| There's nothing quite like flying in a hot-air balloon. | | | | What's it like to fly a balloon? A pilot can only |
| Here are a few common questions about | | | | move a hot air balloons up and down. In order to |
| them-and their answers. | | | | move left or right, a pilot can raise or lower the |
| How do they work? Hot air rises. A burner heats | | | | balloon to catch a wind current that's going in the |
| the air within the balloon. As the air heats up, it | | | | right direction. A good balloonist knows the |
| becomes warmer than the air around it. This | | | | prevailing wind directions in his area and can find |
| causes it to rise, taking the basket and its | | | | the right level for each direction he wants to go |
| contents along with it. | | | | in. |
| What is the balloon made of? Most of the | | | | What's it like to ride in a balloon? Riding in a balloon |
| "envelope" on many hot-air balloons is made from | | | | is surprisingly peaceful. Balloons can only go as |
| nylon. Nylon is airtight, lightweight and strong, and | | | | fast as the winds around them, which isn't too |
| most importantly, it withstands heat well without | | | | fast-generally around 8 to 16 kph. Because there |
| melting. | | | | are no motors or propellers, the ride is quiet and |
| Why is the basket always made of wicker? | | | | tranquil. |
| Wicker is lightweight, strong, and flexible. When a | | | | No matter the occasion, there's nothing quite like |
| balloon lands after a flight, it can sometimes hit | | | | drifting above the earth, seeing things from a new |
| the ground with a bit of a bump. The flexible | | | | perspective as you ride the winds. A hot-air |
| wicker absorbs most of the shock of the landing. | | | | balloon ride is a wonderful event for all occasions. |