| Hot air balloons are an odd flying apparatus. They | | | | the "gore". |
| don't look like anything else that flies. They aren't | | | | - Smaller pieces of the gore are called "panels". |
| used like other flying objects to get people from | | | | - In order to fly, Balloon pilots need a commercial |
| one place to another. They only are flown at | | | | balloon LTA pilot's license. |
| certain times and in certain conditions. They don't | | | | - Pilots must have under gone the following: o |
| have a motor or anything that mechanical with | | | | Flight instruction of at least 35 hours o Ground |
| moving parts. Hot air balloon rides operate solely | | | | school attendance for basic aviation training o |
| based on the magic and simplicity of science and | | | | Passage of a written test for hot-air balloon |
| physics. | | | | knowledge o A flight check from a Federal |
| The other thing about the hot air balloon | | | | Aviation Administration (FAA) official. |
| experience? Its one of the most unique events | | | | - If a balloon is in a controlled air space, it must |
| you'll ever encounter. Even those who have only | | | | meet air-traffic control requirements and pilots |
| gone up once still remember their ride, just like it | | | | must have radio contact with controllers. (FAA |
| was yesterday. It just seems to stands out in | | | | Rules) |
| your mind. Why? Because theres simply nothing | | | | - Besides having basic knowledge of who they are |
| quite like it. | | | | flying with and their qualifications, there are no |
| Here are a few other interesting bits of | | | | official safety requirements for passengers. |
| information about the always fascinating hot air | | | | - Accidents are rare. |
| balloon: | | | | - Why do hot air balloons not fly in the rain? |
| - Hot air balloons were discovered in France in | | | | because balloon heat can cause water to boil at |
| 1783. | | | | the top of the balloon, and boiling water can |
| - At that time, in the laboratory, it was | | | | destroy the fabric. |
| discovered that a fabric bag filled with hot air | | | | - Depending on balloon size, area balloon operators |
| could rise. | | | | can carry from two to 10 passengers at a time. |
| - In the beginning, to test for safety, balloons | | | | So, now that you know something interesting |
| without passengers were sent up and observed. | | | | about hot air balloons, when are you going to go |
| - The next step was to send animals up to | | | | up in one? If there is one bit of advice to give it |
| experiment with different weights. Sheep, | | | | would be this: dont let a perceived fear stop you |
| chickens and even ducks were used. | | | | from enjoying the adventure. Even though it may |
| - When everything was proven totally safe, a | | | | look a little risky - it really isn't. As was mentioned |
| balloon with two men traveled over Paris for 5.5 | | | | previously, accidents are very rare. It almost |
| miles, staying up 23 minutes. | | | | never happens. Pilots are well trained before they |
| - This was the very first attempt made by man | | | | ever take anyone up. Plus, you can do your part |
| to fly. | | | | by ensuring that you use a hot air balloon |
| - Balloons have been critical to science as they | | | | company that has a great safety record. There |
| have helped us study the weather and the | | | | are many reputable ones out there. |
| atmosphere. | | | | When you do decide to take a ride, you'll not only |
| - On a hot air balloon ride, an apparatus called a | | | | have a great time, but you'll experience a thrill of |
| "skirt" helps direct the hot air into the balloon. | | | | a lifetime! |
| - Every hot air balloon has a long section called | | | | |