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Ballooning is extremely wind and weather sensitive, so at A&A Balloon Ride, LLC, we launch our balloon in the early morning at sunrise. This is when the winds are calmest. We don’t fly when the conditions are not favorable for a safe flight or when there is a chance of fog, rain, snow, or excessive wind.
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Anyone who is looking for an experience that will last a lifetime! We suggest that passengers be in good health and be capable of standing for the entire length of the flight. We suggest that you speak to your doctor before scheduling your flight if you have a serious medical condition or are pregnant. Ballooning is the safest form of aviation in the world, but there is always a risk of a hard landing. Please review a copy of our “Assumption of Risk Waiver.” Every passenger is required to sign a release form before flight, and we suggest that you read over it very carefully, and if you have any questions pertaining to the “Assumption of Risk Waiver,” please do not hesitate to call our pilot Andre Boucher at 603-432-6911.
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Flight times can vary based on weather conditions and landing sites, but it usually lasts about an hour. Due to the nature of ballooning, the time can vary a little. From the time you arrive until the time you are returned to your vehicle, you should allow yourself about three hours.
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The direction of the wind on the day of your flight will determine which site is most appropriate. We will launch our balloon from either the Salem or the Derry area, depending on the wind speed and direction.
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Tickets, coupons, or gift certificates if the flight was a gift or purchased in advance. We do recommend that you bring a camera to capture your experience. No carry-on bags are allowed in the basket. Our experienced crew will be in our chase van throughout your flight, so if you do bring a bag to the field, it may be left with them.
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Our passengers are welcome to help with both the set up and take down of the balloon. You are not required to help, but we find that it will only add to the entire ballooning experience if you do. Or you may choose to sit back and watch our experienced crew as they set up and take down the hot air balloon.
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We fly year-round, so we ask that you dress for whatever weather is forecasted for the day of your flight. The temperature in the air is the same as the temperature on the ground! Dress casual and comfortable. Shorts and dresses are not recommended. Morning launch sites are usually damp due to dew or snow, so sneakers or waterproof footwear are recommended, and high heels and flip flops are prohibited.
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Our chase van, trailer, and crew will follow us throughout the flight. They will meet us when we land and help with the deflation of the balloon and packing it up for the next flight. Then, you will be transported back to your vehicles, where you will join us for a champagne celebration.
