As of January 2024 we have decided to discontinue accepting new reservations. We will fly those passengers currently holding bookings and unexpired certificates. Box 837, Bel Air, MD 21014
410-836-1116
www.Fun-Flying.com
Maryland’s Most Experienced Ride Operator! Join us in the celebration of man’s earliest and surely most romantic form of flight – the hot air balloon. Free of the earth and all yo
ur cares, you will float as if by magic to places where only your imagination has soared. Let us take you back to a time when you dreamt of floating among the clouds and longed to fly on the wings of a bird. The adventure of a lifetime awaits you as you drift silently over the countryside, laughing at the folly of an unknown destination. The world seems an almost perfect place when viewed from the basket of a balloon. Your flight descends to land after approximately an hour and you share in the two hundred year old tradition of a champagne toast. A celebration of both new found friends and the heavens above. If the romance and adventure of balloon flight appeals to you, permit us to share with you the magic and excitement of a balloon flight. We are Light Flight Hot Air Balloons, a full time, full service balloon company offering charter flights, tethered promotions, and flight instruction. With over thirty years of incident free flying, we are the regions safest and most experienced ride operator. Your enjoyment and the safety of the flight are our first priorities. Accordingly, our aircraft are certified, licensed, and inspected as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Your flight will piloted by an experienced and professional FAA licensed Commercial Balloon Pilot. We operate ten aircraft with capacities ranging from two to ten passengers. General Flight Information and Frequently Asked Questions
When and where do you fly and for how long? We fly the first hour after sunrise and the last hour or so before sunset; meeting times for flights vary with sunrise and sunset time based on the time of year that you fly. Balloons only fly these times of day due to the lack of thermal activity and to take advantage of calm winds. Flights may be scheduled on a mutually agreeable date at any time of the year. We fly in the northern portions of Maryland’s Harford and Baltimore counties as well as southern Pennsylvania. The scenery is both rural and picturesque. While we meet passengers in Pylesville, Maryland, we have nearly three-dozen launch sites located throughout the flying area. Which launch site we select is based upon wind speed and direction at the time of your flight. The entire adventure lasts 2.5 to 3.5 hours from start to finish. It entails picking you up at the meeting location and transporting you in our vehicle to a launch site. Once on the launch site it takes twenty to thirty minutes to inflate the balloon, we fly for an hour, land, pack everything up, have a champagne or sparkling cider toast, and return you to your vehicle. How high, how fast, and how far will we fly? We usually fly at tree top heights to enjoy an “aerial nature walk.” Our altitude is dependent upon the wind and what is below us, but generally up to 1,000 feet and sometimes higher. We fly in gentle breezes of ten miles per hour or less and our speed is always that of the wind. The distance you travel will vary with the wind speed; generally from four to eight miles on a flight. Where we fly to and from will be based solely on the wind. What about motion, airsickness, and fear of heights? There is no sensation of motion in a balloon. It is inexplicable that there is also no sensation of height in a balloon. Even the faintest of heart and those fearful of heights find the basket very secure and relaxing moments after takeoff. In over thirty years we have flown hundreds of passengers who, before the flight, were absolutely certain that a balloon was the device specifically designed to torture them! They have been dragged, cajoled, brow beaten, and shamed into flying by moms, dads, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, and friends. To date, we have never had anyone, after spending five minutes in the balloon, take us up on the offer to land and return them to Mother Earth. This includes a person who crosses the Bay Bridge while lying on the floor of the back seat of the car! We have never had anyone say they wouldn’t do it again! How do I dress and what should I bring? Dress as you would for any outdoor activity. If you are comfortable on the ground you will be comfortable in the air. In fact you may actually be warmer due to the radiant heat produced by the burners making it quite comfortable to fly even in cold weather. Bring a camera to record your adventure and to take advantage of the unobstructed view. Decide how much film, or memory, you might use and then bring at least twice as much. What about the weather? As with all aviation, weather is the most critical aspect affecting balloon flight. If your pilot feels that flying conditions may be unsafe, we will reschedule your flight to the next mutually agreeable date; there is no cost to do so. We hold days open each week to accommodate rescheduled passengers. Our rides are both transferable and refundable. When is the best time to fly? We are often asked which is better, the morning or evening. Frankly we enjoy both; our morning flights capture the awakening of Mother Earth and the warmth of the early morning sun while our evening flights enjoy the splendor of spectacular sunsets. Every flight is unique. Morning flights are recommended over evening flights during the hot months; the cooler it is, the more enjoyable it is. As for the time of year, spring bloom and fall foliage are two of our busiest times of the year. All flights are by reservation and with more notice there is a greater likelihood of getting the date that you wish. Generally, weekdays book one week in advance and weekends book two weeks in advance. All flights are first come, first served and based on unpredictable demand; do not hesitate to call on short notice as we are often able to accommodate passengers. What is the cost, who can fly, and are there a minimum number of passengers? The one hour champagne charter flight is our standard ride and the fare is $235.00 per passenger plus tax. We also offer ½ hour flights for $175 per passenger and private charters where you are the only passengers aboard. Gift certificates are available and are ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, wedding gifts, and any other special occasion. A deposit of $100 per passenger is all that is required to book a flight or to obtain a gift certificate. The balance of the payment is due at the time of flight or rides may be paid for in full if you wish. We accept cash, personal checks and all major credit cards. You must be a minimum of 8 years old, no maximum age, and no minimum number is required. Having an event or party? We can bring a balloon to your location and provide tethered rides by anchoring the balloon and going up and down allowing all your guests to fly, including those younger than 8. We are happy to answer your questions, provide further information, or assist you in booking a flight. You may visit our website for videos and more detailed information at www.fun-flying.com. Let your imagination soar – call to book your adventure today - 410-836-1116
© 1990 – 2015 Information subject to change without notice.
