Hot Air Balloons

Just imagine that like a bird you are floating high in the air as you watch the world float past below you. You feel the fresh air on your face as you admire the beauty of the scene below you. You have completely left all of life's worries and problems behind (or should that be below?) as you spend the most fabulous morning or evening of your life with you husband, wife or partner. So just what is this amazing thing that enables you to do this? Yes, You got it. They are flying in a hot air balloon. The balloon is decorated in a superb variety of colors and patterns The basket is comfortable and the experience is glorious. It doesn't matter what sort of terrain you happen to be flying over, the experience is truly, a once in a lifetime one. You and nature seem to be as one as you glide across the world. If you think a hot air balloon ride with your favorite person is not possible then think again. Hot air ballooning is becoming more and more common right across the world. It's an opportunity just waiting for you to enjoy and take the ride of your life.

The structure of a hot air balloon is made up of three major parts: first there is the burner, then envelope which is the balloon itslef, and the basket. So let us look at each of these parts in turn to understand how it all works:

Propane gas is the fuel used to supply the burner which ignites the gas to produce heat to fill the balloon with hot air. There's a small tube which supplies a pilot light which is used to ignite the main burner when required. The amount of gas released to the main burner is controlled by the pilot who has control of a high pressure valve for the supply of gas to the main burner.. More gas released and burned equals more heat which causes the balloon to rise faster. The pilot then uses this valve to control the flame. The flame causes hot air to shoot up into the envelope of the balloon and keep it aloft.

The envelope is the name used for the balloon-shaped part that contains the hot air. Usually made of nylon, it is designed to withstand quite high temperatures and is stong enough to withstand the pressure of the hot air inside.. Envelopes can be made up of various colors, in many sizes and can be seen in some quite remarkable shapes and designs. Some companies use these envelopes for advertising purposes.

The basket is the place where the passengers are standing. Normally made from wicker, a flexible yet strong material commonly used for outdoor furniture and used to make baskets and even boats long ago. The Basket will usually carry up to six people depending on their size and the balloons lifting capability.

Hot air balloons were first invented in 1783 by the Montgolfier brothers in Annonay, France. The very first hot air balloon passengers were a chicken, duck and sheep who were not expected to survive. When the animals did indeed, survive the trip, the Montgolfier brothers knew that people could ride safely as well. So just two months later, the very first two people ever, took their maiden voyage in a Montgolfier hot air balloon, and the rest, as they say, is history!

When you are booking a hot air balloon ride, it's best to be prepared. You will probably either be going at dawn, or right before dusk because the wind is usually at it's lightest at the times. You should dress comfortably, using light but layered fabrics like cotton and you may find that a hat and sunglasses will be worth having and probably a light jacket.

The rides will typically last one to three hours. A chase crew on the ground will be following the balloon and should be with you shortly after landing. They will meet you all to collect the equipment and passengers.

You should take a camera with you so that you can capture the magnificent views you see from the hot air balloon. Because no one's ever absolutely sure where they'll land in a hot air balloon, an adventurous sightseeing trip after the ride is always a fun idea!

Have you ever been up in a hot air balloon? No? Then you're in for a treat! Hot air balloon rides are incredibly smooth and gentle, perfect for people who aren't that comfortable with heights. These days, hot air balloon pilots must be certified and all equipment is examined thoroughly before passengers are ever taken up which all helps to make hot air ballooning a safe and enjoyable activity for you and your friends or family!

Copyright 2007 Tim Bersaw - All Rights Reserved

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