Experiences.com » Flying

Florida Sky Diving with Skydive DeLand

Kelsey_L — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:46:48 +0000

Special thanks to Skydive DeLand for this informative interview on skydiving in Florida

Experiences.com: Why do people choose to jump out of a perfectly good airplane?

Firstly, there is no such thing as a perfectly good airplane – that is
why they have safety belts! People generally choose to skydive as a way of experiencing something fun and crazy, totally out of the ordinary.

Experiences.com: I’m curious, maybe even fascinated, by the idea of skydiving . . but I’m hesitant. What’s my next move, short of a jump?

The only way to truly experience skydiving is to actually do it. You could always try the indoor simulated skydiving, but it is not the same. You would not feel the adrenaline rush or see the world from a new perspective.

Experiences.com: If I’m going to jump out of an airplane I want to know I’m harnessed into the best, state of the art equipment by the most qualified staff. What can you tell me about COMPANY’S equipment and staff that would reassure me?

It is encouraging that the design of the tandem equipment we use has not changed much in the last decade. The manufacturers do not feel the need to mess with something that is tried and tested! The tandem and the equipment was conceived here in DeLand.

Experiences.com: So, I’ve jumped once. If I stop at “only once” what am I missing?

Obviously a lot of fun skydiving! Once you are licensed, you can travel the world, and wherever you go you would have something in common with people. It is an easy way to make new friends.

Photo credit: Skydive DeLand

Experiences.com: Skydiving as a team building, character building or courage building experience? Yes or no? Have you seen it in action? What can you tell us?

For many people, making their first jump is a personal achievement. It is
an intensely personal sport, but depending on which discipline you choose, you can become part of a team. The formation work in skydiving only works with a lot of training and reliance on your team mates.

Experiences.com: Do you offer skydiving experiences for more experienced or adventurous divers? What’s entailed?

No. Skydiving is just like any other sport. You work on building your proficiency in the areas that interest you. You start with a ground school, and usually go through the Accelerated Freefall course (AFF) . This equips you with the skills you need to be able to jump on your own. Once you graduate you can get coaching to help you move into the discipline that interest you, such as freeflying or relative work.

Experiences.com: Spring, summer or Fall jump? How is the experience different?

Only the temperatures are different, and hence the amount of clothing you want to wear.

Experiences.com: Does your company offer skydiving “gift certificates”? How do most people react? Any funny stories or “happy endings” (beyond expectations) where a jump-gift changed someone’s life?

We do offer gift certificates, and lots of people who receive them as gifts are surprised, but usually do jump. They are refundable if the recipient refuses to jump. Quite a few of the couples making a tandem jump with us have proposed on the ground after landing. So far nobody has said no.

Experiences.com: I know that weather and wind play a role in whether a scheduled jump takes place. If a jump has to be canceled on the scheduled day what other activities do you recommend in your jump area?

We are less than 30 minutes from Daytona Beach, and about an hour from the Orlando theme parks and the Kennedy Space Center.

Experiences.com: Is there anything else you would like to share about the skydiving experience or COMPANY?

If you are considering making a jump, but still a little hesitant, rest assured that we have the longest history of tandems in the world, since this is where they first began! Our instructors are all really experienced, with thousands of jumps.

Skydiving Perris Valley with Skydive Perris

Kelsey_L — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:00:13 +0000

Special thanks to Melanie Peschio, owner of Skydive Perris, for granting us this interview.

Experiences.com: Why do people choose to jump out of a perfectly good airplane?

Skydiving has become more than just a once in a lifetime experience, it’s an incredible and safe sport!

Experiences.com: I’m curious, maybe even fascinated, by the idea of skydiving . . but I’m hesitant. What’s my next move, short of a jump?

Skydive Perris invites you to visit www.skydveperris.com a web site designed to introduce you to everything from what to expect on your first skydive to what it takes to become a licensed skydiver. Once you better understand what you are about to experience, your options and videos of people skydiving safely every day, how far the technology and equipment have come, you’ll be better prepared to really ready to fully enjoy the experiences Perris has to offer!

