5 Tips For Your First Hot Air Balloon Ride

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Going on your first hot air balloon ride is an exciting experience. If you're about to head out on your adventure, here's 5 tips to ensure you enjoy it with www.AerogelicBallooning.com!

Hot air balloon rides are an exciting, fun part of any vacation. You get to enjoy a spectacular view of a new area, making it all the more exciting. All hot air balloon rides are memorable, but none more than the first hot air balloon ride!

The first hot air balloon ride is an exhilarating experience for many a hot air balloon enthusiast. For other, more casual riders, the thought of their first hot air balloon ride creates anxiety.
Like with any new, daring venture, it helps to be prepared the first time around. Here are five great tips to follow so you ensure your first hot air balloon ride!

Five Tips For Your First Hot Air Balloon Ride

1. Schedule early in your vacation, and be flexible

Many first-time riders go ahead and schedule their rides when planning the rest of their busy vacation. This can be a mistake because the forecast for the day of their ride isn't yet known. Hot air balloons rely on good weather and gentle yet sturdy winds to move safely. As such, even a hint of poor weather can ground hot air balloons for the rest of the day.
"Poor weather" doesn't just mean the usual rain, thunderstorms, snow, or gusting winds. Even the forecast for a mere sprinkling will cause a hot air balloon company to ground all baskets. This is due to liability and concern for customers' safety.

2. Wear Comfortable Clothing

Hot air balloon rides almost always launch from a field--sometimes a cow pasture.
It isn't recommended you wear any article of clothing that you don't want to get dirty. You won't be able to enjoy your first hot air balloon ride if you're busy thinking about how dirty your nice new clothes are getting.
You should also consider comfort when dressing for your first hot air balloon ride. You won't just be walking through a field. You'll be climbing over the rim of the basket, and your landing might turn a little rough.
When it comes to footwear, sneakers or comfortable boots are the way to go. They bend easily, and they won't hurt your feet while you're standing in the basket, enjoying the view. Due to the possibility of bumpy landings close toed shoes are best to protect your feet from someone stumbling and smashing your foot.
For extra protection against the grass and what might lie in it, you should wear pants rather than shorts. The pants you choose should be comfortable and easy to move around in.
You should also think about your eyesight prior to launch. Direct exposure to sunlight can severely damage your eyesight. And besides possible damage, a bright sun can prevent you from looking around and enjoying the ride.
To combat sunlight, bring with you a pair of sunglasses.
As the hot air balloon burners are very hot with radiant heat; hats are highly recommended. Its been suggested that it feel like a giant hair dryer throughout the flight.
In the case of spring and fall rides, it's always a good idea to wear layers. A t-shirt with a light jacket always works well.

3. Take Other Essentials

When packing for your first ride, keep in mind that you will be suspended above the ground for an hour or more. You need to remember to take anything you can't be without.
Notable items include medication that you take on-demand, such as insulin shots, allergy medicine, and anxiety pills. Keep all medication in a bag or pouch attached to your person at all times. Additionally, be sure to inform your hot air balloon pilot of the fact that you have medicine that you may need to take.
Another essential is water. Take one or two bottles of water with you and keep them in bag you can sling over your shoulder. Water is especially important to remember if you have to take medication or if the day is hot.
Because of the wondrous view that hot air balloon rides afford, many riders take cameras with them. Cameras are, of course, welcome, but there are some safety tips to observe.
First, bring small cameras, such as digital mini-cameras or your smartphone. Big cameras make for bulky, annoying carry-ons. Plus, small cameras and phones aren't as expensive to replace if you accidentally drop them over the side.
Second, don't partake in any risky behavior just to get a great shot. Don't hang over the edge or try to climb the rim. You might not lose just your camera over the edge--you could also lose you.

4. Know the Pre-Launch Activities

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Hot air balloon rides run on a schedule. You should be on time for your ride, or else you will risk missing it. You should also use the bathroom prior to reporting to the field.
Unless you booked a private ride, you may have additional riders joining you. Riders can range in age from children accompanied by adults to elderly folks.
Once everyone is checked in, the pilot will check the weather as well as all of the balloon equipment. Then the pilot will start the inflation fan that fills the balloon. In some cases, the pilot may ask another rider to help keep open the balloon's opening so the air can enter.
Regardless of whether or not you help open the balloon, remember to mind the balloon's various cables, and ropes. Don't allow them to wrap around you or cut across you in any way.
Additionally, mind the pilot. He or she is looking out for your safety.

