Above Reality Inc.
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Company Description
We are Vermont’s most complete and well rounded commercial ballooning company offering a variety of flights, tethered services, and impressive advertising opportunities. We currently maintain three balloons in our fleet ranging in volume from 100,000 cubic feet (2-4 passengers)up to a 210,000 cubic foot (8-10 passenger) balloon which is the largest in all of New England. We operate balloons year round (yes, winter too) and perform between 80-100 successful balloon flights per year.
How safe is ballooning?
All of our pilots hold a Commercial Pilot's license issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Our balloons are scrutinized each morning before the flight by the Pilot in Command. In addition, each balloon goes through an annual inspection at a certified FAA facility. A large part of safety comes from the decision to fly or not to fly. We want you to have a safe and memorable flight. If the pilot cancels your flight, PLEASE understand that this is because there are circumstances that would make the flight unsafe. You will not be charged for the flight (unless you failed to show up or arrived late for the flight).
Where do we launch?
The direction and speed of the wind on the day of your flight will determine the exact location where we will launch the balloon. We have several carefully selected launch sites in the foothills of Mt. Mansfield. For those of you not familiar with the area we fly on the west side of the mountain 25 minutes from Burlington and 35-45 minutes from Stowe.
What is the duration of the flight?
From lift off to landing a typical balloon flight lasts about an hour. The entire experience will last between 3 - 4 hours. The main factor that dictates the duration of a flight is safety. A safe flight includes, appropriate wind speed and direction, a landing site free from obstacles, an area large enough to accomodate the balloon with the given winds, remaining fuel supply at appropriate levels, and lastly access to retrieving the balloon. As these factors vary and change so will the duration of the flight. We would rather provide you with a very safe, wonderful, and memorable 53 minute flight than making any unsafe flight choices that would create a safety hazard just to tack a few extra minutes onto the flight.
Above Reality Inc.
P.O. Box 75
Jericho
Vermont
VT 05465
