| When you want to give a gift that will be | | | | take-offs, flights, and landings, and usually last |
| remembered, consider giving a gift certificate for | | | | about an hour and a half. Another type of glider |
| a hot air balloon ride or other soaring adventures. | | | | ride takes the rider up one mile in the air, where |
| Humans have always craved the freedom of | | | | they can enjoy a smooth, quiet, peaceful ride with |
| flight, and balloon rides, glider rides, or skydiving | | | | views of spectacular scenery. Other gliders have |
| are sure to be gifts that will thrill your recipients. | | | | more room, so that two riders can accompany |
| A hot air balloon ride typically has room for one, | | | | the pilot for a beautiful flight. |
| two, three, four, or more passengers, depending | | | | For the truly adventuresome, tandem skydiving |
| upon the size of the gondola (the basket). Usually | | | | makes the perfect gift. Typically, the novice and |
| a crew chief will take your friend or friends to a | | | | the instructor board the jump plane and climb to |
| launch site where the balloon is being inflated. | | | | between 10,000 and 13,000 feet. Signals are given |
| After the balloon is inflated and everyone is in the | | | | and the novice exits the aircraft harnessed to his |
| gondola, the balloon gently ascends to between | | | | or her instructor. The free-fall is a rush and the |
| 500 and 1,000 feet. It travels above the treetops | | | | feeling of flying is breathtaking. Then, the chute is |
| and below the clouds for about an hour, covering | | | | opened and the two float to earth together. |
| five or ten miles. Upon landing, it's typical to | | | | Soaring adventures make a wonderful gift, but |
| adhere to an old French tradition of celebrating | | | | they can also create memorable bonding |
| with a champagne toast as the balloon is being | | | | experiences. A hot air balloon ride on your first |
| rolled up. The entire experience takes about three | | | | wedding anniversary can be incredibly romantic |
| hours. | | | | and exciting. Likewise, a hot air balloon ride can |
| A glider ride can take several forms. Some gliders | | | | provide the perfect backdrop for a reunion of |
| are equipped with dual-controlled joysticks, so a | | | | close friends or classmates. Whatever the |
| single rider can take the controls from the pilot | | | | occasion, soaring adventures can put the wind |
| for a short time and actually fly the glider. These | | | | beneath your wings. |
| glider rides are typically a series of two or three | | | | |