5. Know The Landing Activities

When your first hot air balloon ride comes to an end, the pilot will scout out a good landing area. The area will be based on the pilot's knowledge of the area's geography as well as the weather.
The weather will greatly affect the landing. In the case of calm, mild weather, the basket will land with little force felt by the passengers. Riders will likely be instructed to keep standing and then climb over the rim once the balloon has landed.
In the case of moderate winds, the pilot will likely instruct passengers to crouch sideways away from the ground. Doing so will soften the landing. The hot air balloon may also twist around and drag along the ground before stopping.
If the latter happens, the balloon may end up landing on its side instead of its bottom. The balloon will proceed to deflate, and the riders can climb out of the basket. What a Hoot!

Need Any More First Hot Air Balloon Ride Tips? Contact Us!
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First rides can be scary! But there's nothing to be scared of. If you need more tips for your first ride, please feel free to reach out to us!

How to Overcome Your Fear of Balloon Rides

How to Overcome Your Fear of Balloon Rides
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Uneasy about balloons rides because your fear of heights? You're not alone. Luckily, there are several solutions. Here are the best ways to overcome your fear.

Have you ever wanted to go on a hot air balloon ride but the thought of being thousands of feet in the sky fills you with dread? 

Does your stomach clench when you're walking across a bridge? Do you have to avert your eyes when you're on a roller coaster ride?
The reality is, you're not alone. Many people have a fear of heights. And by many, we mean 3% to 5% of the American population.
While this is a normal fear, it doesn't mean you have to miss out on some great experiences— such as balloon rides.
In fact, it's recommended that you confront your phobia head on. In this article, we'll give you some tips and tricks on how you can overcome your fear of balloon rides.
And how you can get one step further to squelching your fear of heights.

Understanding Acrophobia or Fear of Heights

Acrophobia is the scientific term for fear of heights. So, a person who suffers from acrophobia is afraid of being several feet above the ground.
Like many phobias, your fear of heights could have come about a terrifying experience that involved heights.
You could be anxiety prone or coincidentally had a panic attack. And you just happened to be walking across a bridge.
Maybe one of your parents has a fear of heights and you picked up on their fear when you'd be in an elevator or on a roller coaster.
Or perhaps your fear is innate.
Whatever the cause, it's understandable that you have this fear. In fact, science reveals why taking balloon rides could be hard on the nerves...

What Science Says

Every person has a fight-or-flight response. If we didn't have it, humans probably wouldn't be here right now. It's what keeps us from getting bit from rattle snakes and attacked by bears.
But what if we can't run away or fight it? You see, that's what happens when you're in the air. Your feet have nowhere to carry you. Which can make us feel out of control.
Also, your eyes search for reference points roughly thirty feet in front to orient your body. When you're on a balloon ride or skydiving, the reference points are constantly moving.
Especially when skydiving or hang gliding, there isn't a reference point to orient your body.
Lastly, along these lines, our senses bring in valuable information for our brain and body to assess if this is a secure environment.
These senses include inner ear, eyes, touch, smell, and hearing.
According to this Psychology Today article, if any of these senses decreases, it lessens the ability to reference our body against other objects.
We can then become nervous because we are (subconsciously) aware that this is happening.
It then makes sense why people feel nervous when they're taking balloon rides or on an airplane.
But what can you do to make you less afraid of heights and enjoy a balloon ride? Read on to find out!

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Conquer Balloon Rides with These Tips 

Below are practical tips you can use so your balloon ride experience is enjoyable.

Schedule Your Ride Months Out

Schedule your balloon ride a couple months in advance. This will give you time to deal with your fear of heights on a smaller level.
What we mean is that take things slowly. Think of something that makes you feel slightly afraid of heights, but that is manageable
Maybe this is going on an elevator? Or walking up several flights of stairs? Everyone is different.

Rate Your Fear 

To find out which situations make you more afraid than others, make a list. For instance, you could list:

• Walking on a bridge 
• Driving over a bridge
• Taking a plane ride
• Skydiving
• Hang Gliding
• Riding in a hot air balloon
• Walking up stairs 

Then, rate that situation from one to ten, with one being the least afraid to ten being the most.
If you're still unsure about the score for each scenario, list or think of some situations where you don't feel afraid of heights at all.
This could be taking a jog or playing with your dog. These situations would be rated a one. And can help you create a baseline to go off of. (Again, yours may be different.)

