Flight and Rate Information
Come Fly with us.
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Every flight is different. The time of year, time of day (morning or evening) and weather, affect each flight. Flights are scheduled just after dawn, or an hour and a half to two hours before sunset. All flights are approximately an hour long.
The flight typically starts with a climb to about 1500 feet above the ground. This gives you a very good overview of the northern section of the Dallas Metroplex. On good days you can even see the Dallas skyline! As you continue the pilot descends to 700 to 1000 feet above the ground leaving us with a more detailed view of most of McKinney, Melissa, Celina or other points depending on direction. You can even hear noises from the ground. Finally you descend to just above the trees, or ground in open areas. This gives a greater sense of motion. It also allows the pilot to look for landing spots and observe wind currents.
To view some of our flight pictures, click here.
All flights are subject to current weather conditions. In the event of windy, low cloud or other inclement conditions we will reschedule your flight as soon as possible.
Due to the Texas heat we are frequently unable to offer evening flights in July and August or if temperatures exceed 95 degrees. This is due to safety concerns; dehydration is prevalent at these temperatures!
Each flight consists of the following:
Preflight: (Putting it all together)
The envelope (balloon), gondola (basket), and equipment are unpacked. The balloon is attached to the basket and then inflated with a large fan. Once the balloon is about 2/3 full the pilot will fire the burners to heat the air inside. The balloon will rise causing the basket stand upright. We encourage you to assist in this process, just ask the pilot or crew chief how you can help!
Launch: (Stand it up and we are ready for lift off)
When ready, the pilot will call the passengers to the basket, last minute pictures are taken and we are ready to lift off! The pilot then fires the burners and off you go!
Flight: (Riding the winds)
If you have ridden in an elevator, then you should have little trouble with a balloon flight. The balloon rises into the air and travels with the wind. The distance and direction traveled, depends on wind speed, wind currents and direction.
Landing and recovery:
As the ride comes to an end, the pilot will instruct you on the landing. You will find the crew followed you from the ground in the chase vehicle. After landing, the crew will pack up the equipment and reload it onto the trailer. We then return to the original meeting place to present you with your flight certificate, and enjoy a celebratory toast.
Dress like you are taking an outdoor hike, sturdy shoes and long pants. Sandals and shorts are not recommended, due to possible landings in fields that may have high grass, thorns, and stickers. Dress for the weather on the ground, the temperature is not very different in the air. We suggest wearing layers in the cooler months.
Anyone under the age of 18 must have parental permission in writing, or a parent present, to fly. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent, or have written permission from a parent if flying with another family member.
For safety reasons, we are unable to fly any child under 34" in height, (to the nose), or the age of 8. We suggest calling with questions about age.
Our meeting place is the parking lot adjacent to the water tower directly behind Chili's and Applebee's. This is on the North East corner of the intersection of Interstate 75 and US Hwy 380 in McKinney, TX.
For directions to our meeting place, click here
1 passenger - $225
2 passengers - $400 (200 each)
3 passengers - $570 (190 each)
4 passengers - $700 (175 each)
With each flight you will receive a champagne toast, a floppy disk with digital pictures and a first flight certificate. Non-alcoholic cider is available upon request.
Tethered balloon rides, balloon advertising programs and promotions are also available.
Sky Chasers Inc. must review the location for the tether, before we make a commitment to work the event.
The cost of a tether event is $650.00 for the first hour, $500.00 for each additional hour, with a two (2) hour minimum. If the event is over fifty (50) miles from the intersection of Hwy 5 & Eldorado Pkwy in Mc Kinney, TX., there will be an added charge of $1.00 per mile.
In most circumstances, we ask for volunteers from the event planner. These people will handle crowd, and line control, and if monies/ticket collections are taken.
Weather conditions and maximums are a great concern for tethers. Specific guidelines are discussed and incorporated into the contract. Passenger safety, if passengers are expected, is our greatest concern. Please call for details.
Gift Certificates are available. Since Gift Certificates are prepaid rides, payment in full is due at issuance. The gift certificate recipient may call and schedule the flight at their convenience.
To book a flight, call 214-683-3624, or email .
Flight dates are first request, first given!
We suggest booking the flight at least one (1) week in advance. Again this is first request, first booked scheduling. The more advance notice the better your chance the date is open. In warmer months we are frequently booked 3 + weeks in advance!
A $50.00 non-refundable deposit is required after booking a flight, this does not include gift certificates. Deposits are due within 6 business days after booking the flight. The deposit holds the date you scheduled for your flight. The deposit is a good faith commitment on your part and applies to the total price of the flight. Time is valuable to everyone. Passengers not appearing on scheduled dates and not calling introduced this system to us. Please, if you have an emergency, call. All cancellations require a 24 hours notice! In the event of inclement weather the deposit will roll over to the new date!
Our mailing address is:
Sky Chasers Inc.
P.O. Box 2225
McKinney, Texas 75070-8167
We accept cash, checks or money orders at our mailing address. Make checks and money orders payable to Sky Chasers Inc.
American Express, MasterCard and Visa are available by phone, 214-683-3624.
We can make arrangements to meet if timing is a concern or for gift certificates!
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