They are not required or taken for granted as in a restaurant. But if your crew gives you excellent service and you wish to leave a tip it will be greatly appreciated.
Landowners
Since our flight path is dictated by the wind, our landing site is a surprise to the landowner as well as to us. Most landowners are thrilled to see us and are gracious and hospitable. We (pilot, crew, and passengers) should be respectful of his or her property, and gracious in return.
Surprises
If you are planning to surprise someone with a balloon ride please consider carefully how your intended recipient may react. Usually, surprises are a lot of fun and work out well.
However, some people simply do not want to go aloft in a wicker basket. If the person you are surprising opts not to take the ride, you are still responsible for payment for that space. You are welcome to bring someone else, but we recommend you find a way to assure yourself ahead of time that the surprise will be well received.