| Riding in a hot air balloon is something | | | | of the balloon near the flame is usually made |
| everyone should experience. If you've never | | | | of fire resistant material such as Nomex. The |
| done it, you'll soon see why people who have | | | | rest of the balloon is nylon. |
| never forget it. In fact, many times, it | | | | |
| becomes an addiction. As you glide against | | | | How the Balloon Works |
| the sky, watching the sun rise, and enjoying | | | | |
| a mimosa - you'll understand the appeal! It's | | | | Do you remember when you learned that hot air |
| an other worldly experience, one that you can | | | | rises in your high school science class? |
| enjoy with a close friend, your husband or | | | | That's really all you need to know about how |
| wife or even a group of total strangers. | | | | a Hot Air Balloon works. What are the various |
| After you've shared the sky with them, you'll | | | | parts of a hot air balloon? |
| become fast friends. And although you may be | | | | |
| a bit fearful at first, your nerves will soon | | | | - The envelope: the large nylon bag that |
| calm down. The overwhelming sense of | | | | holds the hot air. Bright, colorful and easy |
| contentment that the balloon provides will | | | | to see, they can be formed in a variety of |
| take over. | | | | shapes, but usually in an egg shape. |
| | | | |
| So, what is a ride like? Hot air ballooning | | | | - The burner: Located directly above the |
| is serene, peaceful and most of all - fun! | | | | passenger's heads and produces a huge flame, |
| The balloon moves with the flow of the wind, | | | | which heats the air in the envelope based on |
| so you don't hear an engine or anything else | | | | where the pilot wants to go. |
| really, except nature. Of course, once in a | | | | |
| while you'll hear the flame heating the | | | | - The basket: Made of lightweight, flexible |
| envelope. | | | | wicker for obvious reasons. Where the riders |
| | | | stand. |
| There are many great places to experience the | | | | |
| Hot Air Ballooning experience. Rides are | | | | So, when you want the balloon to rise, what |
| usually scheduled in the very early in the | | | | would you do? Simply heat the air inside the |
| morning or late in the day because these are | | | | envelope. If the pilot wants to lose |
| the best times for low wind conditions. Why? | | | | altitude, they allow the air to cool. |
| The sun influences the rise of wind. You'll | | | | |
| probably never see a hot air balloon in | | | | How does the pilot know where it's going? |
| flight in the middle of the day. It's just | | | | Good question. Before the balloon is |
| too dangerous and unpredictable. | | | | launched, the pilot watches to see where the |
| | | | wind is blowing. Wherever it's going is where |
| So, how much does a hot air balloon ride | | | | the balloon will go as well. Technically, the |
| cost? Hot air balloon companies typically | | | | pilot cannot steer the balloon, but they will |
| charge between $100-250 per person for a ride | | | | find a "layer" of air that will allow the |
| with a licensed, commercial balloonist. A | | | | balloon to change direction. Air pockets form |
| licensed pilot needs to be certified by the | | | | in layers and can be moving in opposite |
| FAA as a Commercial Balloon Pilot. Be sure | | | | directions. How do you get back to where you |
| that your pilot has this accreditation. 4000 | | | | started when you're not really sure where you |
| pilots in the US are legally able to fly. How | | | | will land? Thankfully, a "chase crew" follows |
| long will your flight last? Around an hour or | | | | the hot air balloon ride the entire way so |
| so. Some people have wondered why the | | | | you can be picked up. |
| balloon doesn't ever catch on fire. The area | | | | |