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Title :

Hot Air Balloons

Posted Date :

Jan 04, 2009

Hot Air Balloons

Hot air ballooning is a striving recreational business. The idea of traveling in a giant balloon has been around for over 200 years. French scientists began experimenting with hot air balloons in the 1700s. By 1783 they successfully carried the first passengers. Hot air balloon travel has been a fantasy ever since. They have been used for scientific reasons and recreation. Modern hot air balloons really ‘took off’ in the 1960s. They are now mainly used for recreational flights. Since this has become a business, the FAA regulates pilot certification. If you take a flight, make sure your pilot is licensed.

The concept of hot air ballooning is simple: a large fabric bag filled with air is heated by a gas burner below the bottom opening. A passenger gondola is attached below the burner. However, piloting a hot air balloon is art and science. The pilot creates lift by increasing the gas, heating the air, expanding the balloon, thus lifting the balloon. The pilot lowers the balloon by pulling a cord to open a parachute valve on the balloon’s top, releasing hot air. Wind blows in different directions at different altitudes, so the pilot moves sideways by raising and lowering the balloon to catch wind currents.

A hot air balloon pilot must have a FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) pilot certificate, with a ‘Lighter-than-air free balloon’ rating. Learning to fly a plane is more consistent because engine power controls the plane’s flight. Hot air ballooning is subject to the forces of nature. The best way to learn to fly a balloon is to start as a crewmember to experience the forces of nature. Temperature influences how quickly the hot air balloon raises or falls. Wind currents are in flux, so moving sideways cannot be accurately predicted. The pilot makes continuing decisions, adjusting to temperature and wind speed.

Another major concern for hot air balloon pilots is maintaining a safe flight. Because the gondola is open to the elements, the hot air balloon is susceptible to the capriciousness of nature. The pilot must carry a flint spark lighter if the ignition fails. For additional safety the balloon must have duplicate fuel tanks, hoses and burners. The systems must operate independently of each other. As a further precaution the pilot wears flame resistant gloves to turn off valves if there is a leak. His clothes should also be flame resistant. Pilots and passengers should wear helmets.

As the popularity of hot air balloon rides increases, so have unscrupulous businesses. Watch for marketing companies springing up throughout the country that do not have balloons or pilots. They sell tickets, or more often, gift certificates. Then the person discovers that the ride is miles away and offered by a different company. . For the safest experience, look for tickets from local hot air balloon companies that you can check. You should be able to see the operation before taking a ride. Make sure that the company owns its own hot air balloons and that the pilot has the right certification.

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