Welcome to FIRST AND FINEST Hot Air Balloon Team Website

 
Welcome

See 2010 Event Schedule Below

 

First Flight of 2009

Diane's New Balloon!

First Flight in America Anniversary

Santa Claus is flying through town!

Letchworth 2006

 

We offer year round balloon flights in the historic area of Deptford Township, New Jersey.

We are also offering rides in Chester County, PA. We currently moved to PA. We will continue to fly in Deptford, New Jersey.

 

Deptford Township’s ballooning history is unique. In 1793 the first manned balloon in America landed in what is today Deptford Township. It was flown by a gentleman by the name of Jean Pierre Blanchard the noted French aeronaut and it was launched in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On a cold morning in January 1793 the balloon lifted off from a prison in Philadelphia around 10 am in the morning in front of many dignitaries of the time including George Washington, and landed safely 46 minutes later. There is a plaque celebrating this great feat still there today. Travel around Deptford after your flight and notice balloons on street signs and also the water tower near the Deptford mall.

Harry flew the banner for the Deptford Police Department for community relations for 6 years. His balloon was called the First and Finest. He stopped carrying the banner December 2004. His balloon is not associated with the Deptford Police Department in any way.

We are always on the look out for new crew. Come out and have fun!  If you are interested, please contact us. 484-786-8627 or  FirstandFinest98@aol.com.

 

 Home Flight

Quick Chek Festival - July 2008 - Harry was the pilot for the barn

 

Harry & Diane

 

Welcome

We fly our balloons mainly on weekends with flights twice daily, weather permitting. Our main launch site is Gloucester County College with alternate sites further south in case the wind direction is a concern. The college is conveniently located off of major routes 55, 42 and the Delsea Drive in Gloucester County New Jersey. Precise directions are available upon request.

Welcome

Our usual launch times are at sunrise and about two hours before sunset as this is the calmest time of the day. Balloons do not fly in the middle of the day due to wind speeds and thermals. It is mandatory to meet the balloon crew about a half an hour before launch time for a procedural and safety briefing plus setting up the balloons at our desired location. We usually fly with one other balloon so it’s usually more interesting and picture taking is encouraged.  We recommend bookings in advance to ensure a spot on our list. However, last minute flights can and will happen depending on circumstances. We start looking at flying on any given weekend around Wednesday and Thursday and usually have a good idea if it’s going to be favorable for a balloon flight on the coming weekend by Friday.

Crime prevention day, Harry plays with the big boys

Crime prevention day, Harry plays with the big boys.

Nest landing

Nest Landing

          Welcome

Our flights generally last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and sometimes longer depending on direction of travel, landing sites and wind speed. We fly as fast as the wind does and our height is sometimes treetop level or up to a couple thousand feet depending on our passengers. As any outdoor activity it is appropriate to dress for the occasion. Recommendations are closed toe sturdy shoes, no dresses or shorts, light long pants, comfortable shirt or jacket depending on the time of year. We never know where we are going to land prior to launch so we need to be prepared.

Welcome

Your pilot is Harry Collison FAA licensed pilot with many years of experience. Diane has been a student for 8 years she flies with Harry as his Co-Pilot. Our balloons are maintained and inspected with safety in mind. The balloons are subjected to annual inspections by a FAA mandated balloon repair station and will not fly unless they have a current inspection. Harry & Diane are  members of The Great Eastern Balloon Association & Balloon Federation of America.

Welcome

Balloons do not fly in rain, fog , snow or wind above 7 mph. These and many other conditions can affect the decision to fly or not to fly and are considered to ensure a safe flight to all. The decisions will be made by the Pilot in Command and all decisions are final.

 Welcome

Please feel free to contact us as we truly look forward to sharing a wonderful experience with you and whoever flies with you. More information is available by contacting Harry Collison. It can be mailed to your home or can hopefully be answered over the phone.

Splash & Dash

Splash & Dash

 

 

 

 

2005 - 2006 Pin

2007 - 2008 Pin

 

 

Welcome

Gift Certificates are available

Prices are $ 175.00 per passenger and includes a First Flight Certificate suitable for framing and a collectible card plus champagne toast or non alcoholic cider at the end of the flight. Passengers can join us afterward for breakfast at different locations at their own expense. Gift certificates are also available for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, or just because. We are also available for parties, reunions and or other special days for tethers which will be explained upon contact. The basket holds three passengers plus the pilot.

                   HOT AIR BALLOON SONG

Would you like to crew, for a chance at the view in A Hot Air Balloon, A Hot Air Balloon. Early morning we rise like the sun and at evening we rise like the moon. The ballooning community has its own philosophy and teamwork is the name of the game. We all work together, from envelope to tether and with nature, to see our craft fly. Our captain will fly, way up into the sky to soon become one with the wind. Gas burners do roar, with hot air for to soar over natural, and humans designs. Now chase is loads of fun, cause we're out there on the run. Till we locate where our crew has touched down. Then chase and crew unite, to finalize our flight and with champagne, we thank our gracious hosts. Then we're off to prepare, for our next time in the air and to rest and celebrate the quest. The vision that we share, grows stronger year by year and with wisdom, grows bright in our mind's eye.

 

 

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2010 Event Schedule

 

June 18-19 /Balloons between the Brandywines - Embreeville, PA  http://www.ccballoonfest.com                   

July 9-11 /Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival - Stowe, Vermont http://Stoweflake.com/_pgid_257index.aspx

July 22-25 /Quick Chek Hot Air Balloon Festival - Readington, NJ http://www.balloonfestival.com

September 22-26 /Adirondack Hot Air Balloon Festival  Glens Falls, NY  http://www.adirondackballoonfest.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Harry, Mark and Willie Nelson outside our hotel room in Glens Falls                           

      

Teri DiLibero...Thanks for building our site! www.usflagballoon.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both balloons up together for the first time on 9/17/08 at Mark & Karen Robertson in NY

Diane and friends

Harry and friends

Glens Falls

Glens Falls Media Flight from 5000 Feet

2008 Quick Chek Festival - Harry is Pilot on the Barn Balloon

Letchworth Red White & Blue Festival

Welcome

Commercial Pilot & Owner: Harry Collison

Phone number: 484-786-8627

Email: Firstandfinest98@aol.com

Email: GuardianAngelLTA@aol.com

Co Pilot & Owner: Diane Collison

Phone number: 484-786-8627

Email: AlexisAngelLTA@aol.com


 

 

Welcome

www.usflagballoon.com
www.NJhotair.com
www.balloonbedandbreakfast.com
www.geocities.com/algriffin.geo/harry.htm
www.euronet.nl/jdewilde/index.html
http://www.KustomKards.com

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright 2004 Includes All Pictures

Hot Air Ballooning