Experiences.com: If I’m going to jump out of an airplane I want to know I’m harnessed into the best, state of the art equipment by the most qualified staff. What can you tell me about your company’s equipment and staff that would reassure me?

Skydive Perris, has been a family owned business for 34 years! We have helped grow a very professional and qualified group of instructors, pilots and parachute packers. We consider every position on our staff to be a serious and an important part of your skydiving and wind tunnel experience. We have state of art equipment to include a “Cypress” on your second or reserve parachute (everyone gets two when skydiving ). This device is an automatic activation device that will deploy a parachute without you having to do anything! All of our staff have been trained and hold the highest ratings and license available in the skydiving and wind tunnel business. We have learned to combine a professional and fun environment, kind of like an adult freefall Disneyland for you to enjoy a safe and fun experience.

Experiences.com: So, I’ve jumped once. If I stop at “only once” what am I missing?

We consider you the fortunate one! The one who can see the incredible, life changing sport and new friendships just waiting to rock your world.

Photo credit: Skydive Perris

Experiences.com: Skydiving as a team building, character building or courage building experience? Have you seen it in action? What can you tell us?

We have shared and created all of those experiences with companies and individuals to help overcome fears and build confidence. There’s a lot of trusting you learn to do when engaging in our sport. You learn everything from trusting your instructor, your equipment and then building the self confidence in yourself. Once you build this type of confidence time and time again, you just feel better and stronger about every aspect in your life.

Experiences.com: Do you offer skydiving experiences for more experienced or adventurous divers? What’s entailed?

We do have a very special package called SENSORY OVERLOAD. Since we are the ONLY drop zone in California to have a wind tunnel on site, we will take you into our wind tunnel to experience freefall before you jump out of an airplane. The wind tunnel is a freefall flight simulator that is so accurate, we as experienced jumpers, use it as a training tool to fine tune our flying and body positions routinely. Following your wind tunnel flying sessions, you’ll walk right over to the skydiving school and leap from an airplane and wrap up your day at the Bombshelter Sports Bar & Restaurant ….now that’s a GREAT day of fun!

Experiences.com: Spring, summer or Fall jump? How is the experience different?

In the wind tunnel, the air is exactly the same temperature as the outside temperature, but moving at 120 miles per hour, or less for kids, that just depends on their size and weight. When jumping from our airplanes, you will go to 12,500 ft above the ground it’s always cooler than on the ground, often about 20 degrees cooler.

YES, we offer gift certificates and have surprised more people than we can count. The best is when they’re blind folded all the way to our facility until they step in the wind tunnel or school office and we all say…surprise! We’ve had people ask they’re loved one to marry them, both in the airplane and in freefall, we’ve performed weddings on site, you name it we’ve either done it or we’ll try it!

First, we recommend you go in the wind tunnel, eat at our restaurant and bar and of course if the weather’s still not cooperating, we are 15 miles north of 30+ wineries in Temecula, which also has just about everything else fun to do with both feet on the ground.

Experiences.com: Is there anything else you would like to share about the skydiving experience Perris Valley Skydiving?

YES, Skydive Perris has something to do for the whole family! It’s free to come watch, a great place to host birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties, you name it, it’s the right occasion! Did you know you only have to be 3 years old to fly in the wind tunnel?! Because the motors are manually operated by a staff member and an instructor is with you, holding on to you (until it’s not required anymore) it’s a totally controlled environment. The airspeed is adjusted to accommodate the size person and or their experience for a fun and unique experience!

This is not a ride you have to reach a certain height to enjoy, it’s truly freefall fun for the whole family!!!

NJ Hot Air Balloon Ride with In Flight Balloon Adventures

Kelsey_L — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:21:26 +0000

Special thanks to Thomas Baldwin, owner of In Flight Balloon Adventures, for his informative interview

Experiences.com: In a few sentences, tell our readers the history and experience of In Flight Balloon Adventures.

When a college friend said that he was taking hot air balloon lessons, I thought he was whacked out. That was in the early 70’s and I already had my single engine airplane rating. I started helping (crewing) and went on to get my balloon rating. Soloing in 74.

