Hot Air Balloon Rides Over Miami

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of equipment is used?
The balloon was manufactured in Jan. 2007, by Cameron Balloons US in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The envelope is a Model # Z-105, which holds 105,000 cubic feet of air. The registration # is N4019A. The basket is constructed of traditional natural ratan, supported by strong stainless steel cables, complete with padded cushions and pockets for personal items. The basket model is called the Aristocrat and is 48"X62" in size. It is large enough to carry 4-5 passengers, plus pilot, depending on total weight and weather conditions. The burner system to heat the air inside the balloon is the top of the line: Double Sirocco Burner. These burners are considered the quietest and most reliable in the industry. The balloon is equipped with the latest instruments: including 2 GPS computers, 2 radios, altimeters, envelope temperature computer sensor, rate of climb indicator, as well as multiple fuel quantity and pressure gauges. No expense has been spared to incorporate the latest technology and overall safety in mind.

Where do you fly?
We fly hot air balloons south of Miami in the Homestead / Redlands area between the Tamiami airport and Florida city. You will experience excellent views of the Everglades, Biscayne Bay and the surrounding area. There are many fruit groves that include Mango's, Avocados and Lychee's which makes ballooning spectacular in our area.

Where do you launch?
Our flying area is between the South Kendall area down to Florida city for the North and South boundaries. Then from the Biscayne bay to the Florida everglades for the East and West Boundaries. We Launch a "Piball", which is nothing but a balloonists term for a small helium balloon, to determine the wind direction more precisely. We then proceed "upwind" to one of our launch sites that will give us the longest possible flight.

How long is the flight?
We make every effort to make the flight last as long as possible. The flights duration vary with the ever changing winds. If the winds are light and the direction is favorable we can expect to get a flight that lasts between 45 min and an hour. We usually cover about six to fifteen miles.

How do we get back?
At our meeting place (Miami Everglades Campground, 20675 SW 162 Ave., Miami, FL 33187) you will leave your car in the grass parking area and get in the chase vehicle to ride to a launch site. From there we will make our flight while the chase vehicle follows us. After landing and our Champaign ceremony, we will return you to your car.

What should I wear?
During summer months dress for the warm weather to include a hat and sun screen. Shorts are OK, but please do not wear sandals or high heels as we occasionally land in fields with high grass where they would not be suitable. During the cooler part of our season a light fleece jacket or sweater is about all you will need.

Do I need to sign a waiver?
Yes, a waiver is required by our insurance company and will be provided usually during the ride to our launch site. If the passenger in a minor, he will need to have a parent or guardian sign for him/her.

Should I bring a camera?
YES!!! Please feel free to bring your camera along for the flight. We exchange email addresses after the flight to trade pictures. If there is more than one balloon flying on that particular day, we can trade pictures with the passengers from the other balloon(s) to get a different perspective. If you would like them posted to our site , please email them to us and we will do so.

Where do we meet and at what time?
Meeting time is 5:00 am. Please visit our directions page for information on how to find out meeting place. Please try to be on time as the earlier we launch means the longer the flight.

Should we call before the flight to check the status for possible weather concerns?
Absolutely, we encourage all of our passengers to call within two to three days before the flight to get a general sense of what the weather is going to be like on the day of their flight. On The night before the flight, we will make contact once again to confirm that weather is acceptable and the flight is going to operate. The morning of the flight we want to hear from you to know that you are on your way and to tell you if there are any weather issues. Please call Capt. Aaron at 305-987-7788 anytime for questions and concerns. Please provide us with your weight in lbs which we use for flight planning purpose. If you have a cell phone, please make sure that we have that number. It makes it much easier for us to communicate on the day of the flight especially if there are problems finding the meeting spot. (Please make sure to check the directions page)

Why do we have to fly so early in the morning?
Balloonists from all of the world like to fly early when the winds are calm and the temperatures are cool. Weather plays a crucial role in the conduct of ballooning. We only can do morning flights here in South Florida due to the afternoon temperatures and winds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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