10 Hot Air Balloon Facts You Probably Didn't Know About
Do you want to test your hot air balloon knowledge in preparation for your first ride? Here are 10 hot air balloon facts you probably didn't know about.
Have you ever wanted to ride up, up, and away in a hot air balloon?
If so, make sure you have all the hot air balloon facts so you can enjoy your trip way up there. Most people have a vague idea of what's involved when traveling in a hot air balloon.
Don't worry, we have the top ten things you need to know before you climb aboard. Keep reading for all the lofty details!
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| AerogelicBallooning.com |
1. Balloons Are Safe Aircrafts
There are very few balloon accidents. The average is one per year. These are a unique mode of transportation, so accidents receive extra attention.
The most common cause of balloon accidents is flying into uninsulated power lines. This usually occurs during the balloon's descent.
As a result of a 2016 accident in Texas, the Federal Aviation Administration and The Balloon Federation of America developed an accreditation program for professional operators.
Now, consumers can select a company or pilot based on their accreditation.
The Balloon Federation of America verifies pilot and company information each year. The safety background check for pilot applicants uses FAA accident and incident data.
2. Balloons Have Flight Instruments
Required instrumentation is an altimeter that measures your altitude. A variometer that measures rate of climb or decent, and a pyrometer that measures the temperature inside the hot air balloon. Although one of the most interesting hot air balloon facts is there aren't any instruments to guide the flight.
The pilot determines the wind direction and speed in a very low-tech way. He may watch a nearby smokestack or flag. Or he could spit to see if the wind is blowing in a way that makes it safe to descend.
Yet, the pilot never knows about the winds above the balloon until he rises there.
Before he flies a hot air balloon, he must spend many hours training to become a licensed hot air balloon pilot. This gives him valuable practical experience.
3. A Balloon's Landing Location Is Unknown
The balloon is carried by the wind. The best a pilot can do is check the weather, consider wind direction and speed, and hope that everything goes as expected.
The unknown flight course makes ballooning unpredictable. That's part of the thrill. Most pilots plan several landing sites across an area, so you land near civilization.
4. A Chase Vehicle Follows the Balloon
Here's one of the most comforting hot air balloon facts: there's someone on the ground monitoring the flight.
In fact, the pilot and a driver in a car on the ground stay in constant contact. They match routes so they meet at the landing zone as the balloon descends.
This coordination makes it easy to retrieve balloon equipment. It also gives passengers a ride back to the starting point.
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5. Balloons Are Launched during Cool Temps
The balloon is launched during cooler times of day to avoid updrafts.
When the sun rises, it heats the ground, which then heats the air. This produces vertical air currents which can have variable speeds.
The changes in current speed make the flight unpredictable. That's why pilots launch balloons at dusk or dawn.
6. Hot Air Balloons Can Reach Amazing Heights
The current world record for the highest altitude belongs to Vijaypat Singhania. He launched a hot air balloon in 2005 from Mumbai and reached a height of almost 70,000 feet. The previous record was under 65,000 feet.
The air at that altitude is about 20 times thinner than at sea level. Singhania had his 44-ton balloon equipped with a special pressurized cabin so he could breathe.
7. A Balloon Ride Is Peaceful
A hot air balloon ride is one of the quietest experiences you can have. All noise of everyday life remains on the ground. All you can hear are occasional whooshes of the propane burner above your head.
A balloon ride leaves the hustle and bustle of daily life on the ground. All you'll hear are the occasional sounds of the propane burner over your head.
A typical balloon ride lasts one to four hours, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy your flight.
8. It's Cold Way up There
It's a good idea to dress in layers for your hot air balloon ride.
If you're flying in warmer months, you probably won't get cold. If it's winter, add more layers.
One of the most important hot air balloon facts is to remember that the pilot can miss the landing zone.
It's wise to wear practical shoes and clothes in case you must hike from the landing spot to the retrieval vehicle.
Ironically, even if you don't feel the sun's heat, it can cause sunburn. Wear long sleeves if you have fair skin, plenty of sunscreen, and sunglasses. A hat adds extra protection plus keeps your hair in check.
9. Hot Air Balloons Can Hold up to 24 People
Hot air balloons come in a variety of sizes. The largest commercial versions hold 14-24 passengers. Not Aerogelic Ballooning! More than 12 feels too much like an airline... We want to get to know you.
The first hot air balloons only had a chair for the pilot. Later, the pilot's chair was replaced with sturdy, spacious baskets.
There are no seats in a hot air balloon. You should plan on standing for the entire flight. The good news is that you can bring along your friends!
10. Balloons Can Skim Treetops and Dip into a Body of Water
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Depending on the pilot's skills, a hot air balloon can safely touch treetops or dip into a lake or river, and then lift-off again. The pilot must be skilled at timing the hot air bursts from the burner.
It takes 30 seconds for the hot air to life the balloon. The pilot needs to react at the exact moment the balloon is about to touch the ground. It's a great thrill when done properly.
Get Your Hot Air Balloon Facts from the Experts
Ready to fly? Whether you're looking for a romantic flight or a hot air balloon festival, we can take care of you!
Contact us today for all the hot air balloon details on cost and availability!
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