I was fortunate enough to fly for Malcomb Forbes (shape balloons in France), Bennihana and others gaining experience. In 1987 I purchased a balloon and started In Flight Balloon Adventures LLC. Today I have 6 experienced pilots that help me provide a personalized flying experience. Our most popular flight is the exclusive 2 person, we also can handle groups.

Experiences.com: Give us a profile or examples of the people or groups who have taken rides in your balloons during the past year.

Most of our clients are celebrating a special occasion and they want their own balloon. Because we have a number of pilots we can usually provide the service on their special day. Proposals are popular, we do about 50/year. We do corporate groups and party tethers. Family?, no problem.

Experiences.com:What are some of the favorite views or vistas from the basket of your balloon flights?

We fly over scenic, rural Hunterdon County New Jersey. Skimming over the tops of trees, cornfields, rivers, observing red tail hawks, white tail deer, wild turkeys, or flying to heights that provide spectacular views that may include the skyline of New York City, Philadelphia and the Delaware Water Gap.

Experiences.com: Describe an amazing or special experience you have shared with your passengers during a flight.

A lot of our launches have multiple balloons. This offers a greater photo opportunity for the client (they exchange e-mail addresses for photo sharing at the Champagne Party). The pilots also enjoy flying with other balloons.

Photo credit: In Flight Balloon Adventures

Experiences.com: Do you offer any “special rides” or “featured tours” during ballooning season? What do they feature?

The Overnight Romantic Adventure is very popular. It is three items in any order and we make the arrangements. It is a exclusive 2 passenger flight followed by a Champagne and Hors d’oeuvres Party, dinner for 2 at the restaurant where we meet, and one night in the B&B of your choice. For engagement flights we have a WILL YOU MARRY ME? banner, it works.

Experiences.com:Do you have special activities for your passengers, either before, after, or during flights?

Orientation before, commentary during and a Champagne and Hors d’oeuvres party after.

Experiences.com: Do features or activities of your balloon rides vary by season? How?

The vibrant green colors make the summer popular. Fall is our most popular time with the color changes, and winter provides some interesting snow covered landscapes. The same service is offered year round.

Experiences.com:What percentage of your balloon rides are given as “gifts” and how do gift recipients typically react?

A lot of our flights are a surprise. Most are pleasantly surprised and can’t wait to get in the air. We also sell Gift Certificates and I am not around for the reaction, it must be positive, as most certificates are flown.

Experiences.com: I know, from experience, that wind and weather play a big role in whether balloon rides launch as scheduled and that everything is done to avoid inconvenience. However, if a flight has to be canceled on the day scheduled what earthly activities do you recommend in the general area of your balloon rides?

We meet at a very nice restaurant with a bar that sometimes comes in handy. We try and not bring the client out unless the conditions are favorable for flight but weather is a changing force and we are respectful of nature. Occasionally we direct clients to the near by town of Clinton, NJ. It is a historic quaint village that has great shops with a waterfall by a bridge and a old mill (the most photographed spot in NJ).

Experiences.com: Is there anything else you would like to tell folks about the ballooning experience or In Flight Balloon Adventures?

I believe when people call for a flight, most think that they will be the only passengers on the balloon. That is what we offer. My business has grown mainly from the referrals of delighted customers. I feel comfortable with all the pilots, chosen for their experience and their concern for the passengers wishes.

Oregon Hot Air Balloon Ride with Balloon Flying Service of Oregon

Kelsey_L — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 01:17:22 +0000

Special thanks to Jim from the Balloon Flying Service of Oregon for this informative interview.

Experiences.com: In a few sentences, tell our readers the history and experience of Balloon Flying Service of Oregon.

The company was incorporated in 1989 and has been flying daily since May of that year. We do scenic rides over the mid-Willamette Valley covering farm, vineyards, rivers, streams, urban areas and the Capitol Mall. We carry a pilot plus four on a normal flight of an hour to an hour and a half in the air followed with a history of ballooning.

Experiences.com: Give us a profile or examples of the people or groups who have taken rides in your balloons during the past year.

