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Frequently Asked Questions |
| • How High Do We Fly? • How Do We Get Back To Where We Started? • What Should I Wear? • How Cold Does It Get Way Up There In The Balloon? • How Long Is The Flight? • How Long Is The Whole Experience? • What Is For Brunch? • How Many People Can Go At A Time? • Can Children Go? • Do You Offer A Flight Certificate? • Can You Do Something Special For A Birthday or Anniversary? • How Far In Advance Do We Need To Make Reservations? • Where and When Do We Meet? • How Safe Is Ballooning? • Do You Have To Have A Pilot's License? • What Is Your Experience Flying Balloons? Most flights are between 500 ft. & 1200 ft. From your aerial vantage point you may be able to see the downtown Tampa skyline as you look toward Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. When we are in more undeveloped areas where there is wildlife we will go to tree top level and often see deer, wild hogs, foxes and nesting birds. There are times when we skim across a beautiful lake, flying only inches above the water. Flying in a balloon is a wonderful photo opportunity, be sure to bring your camera and extra film. Back to Top We can only go in the direction the wind is going. Our expert chase crew follows us in the chase vehicle. The crew is in constant communication with the pilot so that they are at the landing site when the balloon lands. From there the balloon is packed away and you will join your pilot and chase crew for the traditional champaigne (or sparkling cider) toast and brunch served picnic style. You will then be taken back to your vehicle. Back to Top Dress to be comfortable for whatever the weather is when you leave home. Wear casual clothing for an outdoor activity like a picnic in the park or a walk in the woods. Wear shoes that can get wet because we will be walking in fields and the ground is usually wet with dew. Close toe, low heel shoes like tennis shoes or hiking shoes. In cooler weather dress in layers. Back to Top We do not fly high enough to experience a big temperature change. There is only a 3 degree temperature change per thousand feet. Dress for whatever the temperature is on the ground. Back to Top The flight is about 1 hour sometimes more depending on wind direction and landing sites. Back to Top Your entire adventure is approximately 3 1/2 to 4 hours beginning from when we meet to the time we take you back to the meeting place. This includes transport to launch site and set up of the balloon. You will be able to participate in the inflation if you so desire. After the flight and the pack up of the balloon you will be transported to a local park for the traditional Champagne toast plus brunch. Then you are returned to your vehicle. Back to Top Your flight will be celebrated with the traditional Champagne Toast (or sparkling cider) served in silver flutes. Along with the popping of the cork, your pilot will tell a short story on the history of ballooning and recite the balloonists' prayer. As you converse with your crew you will finish off with a brunch of coffee, bagels, muffins, fresh fruit, soft drinks and bottled water. The camaraderie and new friends make for an experience you will remember and cherish for a lifetime. Back to Top We offer intimate flights of up to four people (plus the pilot) per balloon. We can accommodate from 1 to 100 people in your group or organization. If you have more than 4 people in your party we schedule more balloons and pilots who fly for Crystal Magic Balloon Company. It is very nice to be able to photograph your friends and they you in the balloons that you fly in. It is quite a site to watch from your perspective how a balloon maneuvers for steering and landing. The photo opportunity is incomparable. Back to Top Yes! They are to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. They must be at least 45 " tall to be able to see over the side of the basket. Back to Top Yes! You will receive a certificate of your flight in the mail in 7 to 10 Days. It is suitable for display along with your photos or framed for wall or desk. Back to Top Yes! We have Banners for both that can be put on the balloon basket for that special photo opportunity. If you want to add any other extras our coordinator will be glad to work with you to make it a very special occasion. Back to Top Crystal Magic Balloon Company flies seven days a week weather permitting. If you have a specific date in mind it is best to secure your place A.S.A.P. You can secure your date with a deposit on your Master Card or Visa. Keep in mind Ballooning is very weather dependent activity. If weather prohibits flying on the date you desire we will reschedule your flight for the next mutually convenient date. Back to Top We meet at the Northdale Court Shopping Center at 6:00 AM. It is located on the north west corner of Northdale Boulevard and North Dale Mabry. Back to Top Safety is the first and main concern of everyone with Crystal Magic Balloon Company. We have a 100 % Safety record. The Pilot's and crew attend safety seminars throughout the year and stay up to date with the latest in safety techniques and equipment. We belong to The Balloon Federation of America and several other balloon organizations across the country and in the United Kingdom. Our experienced chase crew follows with three forms of communication for complete safety. Back to Top Yes! Hot Air Balloons are registered aircraft and a specific rating is required to fly them. All of our pilots are Federal Aviation Authority Certified Commercial Pilots with a Lighter Than-Air/Airborne Heater rating. Even jet pilots and ultra light pilots need specific training and testing to be balloon pilots. Back to Top Our first flight was with Roger Bansemer in November 1979. We were married in his balloon 11/11/79 at Medard Park in Brandon, Florida. We started crewing regularly for local pilots in 1989. We got our first balloon in 1992 and have been flying and traveling with our balloons ever since. Our Corporate flights and passenger rides started in 1996. We have flown for Raymond James & Assoc. over the Southeast for 1997. Corporate flights include such notables as the Brandon Town Center, and the U.S. Marines (in Michigan) in 1998. Tethered rides for Church functions and family activities have always been a hit. Many successful engagements have been proposed in sweetheart flights for couples. Crystal Magic Balloon Company has also done static displays for corporate advertisers and at the Clearwater Coast Guard Air Station for the special re-enlistment of an Officer. We were also invited to fly in Anonay, France for the recreation of the first hot air balloon flight. Back to Top |
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Copyright ©1999-2011 HAB of Florida, Inc. d.b.a. Crystal Magic Balloon Company All Rights Reserved. |
Last updated: May 13, 2011 |