Renaissance Balloons

LENGTH OF FLIGHT?

Our goal is to give our passengers a flight of at least 45 minutes. Flight duration is dictated by wind conditions, speed and availability of landing spots. Flights may be (but very rarely) slightly shorter. But may also be (most likely) longer than our minimum. We do everything possible to ensure a good long flight experience. When making your plans, you should expect your whole adventure with us to last between 3 to 4 hours.

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WHEN & WHERE DO WE MEET?

We offer both Morning and Evening flights.  For morning flights, meeting time is typically at sunrise and for evening flights we meet 2 1/2 hours prior to sunset.  Depending on wind direction we have several launch spots, including Howell High School in Howell, Michigan and Huron Meadows State Park in Brighton, Michigan.  The launch area is chosen based on wind direction for that morning.  You will be given specific instructions for meeting time and place when your flight is confirmed.  Flights can also be scheduled from a customer's location (space permitting).

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WHAT TIME OF DAY DO YOU FLY?
Our flights can take place twice in one day - just after sunrise and approximately 2 hours prior to sunset.  This is when winds are most stable. Balloons do not fly in the middle of the day due to increased thermal activity.  Thermals cause updrafts, downdrafts and wind gusts that make it difficult or impossible for a pilot to maintain control of the balloon.  

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HOW LONG IS THE FLIGHT?
On average flights are 45 minutes to an hour or more in length. Flight time is dependent on available landing locations, combined passenger weight, fuel consumption, and air temperature. Cooler days typically allow for slightly longer flying time. Our pilots will provide the longest flights possible. Depending on the conditions during each flight, the length of flight can vary.

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WHERE DO WE LAND?

Once we have launched, wind direction and speed will determine the flight path and distance the balloon will fly -- for example if the wind speeds are 5 mph, it is likely that we will fly a distance of approximately 5 miles in the time you are in the air.  Other than general direction we never know when we take off where we will land.

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WHAT KIND OF WEATHER DO WE NEED TO FLY?
Weather is the most important consideration for any safe balloon flight.  Great care is taken by your Pilot when making any flight decision.  Factors taken into consideration when making that decision are:
- Wind speeds (we must have light winds – particularly surface winds).
- No precipitation (even rain or storms that are miles away can affect winds in our flying area).
- Visibility (pilots must have at least 3 miles of visibility).
 
If conditions do not permit a safe flight, our pilots will cancel the flight for that day and ask that you reschedule your flight for your next available date.

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HOW DO I SCHEDULE A FLIGHT?
To schedule your flight you may call us at (810) 423-8100 or use our online reservation request form.  If for any reason after you have submitted the form, you do not hear from us please call us.  Thank you.

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WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Depending upon the time of year, you should dress appropriately for each season. We feel that casual clothes are most comfortable. Jeans are fine and tennis or comfortable walking shoes will suit you best for evening flights. For morning flights, you may wish to wear water-proof footwear that can keep the dew off your feet. Please no open toe or high heel shoes and no sandals should be worn. Bringing a light weight jacket is a good idea, because sometimes the temperature is cooler at the beginning of the flight time. 

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HOW DO I PAY FOR MY FLIGHT?

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WHAT IS THE COST OF A BALLOON FLIGHT?
Standard Flight: $275 per Passenger (shared flight up to 5 passengers).
Couples Private Flight:  $750 per Couple (you have the balloon to yourselves).