Flight and Hot Air Balloons



A hot air balloon flight can be a wonderful way to spend a few hours, or get away with family, friends, or someone you love. The history of flight and hot air balloons goes back more than 200 years. Hot air balloons were first invented in the late 1700s, pre-dating the first airplane flight by some 120 years. Hot air ballooning became a popular pastime, especially in 19th century Europe. Many of the firt balloonists, as well as the inventors of the hot air balloon, after all, were French.

The first hot air balloons were rickety and dangerous contraptions, often made of alum-coated paper and rags, with an open fire pit for a burner. Although the basic design has changed very little, modern hot air ballons are now made of rip-stop nylon, employ a propane burner, and a sturdy wicker basket for the passengers. The modern hot air balloon flight is a very safe venture, indeed, with the main enemies being sudden lightning and thunder storms, unusually gusty winds, and, of course, power lines that might be encountered upon descent and landing.

Many vendors offer hot air balloon flights at reasonable prices in most areas of the country, if you know where to look. The Internet is a fantastic resource for locating places offering hot air balloon rides, as well as more information about ballooning, or you can even try your local Yellow Pages.

Most hot air balloon flights take off just after sunrise, because the wind conditions are most favorable at this time of day. Wind is what pilots use to plot their course of flight, as well as navigate the balloon. Therefore, winds need to be as gentle and stable as possible, which is most often the case in early morning.

Dress comfortably for your hot air balloon flight. Fabrics like cotton are ideal, as are light layers. Comfortable flat shoes are a must. A hat might also be a good idea to protect against the heat that radiates from the burners, and to sheild your eyes from the sun, which will be low in the morning sky.

If you're thinking about taking your first hot air balloon flight, you may have some questions, and may wonder about hot air balloon safety. You'll be happy to learn that not only are the balloons themselves safe, and commercial flights are controlled by expert professionals. Also, all hot air balloon pilots must be FAA certified.

The basket is where you'll be during the ride. The balloon basket is made of wicker, which is a durable and flexible material commonly used for making patio furniture. Being flexible, the wicker helps absorb impact at landing, making more comfortable for passengers. The basket will not sway or rock during your hot air balloon flight, nor is there any danger of anyone falling out. Also, since you will be moving with the wind, you will feel like you are floating in air, since you will feel no real breeze.

After your hot air balloon flight, which should last about an hour, you can celebrate with a champagne toast at the landing site. Spend some time exploring the area where you landed and be sure to get a souvenir! Where you land often depends on where the wind takes you, and the mystery is all part of the excitement of hot air balloon flights and hot air balloons adventure!

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