About Balloon Fantasy
We take great pride in providing first class balloon adventures. We are privately owned and operated and our home base is Goshen, Indiana.
We also are proud of our modern aircraft, safety record, and personal service. Before and during your balloon experience, our crew and FAA commercial licensed pilot will spend the extra time and effort to make sure you feel comfortable and relaxed. We can fly up to twice a day, at sunrise and again about 2 hours before sunset weather permitting.
We will launch from the Goshen, Indiana area, the entire experience lasting approximately 2 1/2 hours, with time in the air of about 45 minutes to1 hour. We will bring you back to the launch site after the flight or you can be picked up by some of your group that has followed the flight.
Reservations should be made in advance, however, we will do our best to accommodate you on short notice. You must be in reasonably good health. As a guide, be able to jump off of a dining room chair without getting hurt. We suggest you wear comfortable, casual clothes, long pants and low heeled, closed toe shoes. The temperature in flight will be about the same as it is on the ground. We fly with the wind so there is no wind chill aloft. Don't forget your camera!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long are the flights?
Flight duration is approximately one (1) hour.
Once a flight is scheduled, might it be canceled?
The final decision to fly will be made at the launch site, just prior to launch. This will be based upon weather at the site and all other safety considerations. If circumstances deem it appropriate to cancel a flight, we will reschedule for a later date.
Where is the launch site?
Typically, we take off from 21800 CR 40, southwest of Goshen; from our big back yard. Occasionally, we will take off from a different location, depending on wind direction or reservation request.
Where will we land?
Downwind of the launch site. The landing site is chosen during the flight, based upon the flight course.
What weather conditions are necessary?
List wind is a balloonist's friend. Visibility in the atmosphere, cloud ceilings, and wind aloft are also factors that may affect a flight. All weather decisions are made based upon information received from FAA Flight Service Stations and other meteorological services.
Is it cold up there?
The temperature in flight will be similar to the temperature on the ground, but with no wind chill factor, because the balloon is traveling at the speed of the wind.
What should I wear?
It is suggested that you wear comfortable clothes and flat shoes with closed toes. No high heels. No open-toed shoes. No sandals.
What should I bring?
Your camera, of course. Also, a light jacket; depending on the season of flight.
What is the landing like?
A light wind will leave the balloon standing up. If winds are moderate at the time of landing, the gondola/basket may contact the ground one or more times, drag across the field a ways, then tip over, while the balloon deflates. Passengers are to remain in the gondola/basket until the balloon is fully stopped, and until the pilot indicates that they may exit.
May others come to share the event with us?
Absolutely! Share the fun. Family and friends are welcome to join us for the launch. As the flight proceeds, they may follow in their vehicles to meet you after the flight.
How will we get back to our vehicles after the flight?
The crew will follow the balloon's flight path to the landing site. If you leave your vehicles at the launch site, the crew will return the passengers (and pilot!) there after the flight.