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photo A.Linarts

The Answers to most of Your Questions...

Where do you fly?

Most of our flights take place within Sigulda surroundings.

Launch sites are chosen first for the safety of the flight and available landing sites. The most scenic possibilities are then decided upon based on the available wind currents and weather conditions. We prefer light surface winds, good visibility and no inclement weather predictions. Special arrangements can be made to travel almost anywhere with the balloons to make a flight over your chosen area either in Latvia or another of the Baltic countries.





When do you fly?

Flights are available all year-round, weather permitting, at summertime weather conditions for ballooning are best just after sunrise and

2-3 hours before sunset. Winter flights in the balloon are warmer than being on the ground mostly due to the sun's radiation and radiational heating of the atmosphere overnight.

What time of day do we meet?

Times depend on sunrise and sunset, so vary throughout the season. Typically in May, we

meet you at 6am for morning flights, and 6pm for evening flights.


How will I know where to meet?

The selected meeting point come with a timely prior phone call on the day of the flight.


What if I'm staying in a hotel?

Local accommodations are available for those wishing to stay in the local area prior to the flight date. We will need the telephone number of where you are for the wake up call at the time of reservation or soon afterward.


How many people can go?

Balloon capacity is 2-8 adults besides the pilot. Two or three balloons are sometimes flown together to accommodate the total passenger reservations for that flight.


Is there an age limit?

We have no upper age limit but ballooning is an outdoor sport requiring a degree of agility. We recommend that people should be fit enough to climb in and out of the basket and to stand for about an hour. We use baskets specially designed to ensure safety, comfort

and a superb view. They are about one metre high, and have footholes to assist entry. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult on the flight and should be tall enough to see over the basket sides!


photo A.Linarts

How long will the flight be?

Time aloft averages about one hour in winds varying at different altitudes to carry us over a distance of 4-20 kilometres.


How fast do balloons go?

As fast as the wind blows. But if the wind is over 6 m/sec at ground level, balloons normally are not going to be inflated.


How high do balloons go?

Flights in hot air balloons have been recorded at over 15 000 meters. However, the sport of ballooning is most enjoyable when flying 100-500 meters. When balloons fly over populated areas, they maintain an altitude of at least 300 meters.


How do pilots steer them?

Generally speaking, they don't. A balloon drifts in the same direction and at the same speed as the wind. The skill is for the pilot to pick the altitude that has the most desired wind direction. Surface winds sometimes blow in a very different direction from the winds aloft. Altitude control is achieved with the on-board burner. Longer burns will achieve lift. Shorter burns, or none at all will allow the air to cool, and the balloon to descend.


photo A.Linarts

How do you get home again?

After helping with the inflation, our crew will follow in a chase vehicle. Using maps of the area and two-way radio communication as well as visual contact, they try to be close by when the balloon lands. The crew helps the pilot deflate and disassemble the balloon and return passengers and equipment back to our meet point.


What should I wear?

Casual outdoors clothes as if you are going for a walk in the country. Flat shoes, or even better wellingtons or walking boots, especially in spring and autumn, when fields may be damp. No sandals or high heels please. Temperatures in the air are similar to those on the ground.






photo: A.Linarts

What can I bring?

Cameras are welcome and as with all belongings, their care is your responsibility. We encourage keeping it simple, lightweight, and bring extra film!


What is good ballooning weather?

For a successful flight we require light winds, no rain and good visibility. Call us at the time specified in your map pack to confirm if the weather permits us to fly, and if so the meeting time and place. Should we have to cancel your flight at short notice for reasons such as bad weather, we reschedule your flight as soon as possible to suit your timetable.


What if weather doesn't allow us to go?

If the weather is adverse to flying that day, then we will reschedule another mutually agreeable date for up to one year with no additional charge, just pay the balance when we fly. The decision to fly is made by the sole and absolute discretion of the pilot in command.

Can I give it as a gift?

Yes! A balloon flight makes a wonderful gift for a relative or friend for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, etc. Our specially designed gift card is ideal to give them on the day and is valid for 12 months. The recipient then makes the flight at any time during our season. Or you may wish to arrange a complete surprise flight for a special date.


How far ahead should we book?

We usually recommend about two weeks notice if you wish to book a specific date. It can be less if you are not restricted to weekends. Please telephone us to check availability. Gift cards can be booked at any time.


How do I make reservations?

Reservations are taken 2-3 weeks in advance for weekends and 1-2 weeks for weekdays. If you are in a rush, call anyway. We need to know how many people are going and their approximate weights.


How do I give a ballooning gift?

Many of our flights are presented as gifts for loved ones, friends, associates or company promotions. In this world of material possessions, our balloon flights are welcomed as a treasured experience. These experiences will be remembered long after the material goods are worn out or forgotten. The gift can be purchased outright for full cost up front or by paying the reservation fee followed by the balance at the time of the flight. In either case, a reservation slip is made out when you notify us and is activated when the person receiving

the flight calls to make a date to fly. Of course, you can surprise the person by making the date and bringing them to the launch. Once a reservation slip is made you may add additional people later when your final plans are set and a flight date is known. We are very flexible and can accommodate complicated arrangements.


Do you do special occasions?

A formal Certificate of Ascension on parchment is available for special presentations. In addition, we also do:

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Wedding flights

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Private parties

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Promotions (local and regional)


Are you CAA certified?

All balloons are CAA certified aircraft. Your guide is a very experienced CAA certified balloon pilot.


Is flight training available?

We provide flight training leading to a CAA certified private, lighter-than-air, free balloon, limited to hot air rating.