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 The
beginning of your morning
Your morning will start with an early
wake up (what time is it??!!) call from your pilot to get you up and going.
We meet at the Sonoma County Airport just outside of Santa Rosa. We will
send you directions to get you there when you set up your flight. From there
we will travel to the best launch site available to ensure a scenic and safe
flight. The flight will last approximately one hour and can range from 3 to
10 miles depending on the wind currents.
What
should we wear?
The best way to go is with
layered, natural fiber clothing. Long pants and sturdy shoes are also the
fashion norm in ballooning; no sandals or shorts yet, save those for
later. Our mornings are cool but soon warm up as the day progresses.
Let's
get ready to Fly!!
When we get to the launch field,
we (the pilot and crew, but please help us, as that is part of the fun)
lay out the balloon and cold inflate it. This is done by blowing cold air
into the envelope (the big colorful bag). When it is time to go hot
(whoa!), hot air from the burners (heat maker) is put into the balloon and
it stands up ready for flight! Time to jump in, get a safety/orientation
briefing and lets go flying!
Where
are we going today?
This is a frequently asked
question, which is usually answered with, "Where Mother Nature sends
us". Actually, prior to meeting, the pilot will have kept a close
watch on the weather patterns and will have gotten a weather briefing from
the F.A.A. Flight Service Station. With that knowledge it is determined
where to set-up and in which general direction we will go. The winds at
altitude actually travel in "layers" and it is these
"layers" that are used to steer the balloon around the heavens.
Pretty cool!
What
will we see, hear and experience while flying?
Depending on the altitude, you
may see the Pacific Ocean, look into the Napa Valley or on a clear day,
the buildings in San Francisco 60 miles away! At lower altitudes we will
fly just above the grapevines and see rabbits, deer and other wildlife. We
may even dip into a lake or pond for a "Splash and Dash". When
the pilot is not adding heat to the balloon, you will hear peace and
quiet. You will also feel the unique experience of looking out all four
"windows". No other form of flight offers such oneness with
nature.
It's
not over . . . click on Champagne Brunch to continue the Romance!
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Well, it's
been wonderful, but it's not over yet!
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After we land and pack up, you'll
be taken to quiet and beautiful setting for a very romantic and
personalized champagne brunch. You'll be served on hand painted
plates with pictures of the balloon you flew in! Drink champagne
from beautiful glasses. Eat chocolate dipped strawberries (when in
season) and other fresh fruit. The list goes on. We'll tell you the
story about the history of ballooning and wish a toast to your
special occasion and flight. A personalized flight certificate is
also yours to keep.
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What the
FAA said about Up & Away Balloons
"Mike,
thanks for the incredible flight. Your skill, knowledge, competence
and professionalism are all exemplary!! You're truly an asset to
the sport and ballooning community! Keep up the excellence!".
Jennifer Adair,
Safety Investigator, Oakland Flight Service District Office
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A
word on Safety
Your F.A.A. certified pilot has many hours of training and flight
experience. Safety seminars are attended every year to be
constantly vigil to any new safety concerns relating to
balloon operations. If the conditions at pre-flight launch
are not favorable, we will not fly. Your safety and comfort
are our main concern. All federal aviation rules and
regulations are observed during our flight operations. The
pilot goes through a pre-flight checklist before each flight
to ensure the balloon is ready for flight. Also, the balloon
itself goes through an annual inspection to ensure its
airworthiness. By the way, ballooning is the safest form of
aviation, but it is the pilot-in-command who's attitude
towards a safe and enjoyable flight that makes the
difference. We strive to be one of the best in the area.
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Prices are subject to change without
notice. Please contact the company at the numbers below to confirm
current prices.
Use the
valuable coupon for $10.00 off per person.
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Cost |
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Northern California
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$195.00 per person |
Help us help you! For
specific answers to questions about this adventure, please Email to the
company directly using the email address above.
CalAdventures.com seeks to offer you
the highest quality adventures throughout the state.
Comments about how you liked (or disliked) this company, we'd like to
know! Thank you!
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County specializing exclusively in romantic and intimate balloon rides for
couples. Now you can also enjoy a ride in our new balloon that
accommodates up to six passengers. No basket filled with up to 15 people, just the two of you and
your F.A.A. certified pilot enjoying the personalized service you deserve.
This is especially important if this is a special occasion such as a
marriage proposal, a wedding, an anniversary or a birthday celebration
complete with cake! Or just for the enjoyment of the oldest form of flight
known to man.
