Air Display Balloon Ride
FAQs

Organization

Who Is The Air Display Hot Air Balloon Team?

The Air Display Hot Air Balloon Team was founded by Ken Rolland and includes about 70 volunteers across the provinces of Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick.  Besides providing balloon tours in the vicinity of Toronto, Air Display also attends organized hot air balloon festivals, remains available for a balloon advertising sponsorship and offers hot air balloon Pilot instruction.

Who Is Rolland Enterprises Inc.?

Rolland Enterprises Inc. is a private corporation that oversees and controls the activities of the Air Display Hot Air Balloon Team.

Administration

What happens if we are late or fail to show up for our scheduled balloon ride?

The requestor of a hot air balloon ride with Air Display receive a flight confirmation email once they have provided the required passenger and credit card information.  This confirmation email provides all the necessary information including what to wear, meeting location, times and the phone number Air Display will be using for your advance flight notification phone call regarding the status of your scheduled balloon ride.  Air Display meets ONLY if the weather forecast for your flight is promising.  If you are late or fail to show when the flight has been called on, the credit card you provided to hold the reservation will be charged the full fare. 

We have changed our mind and want to cancel our balloon
ride.  How do we do this without a penalty?

The Air Display "TERMS and CONDITIONS" page provides information about client requested balloon ride cancellations.  Client requested balloon ride cancelations for their party or members of their party without sufficient notice given to Air Display, will incur an escalating penalty up to the full fare.

What is the difference between a Balloon Ride Certificate and a Voucher?

A Balloon Ride Certificate entitles the holder to a hot air balloon ride for the number of persons the certificate is made out for.  Ride Certificates are typically used when a third party wishes to give a balloon ride(s) to someone else.  Certificates are paid for in advance and are nonrefundable.  The Air Display "TERMS and CONDITIONS" page provides additional information about Balloon Ride Certificates.

A Balloon Ride Voucher is a partial payment for a hot air balloon ride.  It's value can be applied to any of the hot air balloon ride services Air Display provides.  Vouchers are sold in 100$ increments plus HST (tax).  The Air Display "TERMS and CONDITIONS" page provides additional information about Balloon Ride Vouchers.

My guest will not get in the basket for love nor money.  Can I get a refund from a Ride Certificate or Voucher?

The terms and conditions were made clear to the purchaser of the Ride Certificate or Voucher before the sale.  Balloon Ride Certificates and Vouchers are not refundable.

If a ride refusal occurs without sufficient notice to Air Display, the Certificate or Voucher will be considered redeemed.  The Air Display "TERMS and CONDITIONS" page provides additional information about client requested balloon ride cancellations.

I'm surprising a friend or family member with a balloon ride to celebrate a special occassion.  What happens if they do not want to go or cannot go last minute?

About surprises, it is not a reach to think that someone may not want to fly in an open basket of a hot air balloon.  It is the client's responsibility to be sure their guest will and can participate.  If they refuse to fly, the credit card used to hold the reservation will be charged the full fare.  The Air Display "TERMS and CONDITIONS" page provides additional information about client requested balloon ride cancellations.

Is there an expiry date for my Balloon Ride Certificate or Voucher?

Because weather rescheduling is not uncommon with hot air balloon flight, Ride Certificates and Vouchers do not expire as long as the Certificate or Voucher remain validated.  See the next question.

Why do I have to validate my Balloon Ride Certificate or Voucher and what the heck does that mean anyway?

Ride Certificates and Vouchers get lost, destroyed or otherwise abandoned.  To manage our outstanding ride debt we have a validation process for issued Balloon Ride Certificates and Vouchers.

To validate a Balloon Ride Certificate or Voucher you simply need to schedule a hot air balloon flight at least once a flying season (May through October) until the Certificate or Voucher is redeemed.  If the recipient fails to validate their Ride Certificate or Voucher as prescribed, Air Display will consider the Certificate or Voucher redeemed.  The Air Display "TERMS and CONDITIONS" page provides additional information about Ride Certificate and Voucher validation.

Is Rolland Enterprises Inc. (Air Display Hot Air Balloon Team) insured?

Yes.  Flight insurance is a requirement of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs).

Does the Pilot require a license?

Yes.  The Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) requires balloon Pilots to be licensed, perform annual license maintenance activities and as well regular medical checkups to remain current.

Is the hot air balloon mechanically inspected?

