NARRATIVE

Hot Air Ballooning is a sport with a heritage. From mans first flight in 1783 until the present day, the fascination of drifting with the breeze has captured the hearts and minds of people around the world.

Now you to can enjoy the unique and unforgettable experience of a hot air balloon flight, with Airtopia.

Although most of our flights are made during the summer, crisp winter days can also offer some of the best flying, making ballooning a year round activity. Balloons require stable weather conditions to fly and in particular calm light winds and good visibility. Therefore, balloon flights are generally made in the early mornings and evenings when the winds tend to be lighter and during the summer months we fly daily at dawn and dusk.

No specialised clothing is required and casual outdoor wear made from natural fibres with flat shoes is ideal. Temperatures in the air are similar to those on the ground, but those who are tall or thin on top may appreciate a hat to avoid the heat from the burner.

There is no upper age limit on flying but passengers need to be agile enough to climb in and out of the basket and tall enough to look over its rim.

YOUR FLIGHT

On the day of your flight you will be greeted at the prearranged meeting place by your pilot and crew and introduced to your fellow passengers. You will then be transported to the launch site, which will have been chosen to give you the best possible view of the countryside through out your flight.

Your balloon will then be prepared for flight and if you wish you may help with the inflation.

When the final checks have been made you will be asked to climb into the basket where you will be fully briefed on all aspects of in-flight safety and landing procedures. Once the briefing is completed your balloon will rise gently and majestically into the air. Your adventure has begun.

Floating peacefully with the breeze over the rolling countryside the hustle and bustle of modern day life is left behind to be replaced by the tranquillity of a bygone age. The beauty of the South West countryside unfolds beneath you and as your balloon climbs further you will be able to enjoy the panoramic views, north across the tors of Dartmoor and Bodmin moor and south to the coast and the English Channel beyond. Towards the end of the flight your pilot will look for a suitable landing site and guide the balloon back down to earth.

Once the balloon has been deflated and packed away you will be invited to celebrate your flight with a glass of champagne. The retrieve crew, who have been following the balloon throughout the flight, will then return you to the launch site.

Once back at the launch site you will be given the opportunity to order your personalised flight certificate, incorporating an in-flight photograph of you and your fellow passengers, an ideal memento for an experience of a lifetime.

After your flight you may download your free in-flight photograph by selecting the PHOTOS page from the main menu.