We have done 2 weddings in the air, 5 (private) betrothal flights, dozens of Birthday, Anniversary, Retirement and gift flights for Graduation from both High School and College. We have flown several family groups often covering or 4 generations.

Experiences.com: What are some of the favorite views or vistas from the basket of your balloon flights?

The area and the track of our flight will vary daily and carry us over farm country which will vary from season to season based on what crops are in demand at the local canneries. We also have several wineries on some of our tracks that are outstanding. Some tracks will carry us over the urban area of Salem and Keizer and will give our passengers views of their home neighborhood and often a trip over the State Capitol Mall area. Each track will vary even when we use the same launch site more that once.

Experiences.com: Describe an amazing or special experience you have shared with your passengers during a flight.

Every flight is an “Adventure” sometimes it will be the special occasion of one or more of the passengers, or the launching off the passengers front or back yard. We move to private property when the case meets our safety requirements. We often cross over the Willamette River which winds through the Valley we fly in. When crossing the river we sometimes do a “practice landing” on the water, which creates some excitement and a great photo too. As I stated above we do weddings in the air and betrothal as well. Each of those activities are unique unto themselves.

Experiences.com: Do you offer any “special rides” or “featured tours” during ballooning season? What do they feature?

We do “Private Flights” with only two passengers, sometimes for birthday, anniversary and as stated earlier a betrothal. In the fall we do “tree color change” flights to show off our designation as a “Tree City”. In the spring we have two of the largest Iris growers in the country and do flights over these fields. We also have the largest tulip gardens in the state in our area and do “bloom” flights over these fields.

Experiences.com: Do you have special activities for your passengers, either before, after, or during flights?

We have a traditional post flight celebration which includes a continental breakfast, champagne toast, presentation of a framed certificate. We post a story about each flight on our web site www.balloonflying.com (recent flights) with comments from our passengers and 30 or more linked full color pictures.

Photo credit: Balloon Flying Service of Oregon

Experiences.com: Do features or activities of your balloon rides vary by season? How?

We do fly year around but in the winter months (Nov.-Feb) the weather has more influence as to our scheduling.

Experiences.com: What percentage of your balloon rides are given as “gifts” and how do gift recipients typically react?

About 50% are issued as gift certificates but few are a total surprise as the gifts are given away and the recipient books the flight at there convenience.

About 80% of our passengers are from the local area (within 30 mile circle) so they have a back up plan. We do have a information sheet that is updated
a couple of times a week that is carried with us to the launch site.

Experiences.com: Is there anything else you would like to tell folks about the ballooning experience or Balloon Flying Service of Oregon?

We consider our services similar to a limo ride and we treat our passengers like that. We don’t have them “help” with the process of assembly and tear down. Some do like to get involved and those passengers are given the opportunity, but on a limited bases. All that we want them to bring is there curiosity, camera and the desire to share the “Experience of a Lifetime”.

Ace High Ballooning Central Tennessee Hot Air Balloon Ride

Kelsey_L — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:42:04 +0000

Thanks to Bob Grimes, owner of Ace High Ballooning, for this informative interview on Tennessee Hot Air Balloon Rides

Experiences.com: In a few sentences, tell our readers the history and experience of Ace High Ballooning.

Bob Grimes, owner and founder of Ace High Ballooning became interested in ballooning in 1973 by living next door to the first world hot air balloon champion. After crewing and working to pay for his training he received his private and commercial ratings in 1977

Experiences.com: Give us a profile or examples of the people or groups who have taken rides in your balloons during the past year.

People from all walks of life want to fly in a balloon. For most people it is a once in a lifetime experience. We have been hearing more people say that it is just something on their “bucket list.” Caution: Some people get bit by the ballooning bug and end up purchasing their own balloon.

Experiences.com: What are some of the favorite views or vistas from the basket of your balloon flights?

Here in the middle of Tennessee we have a wide array of views, country music stars home, rolling hills, many types of wildlife, deer, fox, hawks, etc. One of the most beautiful areas in the country for ballooning.

