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Lafayette, Ind., 1859. Credit: Bass Photo Company Collection, Indiana Historical Society
Balloon Safety and Weather Information
How safe is the balloon ride?
- The helium used in the balloon is noncombustible and nonflammable.
- The balloon is securely anchored to the ground by a steel tether.
- The balloon manufacturer, Aerophile, located in Paris, France, has a spotless safety record. They have never had an accident.
- All ages can participate in 1859 Balloon Voyage; however, children must be accompanied by an adult.
- For the safety of all guests, no food or drink is allowed on the ride.
- The gondola of the balloon is crafted of composite materials and aluminum, and the upper portion of the gondola is surrounded by netting.
- The balloon will carry up to 20 guests per flight, fewer as wind speeds increase.
- The ride can accommodate a range of physical needs to ensure the safety of all guests. The balloon is wheelchair accessible, with a ramp for easy access. A wheelchair no wider than 25.5" will fit onto the gondola. If your wheelchair is too wide, we have one you can use. Once inside the gondola, the wheelchair is strapped to the base with special safety clips.
- Stroller parking is available prior to boarding.
- During take-off and landing, guests are asked to hold on to the railing for their safety and others’.
- The balloon ascends in good weather conditions only and will not fly in unsafe conditions, including storms or high winds.
- Trained by Aerophile and Conner Prairie, the pilot will have Internet access to continually check the weather. In addition, he or she will have an airspeed indicator, altimeter and vertical speed indicator on the control box in the gondola. All pilots will adhere to strict policies regarding safety. When wind speeds exceed 23 MPH or may at any point during the flight reach this speed, the balloon will not fly.
Do I get my money back if weather prevents the balloon from flying?
A Guest Services Representative at the Ticket Desk or at the Balloon Kiosk will gladly refund the amount you paid for your balloon ticket or issue a rain check if the balloon is grounded due to weather. If the balloon is flying and you decide not to ride after purchasing a ticket, your money will not be refunded.
How will I know if weather conditions are okay for the balloon to fly?
You can check the daily weather notice on our Web site to make sure the balloon is flying when you visit. However, since weather conditions can change with little notice, you can also check at the Ticket Desk and at the Balloon Kiosk once you are on-site.
Weather Information for Fishers, Ind.
The National Weather Service site on the NOAA webpage has the most up-to-date and reliable radar for Indiana.
The NOAA site also has a page that shows current wind speeds across the country.