Hot Air Balloons Aircraft

A hot air balloon gliding across the clear blue sky  is a beautiful sight.   People have always had a fascination with flying, but there is something especially romantic and dreamy about experiencing flight in a hot air balloon. What a perfect way to feel at one with nature. A hot air balloon ride is thrilling experience.

The hot air balloon is not meant as a method of transportation for anyone who needs to get somewhere fast. It is for those who want to experience flying as a serene, enjoyable activity. How do they work? Except for today’s modern materials and fuels, the basics and principles are pretty much the same as they were back in 1783 when the hot air balloon was invented by the French.

It is based on the scientific principle that warmer air rises in cooler air. Hot air has less mass per unit of volume. This makes it lighter than cool air. The hot air balloon has 3 main parts:

The Envelope

This is the actual balloon itself. It is generally made out of a nylon fabric with the mouth area being made from a fire-resistant material, such as Nomex.

The Burner

This is the unit that injects the heat into balloon. It uses propane gas to heat the envelope air and lift the balloon. To make sure that the balloon remains stable, the pilot has to fire the burner at regular intervals during the course of the flight.

The Basket or Gondola

This is where the passengers and pilot stand. Most baskets are made from lightweight wicker that is similar to the material in patio furniture. The light, durable material helps to absorb the jolt during landing.

Is Hot Air Ballooning Safe?

Generally speaking yes, but because it is considered a sport, it requires some physical strength. If you are planning a hot air balloon ride, be sure to check that your pilot is qualified. As for the balloon itself, balloon manufacturers have done tests and have found that is possible for a balloon to fly with a whole large enough to fit a man through it, as long as it is not at the top of the envelope.

Licensing

In the US, pilots are required to have a pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Association. It will be from the “lighter than air category with a free balloon class rating.” If he/she wants to carry passengers for hire he/she needs a commercial pilot certificate. For more detailed information on US hot air balloon piloting, please visit the US FAA. In the UK, a valid private pilot’s license, known as a“PPL(B)” issued by the Civil Aviation Authority especially for hot air ballooning is required. In Canada, you have to have a balloon pilot’s license issued by Transport Canada.

By: Jon Wuebben

Hot air balloons are an odd flying apparatus. They don’t look like anything else that flies. They aren’t used like other flying objects to get people from one place to another. They only are flown at certain times and in certain conditions. They don’t have a motor or anything that mechanical with moving parts. Hot air balloon rides operate solely based on the magic and simplicity of science and physics.

The other thing about the hot air balloon experience? Its one of the most unique events you’ll ever encounter. Even those who have only gone up once still remember their ride, just like it was yesterday. It just seems to stands out in your mind. Why? Because theres simply nothing quite like it.

Here are a few other interesting bits of information about the always fascinating hot air balloon:

• Hot air balloons were discovered in France in 1783.
• At that time, in the laboratory, it was discovered that a fabric bag filled with hot air could rise.
• In the beginning, to test for safety, balloons without passengers were sent up and observed.
• The next step was to send animals up to experiment with different weights. Sheep, chickens and even ducks were used.
• When everything was proven totally safe, a balloon with two men traveled over Paris for 5.5 miles, staying up 23 minutes.
• This was the very first attempt made by man to fly.
• Balloons have been critical to science as they have helped us study the weather and the atmosphere.
• On a hot air balloon ride, an apparatus called a “skirt” helps direct the hot air into the balloon.
• Every hot air balloon has a long section called the “gore”.
• Smaller pieces of the gore are called “panels”.
• In order to fly, Balloon pilots need a commercial balloon LTA pilot’s license.
• Pilots must have under gone the following:
  o Flight instruction of at least 35 hours
  o Ground school attendance for basic aviation training
  o Passage of a written test for hot-air balloon knowledge
  o A flight check from a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) official.
• If a balloon is in a controlled air space, it must meet air-traffic control requirements and pilots must have radio contact with controllers. (FAA Rules)
• Besides having basic knowledge of who they are flying with and their qualifications, there are no official safety requirements for passengers.
• Accidents are rare.
• Why do hot air balloons not fly in the rain? because balloon heat can cause water to boil at the top of the balloon, and boiling water can destroy the fabric.
• Depending on balloon size, area balloon operators can carry from two to 10 passengers at a time.

So, now that you know something interesting about hot air balloons, when are you going to go up in one? If there is one bit of advice to give it would be this: dont let a perceived fear stop you from enjoying the adventure. Even though it may look a little risky – it really isn’t. As was mentioned previously, accidents are very rare. It almost never happens. Pilots are well trained before they ever take anyone up. Plus, you can do your part by ensuring that you use a hot air balloon company that has a great safety record. There are many reputable ones out there.

