Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you have questions not answered here don't hesitate to contact us and we will instantly reply.

Questions concerning the flight...

Where will we fly?

We study the prevailing winds at different elevations and select a take-off site that will provide the best flight-path possible. The pilot ascends and descends to find air currents that are moving in the desired direction. Balloons can only travel with the wind, but our skilled pilots direct the balloon throughout the flight and it often appears as if the balloon was steered!

What does it feel like during the flight?

Once aloft you will not notice turbulence or wind as you become one with the air currents. The basket hangs motionless in the air-mass in which it is suspended. In the calm conditions in which we fly there is nothing that can make the basket sway and the sense of movement is much more subtle than an elevator ride. The feeling is one of peace as we drift over treetops and float over the countryside. Vertigo is almost never experienced and we are always happy to accommodate our passengers if they prefer low altitude flights. Some passengers describe the sensation they feel on our flights as tranquil and romantic while others describe the flight as gentle and calm.

Do passengers sit or stand during the flight?

Passengers normally stand in the basket during flights, however we can accommodate those passengers who need to be seated.

Where do we land?

We are welcome to land in the many open fields in the area we fly over. Your pilot will begin the gentle descent when he finds an appropriate landing site that is accessible by our ground crew.

What should I wear?

Please dress casually - jeans and flat heeled shoes. Although we usually land close to a road, you may be walking through fields. It is no colder in the balloon than on the ground, yet you may wish to bring a light jacket. Layered clothing is best.

What should I bring?

Bring your camera and lots of film. Our crew will be happy to take pictures of you in the balloon.

When do we fly?

We fly early in the morning because this time of day provides calm, cool air for gentle and stable flights, soft landings and maximum lifting capacity of the balloon. It is also the ideal time for photography, with splendid colours and contrasts and the beauty of the sunrise.

How long is the flight?

We are normally in the air for about an hour. The whole experience lasts 3 to 3½ hours, so you will have the rest of the day to enjoy the many attractions of Cappadocia.

What about weather conditions?

Before we fly, we check the weather. We can generally fly with wind speeds up to 10 miles per hour.

Do we fly if it's raining?

Light rain is not a problem when the wind conditions are stable, although we would not schedule a flight when rain was anticipated as it would add considerable weight to the fabric. Often rain can be associated with instability and unpredictable winds which is actually more disturbing to us as the volume of the balloon is so great. Cloudy conditions often give some of the best conditions for flying although the photographer might be disappointed.

Is it safe?

Balloon flight is as safe as travelling on an airliner operated by one of the world's major carriers. The technical systems are very simple and there is almost nothing that can go wrong. Many many people who don't like the claustrophobia of an airplane feel very comfortable in the balloon basket.

What about insurance and licenses?

All of our passengers are insured. Our balloon operation in Turkey is licensed as a Commercial Air Transport (License number: 1997/18). We were the first private licence-holder for passenger-transport by a Hot-Air Balloon operator in Turkey. All our pilots are licenced from the Turkish Civil Aviation authority. Please feel free to inspect our licences and log-books to confirm the legitimacy of Kapadokya Balloons™ and experience of the pilots.

How long is the flying season?

We are open all year around!

Questions concerning reservation...

How can I make a reservation?

Send an e-mail at flykapadokyaballoons.com and we will be happy to book a flight for you and answer any further questions. You can also download a Credit Card payment form or send an empty mail to let it send to you.
You can then send it back as a fax using +90 (0) 384 271 2586.

We are also happy to help with recommendations for places to stay etc.

Other questions...

Is age a consideration?

We are happy to carry passengers of all ages, but most of our passengers are aged 10 to 80.

What kind of equipment do you use?

All our balloon equipment is to the highest standard and is manufactured in Spain and in England. We have sturdy four-wheel drive Mercedes ground support vehicles for retrieval of the equipment from the fields.

How did you discover Cappadocia?

We were working for many years with Buddy Bombards' famous ballooning adventures in France and Europe, and he came here with his first group in 1990. Lars was the pilot sent out to investigate the area, and to run the first trip and he simply never wanted to leave!!