New
York City
Although we often view the NYC
skyline on our typical hot air balloon rides in New Jersey, balloons
don't normally fly anywhere near the City.
Nevertheless,
we offer a truly exciting flight opportunity for those who wish to
embark on something incomparably unforgettable - A flight over New
York City in our hot air balloon!
It takes considerable planning,
good timing and just the right circumstances to stage a successful
balloon flight over New York City, but it's entirely possible -
we've done it! We are proud to be the only company in the world to
offer this amazing flight adventure.
At the culmination of careful
logistical and flight preparations begun days in advance, we will
meet two hours before dawn at a location in New Jersey determined
early that morning. Commuter pickup can even be arranged at the
nearest New Jersey Transit train station. After meeting in
the dark, we'll then drive in our balloon chase van to the chosen
launch point nearby to assemble the hot air balloon and get ready
for flight.
Just before sunrise, we will
take to the sky and begin our incredible journey. Overflying the NYC
Metropolitan area as the sun gradually awakens, we'll take in all
the spectacular sights of the Greatest City on Earth. We will
continue flying on to an eventual landing in Long Island, Upstate
New York, or Connecticut depending on the prevailing winds and
weather conditions of the day.
The flight will range in
altitude from "Hudson River height" to many thousands of
feet as we transit some of the most controlled airspace in the
world! We'll be in constant positive contact with Air Traffic
Control from beginning to end to ensure a smooth passage on our
spectacular voyage.
Total time in the air may range
anywhere from one to four hours, with a total expedition of anywhere
from six to ten hours. Plan on spending the whole day on this
one-of-a-kind hot air balloon adventure. We'll expect a return to
our original meeting place anytime from early afternoon to late
evening - most likely in time for dinner!
Price for a New York City Hot
Air Balloon Ride is $3,995 for a single passenger, $5,995
for two, and $7,495 for three. A total group weight of less
than 600 pounds is required. Passengers must be in good physical
fitness and must sign an acknowledgement of risk agreement. If you
think you're ready to join us for an experience you'll relive for
the rest of your life, give us a call at 908-208-1869 or email
us for more information.
Perhaps not for everyone, this
flight is for those dreamers and adventurers who yearn to undertake
a truly amazing and breathtaking journey most could not even
imagine. We'll take you to great heights on this one.
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| Beautiful views abound near
the Delaware Water Gap |
Delaware
Water Gap
The Delaware Water Gap is a
deep, narrow natural gorge cut into the Kittatinny Mountains at the
border of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Route 80 passes through the
Gap and over the Delaware River at this point, and the Appalachian
trail winds through on the top of the mountains nearby.
The Gap itself is three miles long,
shaped roughly like a "W," with steep, rocky walls which rise as high as 1,400 feet on
both sides of the river. The beautiful scenery around the Delaware Water Gap makes it a popular summer
resort area. With the right weather and
wind conditions, it is extremely possible to guide a hot air balloon
into and through the Gap for an unforgettable flight!
Due to a Venturi effect
explained by Bernoulli's Principle, air picks up speed as it is
channeled through a narrow area. The walls of the Gap do exactly
that to the prevailing winds, which results in an exciting passage
through the Gap between the towering walls of the gorge.
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| Map of the Water
Gap area. Click to enlarge. |
We'll lift off in Pennsylvania
from a launch site which will permit us entry into the Gap. As we
enter at low level over the Route 80 bridge and toll booths, our
balloon will gradually pick up speed, carrying us toward the rock
faces in front of us. We'll make several sharp turns to follow the
river precisely, never getting much closer to the walls than we were
when we started. It's the closest to a roller-coaster ride that you
can get in a balloon!
At the far end of the Water Gap
flight, the airflow spreads out and slows down to deposit us back into
a serene, normal balloon flight over the beautiful farmlands and
open country of Northern New Jersey in Warren and Sussex Counties.
We'll be in the air for an average flight time of one to two hours.
Price for a hot air balloon
ride through the scenic Delaware Water Gap is $795 for two
passengers, $995 for three, $1,195 for four, $1,395 for five, or $1,495 for six passengers. All our standard amenities are included in the flight fare. All standard discounts apply except our group rate.
An overnight stay at the elegant Shawnee
Inn & Resort is highly recommended. Water Gap Flights
scheduled from August through the end of October may be
subject to reduced availability of accommodations at the Shawnee Inn
- it gets pretty busy during much of the summer/fall seasons, and our flight
preparations can sometimes entail last-minute changes or
reschedulings.
A total group weight of less
than 800 pounds is required. Passengers must be in reasonably good
physical fitness.
If you think you're ready to join us for this amazing adventure,
give us a call at 908-208-1869 or email
us for more information.
