Frequently Asked Questions
Listed below are the answers to some of the most common questions our passengers ask us. If you can’t find the answer you are looking for then please don’t hesitate to email or call us and we would be happy to help.
How safe is it?
Why can’t I choose the launch site?
As balloons are classed as ‘lighter than air, un-powered aircraft’, we are guided only by the prevailing winds. The launch site will therefore be chosen by your Pilot after he has considered the forecast winds for your flight period, ensuring that we do not infringe on any airspace or end up in the sea!
For a morning flight this will be at 22:00 the night before. For an evening flight it will be at 14:00 on the day of your flight. The reason we make this decision so close to the flight time is that the accuracy of the short term forecasts is much greater. Whichever launch site you fly from you won’t be disappointed as each have their own unique features.
When do we fly?
How high do we fly and for how long?
How far do we fly and where do we land?
What type of clothing should I wear and is it cold up there?
We suggest that you wear layers of clothes made from natural fibres (e.g. cotton or wool) and dress as if you were going for a country walk, so no flip flops, high heels or ‘Sunday best’! The temperature aloft will be similar to that on the ground, but without the wind-chill. We would advise that you bring a hat as it can get a little warm with the heat from the burners. As balloons fly with the wind there is no wind chill factor, but at 6,500ft it will be a few degrees cooler.
Can I bring my camera?
Can I bring family and friends to watch?
How do we get back to our cars?
Our ground crew are in constant radio contact with the Pilot during the flight and will follow the balloon, aiming to be there when it lands. After the flight, we return passengers back to the launch site in our fully PSV licensed minibus.
What if the weather is bad and the flight is postponed?
We believe it is better to be on the ground wishing that we were flying, than flying and wishing we had stayed on the ground! The Pilot is the only one who can make the decision to fly or not. If the weather is not suitable for ballooning on the day you are booked, you will be advised when you call our confirmation line. Just contact us with an alternative date so we can re-schedule your flight to a later date.
Am I fit to fly?
Is there an age limit?
What if I’m afraid of heights?
Suspended beneath a balloon in a wicker basket is a very different sensation from standing at the top of a cliff, up a ladder or on the roof of a tall building. There is no wind and very little sound or sense of movement. In our experience even the most nervous of passengers relax soon after take off, feeling secure and safe in the basket throughout the flight.
Am I covered by insurance?
Yes. Kent Ballooning is fully insured with third party and passenger liability insurance. However, your personal possessions such as your camera, binoculars, clothing or mobile phones are carried at your own risk.