Work Your Way Through the List

After rating your list, start at the bottom and work your way to the top. Let's say walking up several flights of stairs is a six for you.
It's the lowest rating on your list. Start exposing yourself to this situation and walking up flights of stairs.
Of course, you don't have to walk up ten flights of stairs in one day. Do this little by little.
Start by walking up one flight of stairs. Check in with yourself. How are you feeling? Do you sense your stomach clenching and your heart rate increasing?
Ride it through. And go up another flight. Then go back down. The next day, go up three flights of stairs. And more and more.
Once you feel comfortable walking up stairs, do a situation on your list with a higher score. Maybe that's being in an elevator or walking across a bridge.
The truth is, you want to slowly expose yourself to your fear of heights. That way, when you go on the balloon ride, you have confidence in managing your fear.

Confide in Someone About Your Fear

You don't have to go about this alone. In fact, we don't recommend it. Talk to a safe person about your fear of heights. Have them go along with you when you walk up those stairs.
They can serve as a source of encouragement and motivation.

During Your Balloon Ride

Let's say you slowly exposed yourself to your fear of heights. You've gained more confidence. But your heart's still racing during the take-off.
It's ok. Breathe through it. Squeeze your friend's or partner's hand. Focus on something that's stationary inside the basket for a few minutes.
And then dare yourself to look out at the spectacular view. Feel the wind and the sun on your face. Smell the breeze. Use your senses to not be nervously looking for control.
But to let go, surrender, and enjoy the experience.
We hope this helps you to enjoy balloon rides.
Let us know by leaving a comment!

Call Now 480-247-7813 or check out the site at www.AerogelicBallooning.com

Hot Air Balloon Safety: 5 Tips for Taking Selfies

Hot Air Balloon Safety: 5 Tips for Taking Selfies

It's hard to resist taking a selfie during a gorgeous balloon ride. But, remember - safety first! Here are 5 selfie tips to improve hot air balloon safety.

Keyword(s): hot air balloon safety

Hot Air Balloon Ride Phoenix selfie

When you go on a hot air balloon ride, you will be blown away by the spectacular views. Knowing this, it’s only natural to want to whip out your camera and take photos from 1,000 feet in the air.
You might even feel so inclined as to take a selfie. For those who don’t know, a selfie is when you take a picture of yourself using your camera or smartphone.
The newest trend in selfies is to put oneself in the most precarious situation possible to get the best selfie.
This tendency to take selfies in dangerous situations has caused 127 deaths globally since 2014. Another analysis from February 2016 showed 16 of the 49 deaths resulted in falling from heights.
We mention these stats not to scare you but to emphasize selfies get more dangerous the higher you get. It’s for this reason we want to talk to you about hot air balloon safety and how to take great hot air balloon selfies while still being safe.

Yes, Hot Air Balloons Are Still Safe

Hot air balloons are one of the safest ways to travel by air. Even if you look up the number of hot air balloon accidents in the US, you will notice that the majority are related to adverse weather.
In fact, between 2000 and 2011, there were 78 hot air balloon tour crashes involving 519 occupants. Out of those 518, only 91 sustained serious injuries, and five died.
Many injuries sustained during these tours involved passengers not following the hot air balloon safety instructions.
Hot air ballooning is also regulated by the FAA. Each pilot needs to be licensed, and each balloon needs to be registered as an aircraft.
Governing bodies in each country dictate how frequently hot air balloons need to be inspected. In the U.S., hot air balloons need to be inspected every year or every 100 hours of flight time. In addition to these inspections, a balloon pilot will perform routine checks before and after the flight, just as an airline pilot would.
This includes cleaning the balloon's fabric, checking the burner and gas lines, and making minor repairs to the basket.

What Are Key Hot Air Balloon Safety Tips?

Before you book a hot air balloon tour, you should shop around for different tour operators in your area. You will want to look for an operator that has been in business for many years, has experienced pilots, and has certain certifications.
You will also want to check various online review forums to see if customers felt safe during their ride.
Check to see if the tour operator you selected belongs to the Professional Ride Operators sector of the Balloon Federation of America (BFA). This sector was formed to keep passengers safe, and having this certification shows the tour operator takes passenger safety seriously.
When you arrive for your hot air balloon ride and step into the basket, you will immediately notice safety equipment. This is the industry standard and does not mean you will experience an incident.
Your pilot will also explain a few hot air balloon safety rules. For the most part, they will include instructions like don't lean over the railing of the basket and don't jump around in the basket.
The pilot will also instruct you on how to sit in the basket during landing.

