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A Guide to Hot Air Balloons
by Jack Landry
Hot air balloons are a fun form of entertainment. With their bright colors, great heights, and scenic views hot air balloons provide great entertainment to many.
Hot air balloons were invented in France in 1783. They are the oldest successful flight machines constructed in our history.
Hot air balloons range from very basic balloons to more advanced forms like the airship or zeppelin. As the years have gone on the structure of hot air balloons has improved and evolved creating the modern hot air balloon.
Ballooning is very different from other forms of flight. The experience is very quiet, provides an amazing view, and the smooth movement is very gentle.
This sport is made for both the daredevil and the faint-hearted. This is because although you go up it is very gentle and feels just like floating.
The giant balloon itself is called the envelope and comes in a variety of spectacular colors and designs, as well as unusual shapes. They are made from nylon and the base from a fire resistant material.
A burner at the base, usually gas, provides hot air which rises into the envelope and provides lift, gently causing the balloon to rise into the sky. The buoyancy of the balloon is the key to directing the balloon.
Buoyancy is created by the difference between air temperature inside the balloon and outside, meaning that the air does not have to be tremendously hot, just higher in temperature than the air around it. Most nylon balloons us a maximum of 120 degrees Celsius.
A fan is used to blow normal cold air into the envelope and inflate it to create the balloon shape. Then, the burner is used to heat the air inside the envelope while the balloon is held to the ground with ropes.
Once the wind has been judged safe for flight, the pilot can take off using smaller balloons. The hot air balloon can rise or descend into different air currents to change the direction.
The balloon has been used throughout world history. The Chinese used small unmanned balloons as signaling tools.
Hot air balloons were even employed by the Chinese as lookout posts during both the American civil war and the French revolutionary wars.
Despite their appearance of being slow and fragile, hot air balloons are able to go to high altitudes. On November 26, 2005, Vijaypat Singhania set the world altitude record for highest hot air balloon flight, reaching 69,852 feet.
He took off from downtown Bombay, India and landed 150 miles south in Panchale.
In January 15, 1991, the Virgin Pacific Flyer balloon completed the longest flight in a hot air balloon when Per Lindstrand and Richard Branson flew from Japan to Northern Canada. They flew nearly 7,671.91 km.
If you are interested in ballooning or just like to watch the beautiful balloons you should visit a balloon festival. Balloon festivals are the most popular place to see hot air balloons in action.
There are hundreds of balloon festivals around the world each year in many different locations. The majority of these balloon festivals take place in the summer and fall, because the weather is generally better during those times.
Depending on the festival you attend, you may be allowed to walk amongst the balloons, while others festivals may keep spectators away from the balloons, pilots, and crews. No matter what, you will still have a great view of the balloons in the sky.
At a festival, or on your own scheduled time, you can buy a balloon ride. Buying a balloon ride is often the best way of learning about the sport.
When receiving a ride, ask if you can help with the inflation and deflation of the balloon. There are lots of companies who offer balloon rides so it is easy to schedule a time.
The actual flight where you are in the air lasts generally an hour. Although, you should plan on the entire experience taking about 3-4 hours, so make sure you have enough time to just sit back and relax.
Flights most likely will take place near dawn and dusk because that is when the wind is the calmest. If you want to be more dedicated to the sport you may want to join a balloon club.
Most likely there is a balloon club near you. Joining a balloon club is a great way to meet others who are interested in ballooning.
You can gain knowledge from networking and learning from their experience. Many pilots welcome new crew members and often allow volunteers to be a part of their balloon crew.
If you are really interested in the sport being on a balloon crew is probably the quickest way to learn about the it.
Hot air balloons are a fun way to see the sights and have a long history of entertainment. Keep a look out for these enjoyable balloons in the sky.
About the Author
Jack R. Landry has loved flying since he was in his childhood and was a pilot for 12 years. He recommends (gr8flight.com) for flying hot air balloons.
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