A hot air balloon ride isn't something
you'll do every weekend.
Do it right.
Do it with the right people!
Safety
Safety has always been our #1 priority, and that's not just talk!
Ballooning is limited to times of good weather and light winds. If the
weather doesn't cooperate with us on the day of your flight, we'll reschedule
with you for another time.
Our decision to fly is always
made with our passengers' safety in mind.
Each pilot is certified by the FAA with a commercial license and attends an
annual safety seminar. In addition, all pilots receive a bi-annual safety
flight review to ensure proficiency.
Insurance
Our entire operation is covered by the
proper insurance.
Our flight operations are covered by an A+ Best rated company.
Our chase vehicles are insured for commercial passenger carrying operations,
unlike many who use their personal vehicles for their company. Our
employees are covered by Worker's Comp and Disability insurance. It's the
law in New York State and we make sure all taxes are paid (as they should be!).
We don't cut corners, we do
it right!
Equipment
A new balloon is great to look at! The fabric is clean and the colors are
vibrant!
What
you don't see is that new fabric is also very durable and trouble free. That's
why we replace our equipment much sooner than most ride operators.
We have our balloons custom
made and purchase them brand new.
It costs
more, but we feel the added margin of safety is well worth it.
This year, we've added a new van to our fleet of
chase vehicles. Our vans are
four wheel drive
which makes getting out of landing fields a
breeze. Clean, comfortable vans with air conditioning is all you'll find
at Above the Clouds! All of our chase trucks have discreet frequency
two way radio communications
with the balloons to make sure the crew is waiting for us at the landing site ~
wherever that may be!
Comfort
Our larger basket will carry up to eight passengers at a time. That's
twice the number most balloons will carry, but the real story is in the basket
design. Our
partitioned basket gives you a feeling of security
(with its extra high sides and padded wicker), while creating compartments
giving you your own space. Our smaller basket will accommodate four
passengers in a traditional basket design.
Randall Airport has been home to hot air ballooning
for over 20 years. This quaint
airport is in the midst of a major remodeling project, but the comfort
facilities are always available! Might sound funny even mentioning it, but most
balloonists launch from an open field in the middle of nowhere. So if you have
to, you know, go ~ where do you go? Nice to have modern conveniences at our
launch site!
The Lower Hudson Valley
Our flying area is one of the most beautiful in the country. We have
rolling green hills, small towns, lakes and streams. On most morning flights
we'll spot deer and Red Tailed hawks! On a calm and clear day, we can easily
pick out the New York City Skyline. Only an hour from the City, we are one of
the closest balloon ride operators to the metro area.
The Goodies
Each flight ends with a
traditional champagne toast.
On our morning flights, we offer a nice
continental breakfast
after the flight. New this year, all of our guests will receive a
photo keepsake
suitable for home or office. Also, we will make available any pictures we
have from that days flight. How nice to see your experience from someone
else's point of view!
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