Frequently Asked Questions

Hot air balloons can only fly under specific weather conditions. While it might look like a perfect day from the ground, pilots and safety officials must consider a wide range of factors before giving the green light. Safety is always the top priority in ballooning. Every decision is made with the well-being of passengers, pilots, and the community in mind. Here's why flights sometimes get canceled or delayed:

• Wind that's too strong
  • Wind is a big consideration in a safe launching. Balloons are large and require skilled control in strong winds. What feels like a light wind to you might still be too risky for a safe flight.
• Wind that’s too fast up high
  • It might feel calm on the ground, but winds can be much stronger just above treetop level. Pilots often release a helium balloon (called a “pi-ball”) to check. If it shoots off fast at altitude, it’s not safe to fly.
• No wind at all
  • Too little wind is also a problem. If the balloon doesn’t move much, the pilot could end up stuck above an area with no safe place to land, like power lines, water, or dense trees.
• Wind heading in the wrong direction
  • Ballooning is an adventure. Since pilots don’t have the same steering capability as more developed aircraft, pilots must consider the wind direction that will take them to open, safe landing spots.
• Dew Point and Visibility
  • Yes, the dew point can indirectly affect hot air balloon flights. A high dew point means more moisture in the air, which increases the chance of fog or low cloud cover. These conditions reduce visibility and make it dangerous for pilots to take off, land, or navigate safely.
• Wet or muddy ground
  • After rain, even if the skies clear, the ground might be too soft. Balloon baskets can tear up muddy fields, which causes problems for landowners and pilots alike.
• Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
  • On rare occasions, airspace is restricted for security reasons, like when Air Force One is nearby. That applies to balloons, too.

Hot air balloon weather conditions are contingent upon many factors including wind, clouds, fog, and rain. If there is inclement weather that prohibits safe flying, we will post an update on our Frederick In Flight website event page, add a News & Highlights news flash on the website homepage, and post on social media (Facebook and Twitter) as soon as we are notified by the Hot Air Balloon event producer and FAA. Cancellation of the morning events can come at any time before scheduled lift-offs at 6 am. 

Yes! Breakfast vendors are available starting at 5 am on mornings sessions of the event. During the Saturday night Balloon Bash, a variety of food vendors will be onsite as well. 

Our hot air balloons are scheduled to go up around 6 am (weather permitting) so we recommend bundling up a bit! Bring a hat, gloves, and get a hot cup of coffee from our coffee vendor in the park.

Yes! You can sponsor a balloon for the event. The "Bucket List" sponsorship is $400 and includes a flight for two people (maximum) in a hot air balloon during one morning lift off. Anyone can sponsor a balloon, including a business, organization, or people. 

Balloon lift-off is weather-dependent, and you run the risk of cancellation. Sponsorship is non-refundable. Fill out the online Event Sponsor Form or call 720.382.5513 to lift off!

Yes! You can bring your fur baby on a leash. Please be aware events can be crowded and noisy. If your pup is hard to control or easily excited, Town events may not be a good idea.

No! The Town of Frederick is happy to provide its residents community events that everyone can participate in. Information Station Pre-Party, Frederick in Flight hot air balloon watching, and Saturday night Balloon Bash, are all free to attend. 

If you would like to support our events, food vendors will be at Frederick in Flight's balloon liftoffs and Balloon Bash offering excellent food. Local market vendors will also be onsite during the Balloon Bash for unique item purchases.   

If you would like to ride in a hot air balloon and support our pilots, you can become a Frederick in Flight Sponsor!

Ideal weather for hot air balloon flight consists of clear skies with good visibility, light winds on the surface, and moderate winds aloft (less than 25 knots at 9,000 ft above sea level). Pilots also look for good wind direction, generally winds out of the west, no cold front activity in the area, no precipitation in the forecast, and no forecast of developing windy conditions through the morning hours. Moderate temperatures also play a role as very hot temperatures affect balloon performance and safety.

Being a balloon-friendly property means allowing hot air balloons to land on your land. How will hot air balloons know that you're a balloon-friendly property? Here are a few criteria to consider: 

Safe landing area parameters for landowners who would like balloons landing on their property:

• The area must be large enough for the balloons to land, a minimum of about 100 ft by 100 ft, clear of trees, fences, power lines, buildings, livestock, and any other obstructions.
• The area must be accessible by the balloon chase vehicle for pack-up.
• The area needs to be dry with no ditches running through the area.
• Balloons will make noise with their burners, so make sure you do not have sensitive livestock near the area you would like balloons to land.
• Please indicate the area you would like the balloons to land with a white sheet spread out so it is visible from the air.

Thank you for considering making your property available for hot air balloon landings. If balloons land on your property, we hope you come out and introduce yourselves to the pilots and crews.