Yes.  Transport Canada regulates the inspection of all certified aircaft in Canada to ensure the aircraft remains airworthy and safe to operate.  Inspections occur every 100 hours of air time or once a year, whichever occurs first.  These inspections are performed by a Transport Canada licensed, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) - Balloons.

The weather is beautiful outside, why has our flight been cancelled (again!)?

Sometimes going for a balloon ride demands patience.  Weather is weather.  If we could control the weather, ballooning becomes a whole lot easier.

Hot air balloons require specific weather conditions to operate safely.  If it is a beautiful day, winds (surface or at higher elevations) are usually the cuplrit.  Balloons do not fly if convective activity (thunderstorms) are within 100 km in any direction.

Another reason your balloon flight could be cancelled is wet fields.  Balloons land in fallow fields.  If a significant rainfall has recently occurred, fields will be muddy and difficult to access by our recovery team.  Driving on wet fields also causes troublesome ruts for landowners.

About The Hot Air Balloon Ride

How far ahead do I have to book a flight?

Passenger ride space is limited.  We conduct about 75 flights per year.  Dates are booked on a first come first served basis.  If a particular date is important to you, the sooner you reserve your flight the better.  Sometimes last minute requests can be accommodated.

Balloon Ride Certificate or Voucher holders must contact Air Display (email preferred) to schedule their flight.  More information is available on the Air Display   "RESERVATION" page.

Will there be other people in the balloon basket during my flight?

Air Display carries a maximum of five passengers on each flight depending on total passenger weight.  So, unless your flight is scheduled as a "private charter", there will be other passengers on board.

I am a single passenger but I noted that Air Display requires a minimum of two passengers to schedule a balloon ride.  How do I reserve a flight?

Single passengers need to be aware that if they book a flight time and no other passengers choose to reserve this time, their flight may be cancelled due to Air Display's minimum passenger requriements.  To avoid this it is recommended that single passengers reserve a flight time that already has a reservation.

Does Air Display land and exchange passengers on the same flight?

No.  This is called a balloon hop.  Air Display does not do balloon hops because we feel it is an unfair business practise unless the rider agrees to such an activity before reserving their flight.

How do I pay?

Except for Balloon Ride Certificate holders, a balloon ride reservation requires a credit card (VISA, MasterCard or AMEX).  Final payment (after your balloon ride) may be by cash, credit card, e-transfer or personal cheque (identification required).  For security reasons, do not send credit card information by email or include this data on Air Display's  "CONTACT" form when you reserve a balloon ride.  You will need to speak by telephone with an Air Display representative to securely provide the necessary credit card information.

Except for Balloon Ride Certificate holders, payment is made after the flight.  If the flight is cancelled due to weather (not uncommon for ballooning), there is no charge.  If you cannot reschedule a weather cancelled flight, there is no charge.  Ride Certificate and Voucher holders must reschedule their flight.  Ride Certificates and Vouchers are not refundable and have no cash value.

When do I fly?

Air Display's flying season is May through October.  For technical and safety reasons balloon flights are conducted at sunrise or early evening (a few hours before sunset). There is no daytime hot air ballooning.  Because all balloon flights are weather dependent, weather cancellations are not uncommon.

How long is the flight?

Safety and available landing sites are the main factors determining flight duration.  Changing weather, daylight and wind direction also play major roles in flight duration.  Typical flight time is 45 - 90 minutes.  You should allow up to four hours for your entire balloon adventure (i.e. return to the designated meeting location).

What time do we meet for the flight?

Our meet time and the time for your advance flight notification call is given in the confirmation email sent to you shortly after your reservation is made.  Usually we meet 30 minutes before sunrise and about three hours before sunset.  Do not arrive late for your scheduled meeting time.  Air Display meets ONLY if the weather forecasted for your flight time is promising.

When do I find out if the flight is a go?

Your personalized flight notification call provides the status of your balloon ride.  For scheduled early evening flights, the notification call is made at 14:00 hours (2 pm) of the same day.  For scheduled sunrise flights, the notification call is made just after 22:00 hours (10 pm) the night before.  Please be available to accept this call as it is important Air Display's representative speaks with you in person.  Flight notification call and meeting times vary depending on the time of year.  Please refer to your flight confirmation email for exact times.

What if I have last minute questions?

Please ask whatever questions you have at your advance notification call.  The person speaking to you will be qualified to answer whatever questions you may have.  Medical questions however can only be answered with an opinion as none of Air Display's Team are Medical Practioners.  You can also email questions to Air Display at any time using the Air Display address your confirmation email came from.  The phone number given to you in the confirmation email is a cell phone.  If you text a question, please identify yourself.