5 Tips for Taking Hot Air Balloon Selfies

Now that you've been briefed on hot air balloon safety measures, you are ready to take beautiful photographs and selfies to share with your friends.
When taking photos, ask your pilot if you can or cannot do something and ALWAYS listen to your pilot if he tells you to stop doing something.

Don't Lean Over the Sides

Your pilot has already instructed you not to lean over the sides of the basket. This is for your safety, and no photograph is worth leaning over the side for.
What your pilot has also told you is sticking your arms outside the basket is OK, but we recommend not holding your phone or camera over the side. No electronic can withstand falling 1,500 feet!

Use a Selfie Stick

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Selfie sticks are a godsend for some and an annoyance for others. No matter your opinion on them, a selfie stick can help you frame a better photo and keeps you safely tucked in the hot air balloon basket.
If you use a selfie stick in the basket, be mindful of where you stick it so you don't whack or poke the other passengers. Using a selfie stick will also help you get more of the scenic background in your picture.

Ask Someone Else to Take the Photo

OK, no, this is not technically a selfie anymore, but if you don't have a selfie stick or long arms, asking another passenger to take your photo will likely result in a better photo.
When seeking out a fellow passenger to take a photo, look for someone who has a DSLR or other professional-looking camera. There's a higher likelihood that person will know about photography and can frame your photo well.

Find Your Lighting

Mastering lighting in your selfies is not too difficult to master, although being outside does make it a bit difficult.
If you are out in broad daylight, there are a couple of ways to frame the photo. The first way is to face the sun at an angle so the shadow from your phone doesn't end up in the picture. The second way is to have the sun directly behind you and block it with your head.
We recommend snapping several selfies to find what lighting works best for you.

Angle the Camera Down

Angling the camera down is the oldest trick in the book to ensure you look good in your selfie. Hold your camera slightly above your head while keeping your head level. This tends to work best if you are framing only yourself into the photo.
Another option is to hold your camera farther out while angling it down to capture more scenery in the background.

Hot Air Balloon Safety Selfies!

Taking a hot air balloon ride is something you are sure to remember for years to come and is a wonderful opportunity for selfies. Just remember always to follow the hot air balloon safety tips and have fun with your photographs.
To learn more about hot air balloon selfie opportunities, get in touch with us!

The Perfect Honeymoon Hot Air Balloon Experience

Private hot air balloon

The Perfect Honeymoon Hot Air Balloon Experience

by: www.AerogelicBallooning.com

Trying to plan the perfect honeymoon? A romantic hot air balloon experience is ideal for unique honeymoons. Read on for tips for planning your balloon ride!

Keyword(s): hot air balloon experience

In the midst of hectic wedding planning, it is easy to overlook the honeymoon experience.
After all, you're so busy focusing on that big day. But we urge you: don't make this mistake!
Your honeymoon is one of the most important and special parts of your wedding process. It may be one of the first leisurely moments you and your spouse enjoy together.
After all the hustle and bustle that comes with your big day, this is your chance to truly soak in your love and commitment to one another.
Honeymoons can be so much more than just lying on the beach and frozen cocktails. Why not look for something a bit different? Why not make it an unforgettable experience?
Whether you're honeymooning for a week or squeezing in a new adventure in just a few hours, check out the hot air balloon experience!

Why Hot Air Balloon Experiences Make for An Amazing Honeymoon 

Well for one, it's a hot air balloon. That's cool on its own. Also, you're flying in the sky with your loved one. The awesome factor is already pretty high.
Whether riding in a hot air balloon is on your bucket list or it simply piques your interest, it's absolutely something you must try!

Photos Unlike Anything Else

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Maybe you hired a talented photographer for your wedding. He or she probably captured all your favorite shots (the kiss! the cake! the wedding party!)
These photos are undeniably important.
But, honeymoon photos represent an artwork all of their own, revealing the intimate, playful, and happy first encounters of the excited couple. Imagine the romantic canvas of you and your honey in a hot air balloon with the gorgeous sunset sky or beautiful Western Mountains as a backdrop? Doesn't get more unique (or breathtaking) than all of that.
At heights like this, there's no such thing as a bad selfie! Better yet, you won't even need to force those big smiles.

