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