Ballooning is an exhilarating, fun experience. "A magic carpet ride" and "riding on a cloud" are two phrases that have been used to describe the beauty, exhilaration and stability of ballooning. Even though you travel at speeds of approximately five to six miles per hour, there is virtually no sensation of motion because you are flying with the wind. You experience no breeze as you match the wind’s speed exactly.

Ballooning is a “hands-on” activity. Passengers are invited to assist as crew members, and can help with both inflation and pack-up. Please allow approximately 3 hours for the entire experience, and enjoy the memories for a lifetime!

Your adventure begins upon arrival at one of our area launch sites or airports. You will receive a "pre-flight briefing" from your pilot and meet your professional and courteous flight crew. You’ll also learn more about the hot-air balloon, plus other facts you should know to make your flight as enjoyable as possible.

All flights begin with the inflation of the balloon by motorized fans. Once the envelope is filled with air, the propane burners are ignited to heat the air inside. In about thirty minutes we are ready for flight. Once your balloon is inflated, you will join your pilot in the beautiful hand-crafted wicker basket.

As you gently leave the Earth, you'll be amazed at how light the balloon feels. During the flight, you’ll have an unobstructed 360-degree view to take photographs.

We generally fly close to the ground, usually under 1,000 feet, always adhering to FAA Regulations. At these altitudes, you’ll see the sights and sounds of life in scenic Southwest Ohio. We commonly see deer, hawks, and other animals. Your pilot will point out various sights below and descend to within inches of trees and fields, much to everyone's delight.

The pilot may decide to rise higher than 1,000 feet in order to give you an overview of the area, or to change travel direction by finding a shift in wind currents at another altitude.

You will be amazed at the excitement and curiosity generated by the passage of our balloon. Cars often follow us to rendezvous after landing. Also, prepare your “parade wave” as people come out of their homes to yell “hi” and wait for your response!

Throughout your flight, our ground crew follows to greet you upon your landing, always a gala occasion. Once we drive back to the launch site, first-time riders will be treated to the legendary ceremony that balloonists all over the world have been sharing for more than a century.

Finally, to prove your difference from ordinary mortals, you will be inducted into the ballooning society and awarded the Certificate d'Ascension En Machine Aerostatique!!