Experiences.com: Describe an amazing or special experience you have shared with your passengers during a flight.

Seems like we are doing more and more proposal flights, they are always special. When the air is really clear we got some amazing views of the Nashville skyline.

Photo credit: Alpine Rafting Company

Experiences.com: Do you offer any “special rides” or “featured tours” during ballooning season? What do they feature?

We can customize flights for special requests. “Mile High” flights are possible and the pilot is very discreet. One of my personal favorite seasons is winter, much cooler, longer flights are possible due to better fuel consumption. It is not as cold as one might think because we fly with the wind, no wind chill factor. Fall is by far the most popular time to go ballooning with the foliage colors.

Experiences.com: Do you have special activities for your passengers, either before, after, or during flights?

After the flight we give a brief history of the sport, say the balloonist prayer and tell a few lies.

Experiences.com: Do features or activities of your balloon rides vary by season? How?

See above…

Experiences.com: What percentage of your balloon rides are given as “gifts” and how do gift recipients typically react?

Probably 50% are gifts with many of the flights coming as a surprise.

Experiences.com: I know, from experience, that wind and weather play a big role in whether balloon rides launch as scheduled and that everything is done to avoid inconvenience. However, if a flight has to be canceled on the day scheduled what earthly activities do you recommend in the general area of your balloon rides?

This area offers many activities; civil war tours, Arrington vineyards, Music City row, canoeing…

Experiences.com: Is there anything else you would like to tell folks about the ballooning experience or Ace High Ballooning?

We strive to give you a safe and memorable ballooning experience. Happy passengers and soft landings.

Connecticut Hot Air Balloon Ride with Aer Blarney Balloons

Kelsey_L — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:04:50 +0000

Special thanks to Mr. Mick Murphy, owner of Aer Blarney Balloons, for his informative interview

Experiences.com: In a few sentences, tell our readers the history and experience of Aer Blarney Balloons.

“We have been in business since 1996 and we take an Uncharted Course Where the Destination is Irrelevant and the Experience is everything!!”

Experiences.com: Give us a profile or examples of the people or groups who have taken rides in your balloons during the past year.

We fly all walks of life from individuals looking to do something special to large groups and corporate outings. We have many people visiting the US that book a flight with us to enjoy the beauty of New England.

Experiences.com: What are some of the favorite views or vistas from the basket of your balloon flights?

It all depends on the weather, on a clear day we can see the New York City skyline, the beautiful views of the Litchfield Hills including our personal favorite the Berkshires. The view below our basket in the area we fly over is quintessential New England old villages and farms.

Experiences.com: Describe an amazing or special experience you have shared with your passengers during a flight.

One of my favorites, a couple years after we made a donation for a child battling cancer, we were getting ready to take off from Stowe Vermont, when this woman approaches me and thanks me for the donation that was made previous, we exchanged hugs and I told her it was very unusual that you receive an update after making a donation and that it was greatly appreciated. My wife to be at the time whispered in my ear can you take her little boy along for the flight. I said yes and before Karen could ask his mom he was over the side of the basket standing at my side, we had a great flight and had post flight reception with landowner in the fields on their farm. The boy’s mom followed along in the retrieve vehicle with my wife and had a nice chat the entire way. At the end of the experience the woman could not thank us enough for taking her son for a flight and that it was often hard to do something special with her children individually and this was an awesome unexpected experience. At this time we learned that she ran an Irish bakery in Boston and offered to make two traditional Irish Groomsman cakes for our wedding a year later. Well the year came and went along with the arrival of two beautiful cakes decorated with Celtic designs as a thank you and this story holds a special place in our hearts and ballooning.

Photo credit: Aer Blarney Balloons

Experiences.com: Do you offer any “special rides” or “featured tours” during ballooning season? What do they feature?

We do offer special rides, Mile High Club, private champagne charts and winter wonderland flights. Flying in the winter is a little cooler but just as spectacular, with the snow and crisp winter mornings. We only have a few takers per season.

Experiences.com: Do you have special activities for your passengers, either before, after, or during flights?

