Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides
What is a tethered balloon ride?
A tethered balloon ride is when the balloon is tied to the ground with four very strong ropes to keep the balloon from flying away. This allows us to lift and "fly" a large group of people of all ages at a specific location.
When can we tether?
We can do a tethered event year-round, weather permitting. We inflate only when the winds are around 5 mph or less. When the winds are any faster the balloon becomes difficult to control. There cannot be any thunderstorm type activity within 100 miles of the tether location. The pilot will make all weather determinations.
What time of day?
Just like a standard hot air balloon flight, the best time of day to fly is within 2 hours of sunrise or two hours of sunset. This is because winds should be at their calmest during these times. This is the same for tethered rides.
Where can we tether?
A hot air balloon tether requires a minimum area of at least a 250' x 250' space that is clear of debris, trees, light poles, bushes, and power lines. We will need four points to tie the balloon to the ground. These points can be large trees, some types of fence posts, and large vehicles. We always bring one large vehicle with us.
How much time is needed for a tether?
The average event is approximately 2 hours long. This time frame is limited by time of day, fuel capacity, and weather conditions. We do our best to do a complete 2 hour tether, but will shorten the event if conditions require.
How high will we fly?
Tethered flights usually lift between 25 feet and 100 feet. The exact height is determined by a number of factors including wind, terrain, location, anchor points, number of passengers, etc. The pilot will determine the exact safe height according to conditions at the time of each event.
How many people can ride in the balloon?
Two to four persons at a time can ride at a time depending on their combined weight and the temperature of the day. During an average tethered balloon ride event each balloon should be able to lift between 50 and 75 persons an hour. If you will have more than 150 people at your event we can schedule a second balloon.
Who can fly?
Anyone of reasonable health and who can get in and out of the basket can participate. Each participant (or parent/guardian for those under 18 years of age) must sign an Agreement to Participate / Waiver of Responsibility for tethered ride passengers provided by Real Adventure Hot-Air Balloon Co. before being allowed to participate in the event. The pilot & crew always reserves the right to limit who or how many can get into the balloon basket.
Want more details?
Please call us at 614-443-2324 or send an email to realadventure@gmail.com
Tethered Balloon Pricing
A tethered hot air balloon can make a family get together, picnic, party, or meeting a spectacular and unforgettable event.
Two Hour Tether
$2300 for up to 2 hours
*There is a two hour minimum charge for any tether event.
*$300 non-refundable reservation administration fee is required to reserve a tethered event.
Additional Tether Time
$600 for each additional hour or part of an hour
Other Tether Information - 1) The entire tether fee is due if the balloon is “stood up” regardless of total time of the tether. 2) There is a $300.00 show up fee that will be deducted from the first two hours unless the pilot or customer cancels prior to driving to the location. 3) Additional charges are incurred for travel to and from any event that is outside of Franklin County, Ohio. This is over and above any show-up fee or tether charges.