Where do we meet (designated meeting location)?

The designated meeting location and balloon launch site are not the same.  Directions to the meeting location are given in the flight confirmation email and may be found on our "DIRECTIONS" page.  Parking, restrooms, 24 hour restaurant, gas and as well, a banking machine are available at or near the designated meeting location.

Are there waivers or liability exclusion agreements required?

Yes.  By scheduling a balloon ride with Air Display the passenger (or guardian) agrees to the Rolland Enterprises Inc. "WAIVER" and agrees to any additional conditions as outlined  on the Air Display's "TERMS AND CONDITIONS" and as provided during the preflight briefing.  A hardcopy of the waiver will be available for review and signature when we meet.

How do I dress for my flight?

Always dress for the temperature on the ground and as if you are going for a hike.  Best not to wear light coloured clothes due to possible staining from occasional condensation spray (water) from the overhead burners.  Wear a ball cap if you are tall or if your head is sensitive to heat.  No nylon jackets.  Nylon creates sparks and is dangerous around propane (the fuel the balloon uses).  A light weight, natural fibre dark coloured jacket is best.  Legs and arms should be covered to minimize insect irritation and possible effects from hazardous plant contact.  NO high heals, sandals or flipflops.   Sturdy flat boots or shoes with rubber soles are best.  Morning ground wetness (dew) is common.

Can we fly over my house, wedding reception or farm etc.?

Specific balloon launch location requests for private flights will be considered.  Launch and landing site selections are critical components of balloon safety.  Besides obstruction avoidance, launch site selection is also based on the forecasted weather (more specifically wind speed and direction) and  air space regulations.  Each request must be individually judged appropriate.  Close proximity to overhead wires is an extreme hazard to balloons.  Septic beds are easily damaged by a traversing vehicle.

Can I bring my camera, binoculars, purse etc.?

There is no place in the basket to stow handbags, knapsacks or photography bags.  They will be on the floor and susceptible to spillage if the landing gets "sporty".  For safety reasons, equipment must be worn with strap around neck, under arm sling or belted at waist to prevent injury or interference with the Pilot, other passengers and persons on the ground.  Serious injury or death may occur if an article falls or is thrown from the balloon basket!  The Pilot reserves the right to refuse equipment or carry-ons.  You will need both hands free for launch and landing.  Air Display is not responsible for personal effects.  It is illegal to drop items either on purpose or accidently from an aircraft.  

Can I bring my friends?

We would prefer you did not bring friends with you.  If you must, please do not bring more than one extra vehicle with you.  They must not drive onto the launch or landing sites.  They must park on the road and walk to the balloon or wait for us after landing.  If they intend to follow the balloon you must notify us on arrival at the designated meeting location.  Additional instructions will be given then.

Are there any physical and/or medical restrictions?

Yes.

For safety reasons, there are individual passenger weight maximums.  Please refer to  "Passenger Suitability" on Air Display's "TERMS AND CONDITIONS" page.

If you or one of your guests is expecting (pregnant), do not fly!

Previous injuries could be aggravated.  Back, neck and joint injuries are particularily susceptible.  If you have had a dislocated a shoulder in the past this is a definite a weak spot.  Stitches and other post surgery sutures are another weak point and could be reopened.  Obviously knee and hip replacement surgeries will definitely require advice from your Medical Practioner.  Do not fly if you have had these.

If you have a medical condition or questions regarding your capabilities please ask your Medical Practitioner for advice.  Do this with enough notice to avoid penalties should you be advised to not participate.

A few items to note:

• Passengers must be physically fit for modest exertion, able to see over the edge of the basket (42 inches), hang on by themselves and enter/exit the gondola (basket) unassisted.

• Individual passenger weight not to exceed 250 lbs (113 kgs).

• There are no seats in the balloon basket.

• A jump from the seat of a kitchen chair would be equivalent to the landing impact.

• Passengers may be required to hike from the balloon landing location to the recovery vehicle.  This hike may not be across level ground.

• If you have serious allergies please be prepared and inform the Pilot.  Remember ballooning is an outdoor, rural adventure.  Immediate medical assistance may not be available.

• If you have conditions which may require another person’s assistance, that person must fly with you.

• No appliances (e.g. canes, walkers, oxygen bottle) are permitted in the basket.

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