2008 Event Schedule Below

Diane's New Balloon!

First Flight in America Anniversary

Santa Claus is flying through town!

Letchworth 2006

Harry & Diane got married on April 16, 2005.

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. 609-965-6313 or  FirstandFinest98@aol.com.

 Home Flight

Harry receives the Sportsmanship Award at The Glens Falls New York Hot Air Balloon Festival 2005

Harry & Diane

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.

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.

Nest Landing

         

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.

Your pilot is Harry Collison FAA licensed pilot with many years of experience. Diane has been a student for 4 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.

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.

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

Stowe, Vermont  - From left to right, Tom, Diane, Harry, Passenger, Mark, Karen, Passenger, Rob, Rob's girlfriend, Pete, Maureen & Jim

2005 - 2006 Pin

2007 - 2008 Pin

Gift Certificates are not available at this time.

Prices are $ 150.00 per passenger and include First Flight Certificate suitable for framing, balloon pin, 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.

All rights reserved-Words & Music by: Barry N. Finch of CT. We had the honor of meeting Barry in Stowe, Vermont at the festival.

May 25-28 / Red White & Blue Rally - Letchworth, NY http://www.balloonsoverletchworth.com

July 5-8 / Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival - Stowe, Vermont http://Stoweflake.com/_pgid_257index.aspx

July 26-29 / Quick Chek Hot Air Balloon Festival - Readington, NJ  http://www.balloonfestival.com

TBA - Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival - Canada    www.balloongatineau.com

September 20-23 / Adirondack Hot Air Balloon Festival  Glens Falls, NY  http://www.adirondackballoonfest.org

      

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

Commercial Pilot & Owner: Harry Collison

Phone number: 609-965-6313

Email: Firstandfinest98@aol.com

Email: GuardianAngelLTA@aol.com

Co Pilot & Owner: Diane Collison

Phone number: 609-965-6313

Email: AlexisAngelLTA@aol.com

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