Are Hot Air Balloons Safe?

If you've ever thought about taking a hot air balloon ride, then safety was probably high on your list of considerations. You may think that just because hot air balloons are basic in nature, they're not as safe as more complex methods of air travel. This isn't the case -- hot air balloons are designed to be simple and safe at the same time!

One very important part of hot air balloon safety is weather conditions. Rain can damage the balloon envelope, and lightning can of course be extremely dangerous to a hot air balloon and its passengers. That's why pilots always perform detailed analysis of weather and wind conditions before taking a hot air balloon up in the air. There are small balloons called piballs that pilots release to check wind direction at a possible launch location. Most hot air balloon rides take place around sunrise, because the wind conditions are the best during this time.

A hot air balloon consists of three major parts: the envelope, the basket, and the burner. The envelope is the large balloon that is filled with hot air. Balloon envelopes are made from durable fire resistant nylon. The basket is the part of the balloon where the passengers ride. Baskets are crafted from wicker, a material that is lightweight, flexible, yet extremely strong. The burner is the part of the balloon that supplies propane gas to the pilot light, which is what causes the balloon to rise. There is a valve that the pilot can open to cause the balloon to descend altitude.

Not only are hot air balloon pilots trained and certified for ballooning, there is extra assurance on the ground in the form of a chase crew. The chase crew follows the balloon at all times to ensure maximum safety, as well as to collect passengers and equipment after the balloon lands. Because a hot air balloon has only vertical controls, it's often difficult to predict the landing site. With a chase crew, you don't need to worry about getting lost!

When you're in a hot air balloon basket on a ride, you don't have to worry about the basket tipping or shaking. The basket is extremely sturdy, balanced and safe, and there's no way anyone could fall out.

Another great way to ensure total safety when taking a hot air balloon ride is only to deal with experienced companies and pilots who have all necessary credentials and an excellent safety record. By taking a few simple precautions, you can make sure you take a fun and safe hot air balloon ride!

Copyright 2006 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

Hot Air Balloon News:
Balloons' parade rained on - The Canberra Times

The Canberra Times
Balloons' parade rained on
The Canberra Times
Jane Pender, of Bondi, said her son Conrad, 7, had never seen a balloon before ''so he was amazed to see that something filled with hot air could fly''. .

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Route 28 parade goes green - Cape Cod Times

Route 28 parade goes green
Cape Cod Times
A huge flatbed contained balloons that formed a hot air balloon all in the colors of the Irish flag. Real evergreen and dry ice, which caused a smoky look, .

and more »
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In the movies: A balloon ride with the stars - ReporterNews.com

In the movies: A balloon ride with the stars
ReporterNews.com
Lewis has flown a balloon in documentaries for NBC and National Geographic. Johnny Lewis has flown his hot air balloon over the sand-scraped pyramids of The .

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Hot air balloon to take King's message to new heights - Saudi Gazette

Hot air balloon to take King's message to new heights
Saudi Gazette
RIYADH EUR A hot air balloon carrying the statement: EURKing of HumanityEUR imprinted with King Abdullah's picture will .

and more »
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DOCTOR WHO: The Complete Specials Blu-Ray Review - Collider.com (blog)

Collider.com (blog)
DOCTOR WHO: The Complete Specials Blu-Ray Review
Collider.com (blog)
His sonic screwdriver is a plain old screwdriver and he has a hot air balloon he calls his TARDIS. Confounding the mystery of the second Doctor's identity .

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