When you do decide to take a ride, you’ll not only have a great time, but you’ll experience a thrill of a lifetime!

About the Author

(c) 2006 California Dreamin, offers hot air balloon rides and biplane rides since 1977. Featuring sunrise flights in the Temecula valley wine country and sunset flights over the Del Mar coastal valley. To take a flight, contact http://www.californiadreamin.com/ or (800) 373-3359

(ArticlesBase SC #78104)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Fun Facts About Hot Air Balloons

By: Low Jeremy

Hot air advertising balloons are considered as one of the fastest growing form of advertising today. Using an advertising balloon to increase brand awareness is just like having your very own billboard. Hot air balloons can easily attract attention, which is the objective of effective advertising. Hot air advertising balloons help give a lasting impact anywhere.

Hot air advertising balloons are very effective in affecting the behavioral patterns of a large community. The hot air advertising balloons themselves can generate the sales for you. But with it, you can expect more traffic, increased awareness and attention towards the brand that you are advertising. Used to complement traditional advertising methods, hot air balloon advertising can be quite a killer combo for business owners.

And because of their high attraction level among spectators, hot-air balloons are an advertising method that generates the highest retention by their impact made. With a hot air advertising balloon, it is like creating a great spectacle in the sky. Its lofty position in the sky is likely to be remembered by all who have the chance to see it. This makes this method of advertisement the most effective of all. Here are some very telling examples:

A hot air advertising balloon seen soaring through the sky in a city has the ability to catch the attention of 90% of the people who are just going around at that moment. With its high position providing an unhindered view from all sides, hot air advertising balloons allow 60% of these people to stop and take a good look at them.

It is known that about 95% of these people mention to friends and loved ones seeing the hot-air balloon, thereby creating a kind of word of mouth advertising that can generate a lot of indirect brand awareness for companies and other businesses. In addition, there are about 90% of these spectators who will remember seeing the hot air advertising balloon for many years to come, providing a lasting impression that advertisers and companies look for when they advertise.

The largest advantage hot air advertising balloons is that it provides a fast and flexible outreach that can have an impact so most number of people, no matter what the age group they belong to. It has been a proven method of trying to reach out to many people at any one time. Advertising on hot-air balloons is by far the best and most unique and spectacular form of publicity today.

About the Author

Low Jeremy maintains http://Advertising-Balloons.ArticlesForReprint.com. This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.

(ArticlesBase SC #91833)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Hot Air Balloons And Your Business

By Terrance Wattson

You can have a once in a lifetime experience riding in a hot air balloon. Even if you are afraid of heights, you can try riding in a hot air balloon. Moving at the speed of the wind is otherworldly. People sometimes wonder if there is a strong breeze up there. The answer is no, because you are moving with the wind. It can be like floating in a dream, far above the troubles and cares of the world around you. Riding in a hot air balloon is a Zen experience.

There are a few ways to make your experience a bit more pleasant. In case you haven’t considered these things already, we will suggest them in advance.

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes. Your time riding in a hot air balloon will be spent standing, so anything you can do to make standing in a somewhat confined space for an hour or so more comfortable is a recommended accommodation.

Be sure to wear sunglasses. The sun can really get in your line of sight on a bright day if you are riding in a hot air balloon. You want to able to enjoy the scenery, so bring the shades.

If you have binoculars, bring them as well. The view can go on for miles, or even somewhat further with a powerful lens.

Do not forget your camera. Riding in a hot air balloon affords some really great photo opportunities. You will want to share the event with family and friends. The first thing that they will ask to see is going to be pictures. Your photos will be a testament to the event. You will, no doubt, appreciate them for a long time. I mean, how often do you get to take photos while riding in a hot air balloon?

Speaking of family and friends, it is always best to bring at least one companion along on your ride. This isn’t really nearly as enjoyable solo as it is sharing with someone else. If you really want to have a good time, bring someone who you know is afraid of heights.

If you are afraid of heights, do not concentrate on looking down while riding in a balloon. This is a different experience than climbing a ladder or walking a railroad trestle. If you concentrate on the view and look forward, it can be more like looking out a window or from a tall summit. Many people who have a fear of heights find that they can handle riding in a hot air balloon all right.

Do not be a co-pilot. The person flying the hot air balloon does not need a co-pilot or they would have one with them. What do you know about flying a balloon anyway? Have trust in pilot. He or she has plenty of experience, if you researched the flight company properly, and knows what to do in the event of gusts or any sort of weather incident. Just relax and concentrate on the view. Remember, riding in a hot air balloon is a Zen experience.

Terrance Wattson often finds himself pondering how to improve life around him. Besides trying to solve the problems of the world, Terrance has a site with reviews of bathroom scales digital, including Tanita digital scales.

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