We offer a champagne reception post flight to carry on the tradition started back in the 1700’s. We server homemade baked goods, cheese, crackers, and fresh fruits along with a champagne toast or sparkling cider.

Experiences.com: Do features or activities of your balloon rides vary by season? How?

The features change with the seasons and that’s way flying year round has something special in each season, in the spring its awesome to watch mother nature turning things green and leafs beginning to grow and flowers blooming, over the summer we watch the crops grow and change as we move through the summer, than in late fall we patiently watch as the greens change into bright yellows to vibrant reds, the leaves transform, showing their rich and vibrant hues. The winter is beautiful with snow capped hills, and fields, there is very little ground cover so we often see more wildlife.

If you don’t like the weather just wait a minute in New England because it’s sure to change. In our main flying locations, were are very fortunate to Woodbury Antique trails, several great restaurants and local wineries to name a few choices. In the Litchfield area we have historic village which is full of shops and restaurants and White Memorial nature preserve and multiple wineries. Our newest flying area of Canaan CT / Great Barrington Mass, there are plenty of outdoor activities (hiking, biking, and skiing), excellent shopping in the town square, antiques and just exploring the beauty of the Berkshires… It doesn’t get more relaxing.

Experiences.com: Is there anything else you would like to tell folks about the ballooning experience or your company?

The weather, the weather the weather, ballooning is a fair weather activity and requires the proper conditions. We do our best to temper our guest’s enthusiasm with practical safety which is our greatest challenge. We only fly when the weather conditions are within our safety standards. We do encourage our guests to schedule morning flights because the weather is more predictable but will schedule afternoons for those guests who are not early risers with the understanding that afternoon conditions have a higher rate reschedules.

P.S. By Jeff L. of Experiences.com: What’s not to like about a hot air balloon company that describes itself (on its homepage) thusly:

Aer Blarney Balloons, LLC features New England’s premier non-direction airline. We take an Uncharted Course Where the Destination is Irrelevant and the Experience is everything!!

Related posts:
Oregon Hot Air Balloon Ride with Balloon Flying Service of Oregon

Ace High Ballooning Central Tennessee Hot Air Balloon Ride

NJ Hot Air Balloon Ride with In Flight Balloon Adventures

Napa Valley Hot Air Balloon Ride

Kelsey_L — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:56:17 +0000

Napa Valley Hot Air Balloon Rides boast spectacular vineyard views, a warm California breeze, and a tranquil and educational experience. Take off on a calm early morning breeze and gently glide over the mountains and valleys of the west coast.

Napa Valley Balloons, Inc. has been in operation for over 28 years. Over the years the company has perfected the art and experience of hot air balloon rides, and today provides you with one of the best ballooning adventures on the west coast.

Before you begin your Napa Valley Ballooning experience you will take part in a pre-dawn check in. Here you will be able to indulge on a delicious Continental Breakfast of Coffee, pastries, cereal, fruit and juice. During your check in you will learn the ins and outs of ballooning with a brief pilot orientation. After your orientation you will be whisked away to the launch site where you will prepare for lift off!

Now it’s time to climb into your basket and prepare to take off on your Napa Valley Hot Air Balloon Ride. Soon your massive yet graceful hot air balloon will be gently lifted off the earth and taken toward the sunny California skies. Enjoy magnificent views of valleys, mountains, and vineyards as you fly gently through the sky at hundreds of feet above the ground. Throughout your Hot Air Balloon Ride your experienced pilot will point out extraordinary views of Napa Valley and fill you in on fun facts about this stunning valley.

After a one hour tour of the valley, your Hot Air Balloon will decent into a meadow of wild flowers. Once you’ve landed you can celebrate your memorable experience with a Champagne Breakfast where you can enjoy Napa Valley’s finest sparkling wines as you talk these memories that will last a lifetime.

photo by lyng883

Los Angeles Helicopter Tour

Kelsey_L — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 14:51:59 +0000

“Soar with the birds over sunny Los Angeles on a scenic aerial adventure.”

There are few things that rival Sunday Football. Then again, as riveting as some of the Sunday games are, there’s no experience that rivals waking up on a sunny California morning and preparing to soar through the sky holding the controls of a Robinson R22 helicopter!

