Hot air ballooning???

Question

I want to take my fiance on a hot air balloon trip for his birthday/christmas, but i'm not sure if you can do it during the winter. anyone have any ideas????

Answer 1

You can get a balloon flight during winter, although our weather conditions in the UK mean that flights are less common than in the summer. However there is a balloon event near Swindon every January (the "Icicle Meet" http://www.icicle.org.uk/ ).

Because our weather is not predictable, you will not be guaranteed a flight on the date you request - if the wind is too strong, or rain (or snow) is forecast it will not be safe to fly.

Answer 2

Here in the US its pretty easy to get a flight.  Spend some time and search for a local ballooning club, and find out when their next event is. If you can, try to talk to a few club members that have balloons.  

Unlike other forms of flying, balloons need a fairly large ground crew, volunteering to "crew" a balloon will almost guarantee you a free flight, maybe not that day, but help out enough and you'll get a free flight.

Crewing involves helping unpack everything, unfold the balloon, fill it up with a big fan. It takes a lot of work... Then someone will need to follow the balloon on the ground with a truck, people are needed to help keep an eye on the balloon, and read maps. Once the balloon lands, the whole process is reversed and there is usually a traditional ceremony for  those who made their first flights. I can't tell you what it is, but it is fun.

As far as flying in the winter, it can be done. With colder air there is a greater temperature differential between the air in the balloon and the outside air, giving greater lift. So in a lot of ways, its better in the winter.

Or if you don't want the experience of crewing (its really a lot of fun) you could always pay for a flight.

Answer 3

It can be done ....  I assume you mean Dec Jan ?

we dont get winters till march now

Nice trip...  expensive though   £200 quid each ?

worth it  

especially when you crash land in a field full off bulls !!

all depends on wind and air pressure

we had a few cancells before we went up

Shame the last pilot didnt pack the baloon correct and we had a stuck / twisted flap and we where spiining out of control and had to crash land

due to we needed to set off twice...  we used more gas and the  flight was cut short

never forget it though