Our balloon flight passengers today were all local to west Norfolk so we decided to take off from our base in the village of Wending. The weather has continued to hold and the month of September has provided us with some stunning ballooning. The wind today was a very gentle 5 M.P.H. coming from the west. Once aloft the visibility was good. To our west the wind farm at North Pickenham with its … [Read more...]

This afternoon we launched this balloon flight from Clarkes garage camp site in the village of Newborough located adjacent to the busy city of Peterborough. It was a perfect day with a light wind and good visibility. We were aloft at 5.00 p.m. and climbed up to 3,500 feet. Peterborough was in good view as was Rutland water and the busy market town of Stamford. At height we started a gentle drift … [Read more...]

Ballooning from Wensum valley golf club in Taverham at 5.50 p.m. The wind was flowing gently from the north which was to take us in a southerly direction across the city of Norwich. The wind speed on the surface was quite slow at 6 m.p.h. However once above 2,500 feet we were travelling at 20 m.p.h. So we would be able to travel a good distance. It is always a treat to view this fine city and the … [Read more...]

We were up bright and early today. Our Norfolk Balloon Flight passengers were all from west Norfolk. The wind was coming from the northeast so we launched from our base at Wendling with the intention of flying back into the area of Methwold. There was a shallow vale of mist covering the ground that would quickly burn off as the sun came up. The balloon was aloft at 07.15 Hrs. The surface wind up … [Read more...]

For this evenings balloon flight over Norfolk we assembled at Wensum valley golf club, Taverham. This launch site is close to Norwich airport so detailed liaison between us and air traffic control is important. At 6 p.m. we were given permission to launch, climbing out to 2,000 feet we started to gently drift north with clear views of the city of Norwich. The Norfolk broads were all in clear view, … [Read more...]

Another early start for our hot air balloon team pilot and crew out of bed at 3.30 am computer on to check the weather and all looked pretty good. We knew the wind would be increasing quite soon after dawn, so we decided to get on site well before any passengers arrived to prepare and inflate the balloon. Just after 6 a.m. we were ready and our passengers were very keen, all on site early. With … [Read more...]

This evening we had the pleasure of flying a family party. Our balloon flight today was from a farm adjacent to Oxborough Hall in west Norfolk. The weather was another balmy summer's day with a warm and gentle wind from the south west. By 6.30 p.m. the safety brief had been concluded and the wind eased. The clouds started to melt away leaving unbroken skies. We were quickly aloft; the first view … [Read more...]

During the spring and summer we can only fly hot air balloons at dawn or two hours before sunset. This is when the air is normally at its most stable. So for an evening balloon flight we meet our balloon passengers 2 hours 45 minutes before sunset. It takes around 45 minutes to prepare the hot air balloon for flight and conduct a thorough safety briefing for passengers and any on lookers. Then if … [Read more...]