Begin or End Your Trip with a Bang

The hot air balloon experience typically starts (sunrise rides) or ends your day (nighttime rides!) This is the perfect way to set the template for your day of sightseeing around Arizona or New Mexico or unwind from it entirely.
And, if we're being honest, champagne makes everything start or end on a good note, right?

Conquer New Experiences Together!

One of the most beautiful elements of marriage is taking on risks on new challenges together.
A hot air balloon experience provides just that.
After all, what better way to seal a lifetime of love than toasting champagne 3,000 feet above the ground? Or by checking out the beautiful sky views of the Western terrain?
A hot air balloon experience provides an equal balance of thrill. It provides enough adventure to satisfy the adrenaline-fueled junkie. It's also safe enough to calm even the most anxious person's nerves.
We think that's the perfect combination for our newlywed couples.

To Know Before You Go

Settle on a Location

While we're equally partial to both New Mexico and Arizona, we want you to create a memorable experience for yourself. That's especially true if you are making a vacation out of this trip!
Both states have beautiful views and experiences to offer.
After booking your hot air balloon experience, scope out other exciting activities in Phoenix, Albuquerque, or Chandler. Each of these locations offers an assortment of experiences for all kinds of honeymooners and travelers!

Settle on a Time 

While we think any good time is a good time for flying, consider the views and time of day you're interested in.
Sunrise flights start early in the morning when the world is dark, and you'll watch the sunrise during your hot air balloon experience.
Sunset flights offer beautiful views of New Mexico or Arizona day skies turning into nighttime.
Looking for something even more adventurous or out of the norm? We are also the only flight company in America providing nighttime flights! We're talking full moonlights and panoramic city light views.
Take note that you'll be partaking in a statistic that is extremely small. 99% of hot air balloon pilots have never flown at night.

Consider Time of Year 

Different seasons create for different temperaments. Optimal conditions are required for successful flying.
Note that balloons cannot fly in rain or when winds hit above 10 MPH. Obviously, weather always has an unpredictable element to it, but you will want to consider the time of year during your hot air balloon experience planning.
For dress attire, we recommend dressing in layers, as it can alternate between being hot and cold. This depends on the time of year, wind, and balloon heights.

Albuquerque hot air balloon Fiesta

Check Out Famous Festivals 

Want to be part of something historical or want to participate in a long-standing community tradition?
For a truly one-of-a-kind hot air balloon experience, consider attending a festival. You'll be high in the sky among hundreds (we're talking 600+) other balloons, and it's quite the sight to see and experience.

Consider a Private Balloon 

Our hot air balloons comfortably accommodate 12 people, which already makes for an intimate experience. This allows for optimal space and mingling within a small group. If you are the social type, this may be perfect for you.
But, if you're looking for something a bit more private and romantic, consider having your own private balloon and pilot. These packages include your own customized VIP flight ceremony, champagne, and tasty snacks.
Is there anything better than sharing your own private sunrise or sunset with your new spouse? We certainly don't think so!
Want to take it up even more of a notch? Private balloon packages can be customized completely to your needs and wants. We're talking limousine services to and from the balloon and special dinners.
It is your honeymoon, after all. You deserve to indulge!

Ready to book the hot air balloon experience of a lifetime?

If so, contact us here.
For more information on our different packages and prices, click here.
Would you consider taking a hot air balloon ride for your honeymoon? We'd love to hear from you!

Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Rides - Aerogelic Ballooning

Since it was Frenchmen who invented the hot air balloon, it's fitting the French were first to use it in war. 

Who Invented the Hot Air Balloon?

Who Invented the Hot Air Balloon?

by: www.AerogelicBallooning.com

Who invented the hot air balloon and why? In this post, we're delving into the fascinating history behind hot air balloons. Buckle up!

Hot air balloons rides have long been a whimsical way to enjoy an afternoon.
Taking a hot air balloon ride can be exciting, fun, even romantic. But have you ever thought about where hot air balloons come from? They're so much more than just a recreational activity.
Who invented the hot air balloon, and why? In this post, we're delving into the fascinating history behind hot air balloons. Buckle up!

Who invented the hot air balloon?

The Montgolfier brothers got the idea for the hot air balloon during an evening sitting by the fireplace.
It was 1782, and Joseph Montgolfier looked into the fire. He wondered aloud to his brother, Etienne, "What force made the smoke and sparks rise?"
Joseph made a small bag out of silk. He held the open end over the fireplace, and the bag inflated and floated in the air. What they had discovered was isolated hydrogen.
Hydrogen is the lightest of all gases. It's even lighter than air. That allows it to lift certain objects off the ground, like the silk bag.
After this discovery, the brothers were inspired to use this knowledge to invent a balloon that could fly on its own.

