Flight Information

Thank you for your inquiry and interest in Starship Adventures. I offer scenic hot air balloon flights over the beautiful DelMarVa area of the Eastern Shore. The flight itself is a unique and exhilarating experience for all ages. I have over 20 years of experience as a hot air balloon pilot and have flown in ballooning events throughout the United States. I hold a Commercial Balloon Pilot License issued by the Federal Aviation Administration and I am fully insured for commercial balloon operations.

Flights begin just prior to sunrise or approximately three hours prior to sunset. Because I rely on light winds to provide the most pleasurable flight, I fly when Mother Nature provides the best weather conditions. You will be in the air for approximately an hour. Our flight path will take you over luscious rolling countryside, small towns, and the highways and byways of the community below. We will fly at various altitudes, from just above the surface to 3000 feet, limited only by your willingness to fly.

The exact location of our launch site will be determined the day prior to, or even the day of your flight. The location of the launch site is dependent upon the prevailing weather conditions at the time of the flight. My goal is to fly over the open farmlands of the area.

I do not fly in winds higher than ten miles per hour or when storms or other adverse weather is imminent. Other factors may also influence my decision to reschedule a flight. The condition of the ground or the speed and direction of upper level winds are a critical element of our flight.

Please wear comfortable outdoor clothes (long pants not shorts) and sturdy shoes (no flip flops although tennis shoes are OK). You will be outdoors so dress appropriately for the season. I sometimes land in fields with tall grass so you may need to walk a short distance to our chase van. The temperature in the balloon during the flight is about the same as it would be if you were on the ground. During the spring and fall season you may need a light jacket if the temperature is forecast to be cool.

Please allow three to four hours for your aerial adventure. I must allow time to travel to the launch site, assemble and inflate the balloon, and, upon landing, repack the balloon and equipment. After the flight we will return to the launch site and commemorate your adventure with champagne (nonalcoholic sparkling grape juice for children), and hors d’oeuvres. You will receive a unique certificate to commemorate your accomplishment.

In the event that weather conditions are unsuitable the day of your scheduled flight, we will reschedule for the earliest, mutually agreeable, date possible. I look forward to booking your flight and introducing you to man’s oldest form of flight. I am sure you will have a memorable experience that you will cherish and tell your friends about.

Due to my current schedule and commitments I will place you on my waiting list. As I have flight opportunities I will call you to discuss your availability. I expect to be able to contact you several days in advance of any flight opportunity.

Please click on the order form link and request your flight. Then click on the passenger information link, print it out and bring it with you at the time of flight.

Sincerely yours,

Daniel T. Kirk
Pilot, Starship Hot Air Balloon