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