Los Angeles Helicopter Tour will have you trying your hand at the controls of a Robinson R22 helicopter. Prepare to soar through the sky on your sightseeing adventure tour over some of the most beautiful terrain of California. As you call the shots, you’ll fly above the Los Angeles coast line and see sparkling city buildings in the distance.

Start your morning with 30 minutes of ground school, where you’ll learn the controls, aerodynamics, and gauges of the helicopter! Once you’ve learned to essentials and perform a pre-flight inspection, you’ll be fully prepared for a safe lift off.

Next, prepare for take off. Now that you know the basics, your flight lesson will take to the sky for a 30 minute aerial adventure. Sitting beside your trained flight instructor, you will take the controls and become the pilot of the Robinson R22 helicopter.

Take off into the clear blue sky as you experience straight and level flight, climbs, turns and descents, and hovering. This helicopter flight school experience will leave you with the skills and a appreciation of a true pilot.

photo credit: mccun934

Biplane Acrobatics in Hawaii

Kelsey_L — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 14:19:12 +0000

Prepare for an aerial roller coaster when you take off for Biplane Acrobatics in Hawaii. Hop in the Pitts S-2B, the world renowned certified aerobatic biplane, and take off on an aerial roller coaster adventure. You call the shots as your pilot soars through the air ready and waiting to unleash his sky high moves.

Whether you’re in it for the thrill, or would rather sit back and take in the sites, this biplane thrill ride is specifically designed to fulfill your every airborne desire. As the biplane glides through the air, inform your pilot of the tricks you’d like to try, or the sights you’d like to see.

Prior to take off you will be participate in a Pre-Flight briefing where your pilot will go over all pre-flight safety and emergency procedures. After you are comfortable with the basics, your pilot will strap you into a 5-point harness, and prepare for take off. As the engine roars and the earth begins looking like a small intricate puzzle, prepare yourself for an adventure of a lifetime!

Soon your pilot will be unleashed, performing loops, spins, rolls, and more! As your adrenaline rushes, your biplane will soar higher and higher. During your flight the pilot will offer you the exhilarating opportunity to take the controls and try your hand at flying the aerobatic biplane all on your own!

This aerial experience is sure to leave your heart racing and ready for more. Biplane Acrobatics in Hawaii takes you on an sky high roller coaster, and leaves you with memories that will last a lifetime.

photo credit: JoF

Nashville Hot Air Balloon Ride

Kelsey_L — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:50:48 +0000

“Coast over a city that is both beautiful and packed with entertainment.”

Nashville is a city that is packed with concert halls, historical sites, museums, and much more. On your Nashville Hot Air Balloon Ride you will enjoy a birds eye view of all this charming city has to offer. As your Hot Air Balloon ascends into the sunny sky, you’ll embark on an aerial adventure tour that will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

This aerial adventure tour will take off as the sky lights up in an array of beautiful colors. Whether you’re an early bird with the sunrise, or a lazy bird who would prefer to take off at sunset, this Nashville Hot Air Balloon Ride is here to cater to your desires.

Lend a helping hand as your instructor teaches you the proper inflation of a Hot Air Balloon. Next jump inside the basket and get ready to take off on the most spectacular sight seeing tour of your lifetime. As your balloon gently ascends into the sky, you’ll begin to take in the magnificent views of the countryside below.

Your departure takes place in the beautiful countryside of Nashville, Tennessee. Watch as the lush countryside turns into an intricate map of rolling landscape below. Here you’ll be able to spot some of Nashville’s local wildlife from white tailed deer, black bears, wild hogs, foxes and more.

Your scenic tour continues as you pass by the Cumberland River, Centennial Park and more. If your Hot Air Balloon Ride heads toward the city, keep a look out for some of Nashville’s main attractions such as the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville Super speedway, and the Grand Ole Opry. Once your Nashville Hot Air Balloon Ride comes to an end, enjoy celebrating this unforgettable experience with a complementary champagne toast.

photo by bugeaters