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