Scenic hot-air ballooning. Departs Kinderhook and soars high over the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains. Includes flight preparation, hour long flight and a Champagne picnic at flight end. Reservations are required.

Flying in a hot air balloon is unique compared to other forms of flying. Fit is how we first experienced flight more than 200 years ago. Couple this with today's technology, and it is not only unique, it is very safe.

The most difficult aspect of ballooning is describing the experience to someone who has not yet indulged in this great adventure. We hear . . ."It's sort of a quiet excitement"! OR "It feels so natural"! OR "it feels like ...

Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Q. I have a fear of heights, will I be nervous in the balloon!

A. You will more than likely feel VERY COMFORTABLE! Many of our passengers who shy away from planes, tall buildings, amusement rides, etc. are amazed at how relaxed they feet. There is no feeling of motion and the basket does not bounce or sway.

Q. How high do you fly?

A. We fly anywhere from tree top level, where we can pick leaves and talk to people on the ground, to a thousand feet or so, where the panoramic scenery unfolds in a way very few people have witnessed.

Q. Do balloon pilots need a license?

A. YES! After many hours of training, all pilots must pass both a written and flight test before they are certified by the F.A.A. as licensed pilots. Bill Eckert is a commercially licensed balloon pilot and instructor with hundreds of hours of flying time. He also holds a license in fixed wing aircraft (airplanes). Our hot air balloon is a federally registered aircraft and must undergo regular inspections to ensure integrity.

Q. How fast and how far do you fly? Where do you land?

A. All of these factors are determined by wind speed and wind direction, which vary with each flight. This is the beauty of ballooning! The landing might be in someone's backyard or a farmer's field. We'll decide that when we get there. Our chase crew follows on the ground and rejoins us upon landing. After the balloon is repacked, we return to the launch site.

Q. How is the balloon controlled?

A. Using the propane burner system, the pilot can control the altitude with great accuracy. Steering the balloon is done by changing altitude, in order to catch various wind directions.

Q. How often do you fly?

A. We fly twice a day, 7 days a week, all year long. The A.M. flight is just after sunrise and the P.M. flight is approximately two hours before sunset. Reservations are suggested. If the forecast calls for winds over TO mph or foul weather, we will reschedule the flight.

Q. What do I wear and bring?

A. Casual outdoor attire is best such as jeans and sneakers. Grass can be wet with dew on A.M. flights. The temperature aloft is not much different than on the ground. Bring your camera! Bring your friends! Set- up and inflation take about 20 minutes, and everyone is welcome to help.

The flights average an hour in length. After the flight the fun continues with a champagne picnic celebrating the change from fantasy back to reality. (Price is subject to change witeout notice) VISA and MASTERCARD accepted.

GIFT CERTIFICATES are available and redeemable any time of the year. What a great gift idea!!! Our balloon is also available for promotions and private parties.

Join us on a flight over the foothills of the beautiful Berkshire Mtns. in Kinderhook, New York For information or reservations call: 518-766-5111.

info@berkshireweb.com