The first launch of the hot air balloon 

The brothers designed a larger, circular version of the silk bag. They attached a big, yet light-weight basket to the bottom, creating the first version of the hot air balloon.
In 1783, they launched this balloon off the steps of Versailles for Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. A rooster, a duck, and a sheep were loaded into the basket.
The balloon floated 1,500 hundred feet in the air. After 8 minutes, a rope tied to the basket pulled the balloon and the animals safely back to Earth.
Now it was time to launch the first human into the sky!

October 1783 marked the first flight of a human

The simple answer to who invented the hot air balloon is the Montgolfier brothers. However, scientist Jean-Francois Pilatre de Rozier, had a big hand in helping.
De Rozier assisted in the first launch of the farm animals. He volunteered to go up himself a few months later. Tethered to a rope, De Rozier and the balloon floated in the sky for 15 minutes.
A month later, De Rozier safely flew in a hot air balloon for 20 minutes without the rope. Two years later, he was finally ready to take a more ambitious trip.
In 1785, De Rozier and a partner set out to cross the English Channel in their hot air balloon. Unfortunately, 20 minutes after takeoff, the balloon exploded. Both men were killed.
Later that year, John Jeffries and Jean-Pierre Blanchard successfully crossed the English Channel.

After these flights, technology for balloons quickly improved

Word spread around the world about the incredible hot air balloon. Scientists and engineers worked fast to improve the design.
Thanks to this hot air balloon craze, the helium filled party balloon was also invented around this time.
In 1793, the first flight of a hot air balloon in America was accomplished by Jean-Pierre Blanchard. Blanchard flew from Pennsylvania to New Jersey.
Hot air balloons had finally made it to the US. They would end up being a helpful tool for the army during several wars.

Hot air balloons had been used in war since 1794

It was 1794 during the French Revolution. A tethered hot air balloon was flown into the air. From this view, the man in the balloon could watch the Austrian troops. They used the information he gathered to fight them. The French won this battle.
This use of a hot air balloon resembles how the military today uses drones.
America didn't use hot air balloons for war purposes until The Civil War. Scientist and inventor Thaddeus Lowe convinced Abraham Lincoln to start The Balloon Corp.
Lowe was named the Chief Aeronaut of The Balloon Corp in 1861. Seven balloons were used to spy on the Confederate Army. Eventually, the Confederates tried to create their own balloons.
Hot air balloons were later used in World War I & II.
Steadily from here on, hot air balloon designs became more sophisticated.

In 1932, a balloon made it to the stratosphere

A Swiss scientist, August Piccard, designed a new balloon. Instead of riding in a basket, this balloon had a pressurized aluminum ball. Piccard, along with his friend Max Cosyns, took a ride in Piccard's invention. They flew into the stratosphere, flying over 52,000 in the air.
Piccard and Cosyns set the record for the highest balloon flight. However, other scientists quickly broke their records. New records were being set on a regular basis.
It wasn't until 1935 that someone sets an altitude record that was hard to beat.
Captain Albert Stevens and Orvil Anderson set the record. They flew their helium gas balloon, Explorer II, 13.7 miles into the sky. They held on to their record for 20 years.
This was a big milestone. Experts say this flight later paved the way for space travel.
This record was broken in 1955. However, another interesting altitude record was set in 1960.

Captain Joe Kittinger sets an altitude and parachuting record

Air Force Captain Joe Kittinger flew his hot air balloon 19.4 miles into the stratosphere. In a pressurized suit, Kittinger parachuted to Earth.
His hot air balloon record was broken a year later. However, his parachuting record still stands.
Captain Kittinger's parachute jump brought the history of ballooning full circle. In the 1790's, Jean-Francois Pilatre de Rozier modernized the design of the parachute.
During one of the first manned balloon rides ever, he used a silk parachute to jump from a falling balloon.
The technology of De Rozier and the Montgolfier brothers has certainly come a long way!

Did you learn anything about the history of hot air balloons?

Hot air balloons are often looked at as just a leisure activity.
But it's nice to know who invented the hot air balloon, as well as its interesting history!

Now as expert of hot air balloon rides come fly with us in Phoenix, Arizona! www.AerogelicBallooning.com or 1-866-Fly-Tday (1-866-359-8329)