EXPERIENCE - EQUIPMENT - STANDARDS - FLIGHT AREA
A bit of advise on standards
and pilot qualifications - Being FAA certified does not guarantee
quality or experience,
only that someone has met the minimum standards set by
the Federal Aviation Administration to get a license (for
ballooning that's only 35 hours of experience and 6 flights
under instruction to get a Commercial rating to fly paying
passengers-not much).
Experience Does Count!
Some on-line hot air balloon ride
offerings are simply a brokerage with an unknown list of
pilots with unknown qualifications or flight area. You are
best served dealing direct for your hot air balloon ride
purchase. That way you get to choose the location, qualities
and qualifications of the hot air balloon ride service that
will fly you and your loved ones.
New York State has no special operational or insurance
standards for hot air balloon ride operations other than the
State Labor Law, which most ignore or are not aware of Labor
Law requirements.
While a number of balloon ride operations cut
costs by flying older used or rebuilt hot air balloons,
purchase limited insurance that does not fully cover all of
their operation, hand your reservation off to a subcontract pilot, we take a different approach:
1. Our Level of Experience.
You will fly with Phil Jackson, the region's premier hot air balloon ride pilot with
over
30 years and 3,000 flights in the Adirondack - Lake George - Saratoga Springs
- Albany Capital District area of upstate New York. He established the first hot
air balloon ride company in New York State, flew a hot air balloon in the Woody Allen movie “Stardust Memories” and
for the I Love New York commercial.
He is a member of the Northeast Pioneer Aeronauts. His knowledge and experience as a balloon ride pilot is sought-out as a guest speaker at annual safety seminars. He is
a past president of the Adirondack
Hot Air Balloon Festival. The Adirondack Balloon Festival is
one of the longest running hot air balloon festival's in the
country. Ground Crew John "Baker"
Potter has worked the morning flight more than 15 years with
me and Todd Wicks will be rejoining me for the afternoon
flight as crew this year.
2. Our Equipment. We fly
the newest design and the safest
luxury hot air balloon available.
My hot air balloons are purchased
new and custom designed for my balloon
ride service. My
Peacock VIII hot air balloon can carry up to 4 passengers plus the pilot. Our
custom window van will transport you
to and from the balloon flight area in comfort.
3. Our Flight Standards.
You have the option to reserve a balloon for a romantic
Private Flight for Two, organize a Group Flight for up to 4
family and friends that want to fly together, or, share space
on a Small Group Flight with like minded folks seeking "high
adventure". Our flight service includes in-fight refreshments
including a champagne toast, plus, in-flight pictures of you
on your memorable balloon ride with us. We are conservative
with our flight decisions. We take many factors into account
before we are willing to take our passengers skyward,
including what the landing will be like for the folks we are
flying. We understand that you are coming to experience "aerial
adventure", and that you expect us to provide it as safely as
possible.You can count
on our years of experience and professionalism.
4. Our
Insurance Standards.
We are commercially insured for
flight, ground transportation, and chase crew operations. Our
balloons are insured by an
A+ Best rated company that is an
admitted carrier to New York State. Our chase
vehicle is covered by a
commercial auto policy. Our ground chase
crew is fully covered for its activities to include Workman's
Comp, Disability, and all employment taxes and insurance.
5. Our Flight Area. Our part of upstate New York is simply beautiful. The Adirondacks, Lake George and Saratoga Springs offer a wide variety of amenities for both the experienced and novice traveler. Our region is a destination that offers many options in lodging, dining, shopping, attractions and natural beauty waiting to be experienced. | 
