The Hot Air Ballooning Experience
Jon Wuebben
Riding in a hot air balloon is something everyone should experience. If
you've never done it, you'll soon see why people who have never forget
it. In fact, many times, it becomes an addiction. As you glide against
the sky, watching the sun rise, and enjoying a mimosa - you'll
understand the appeal! It's an other worldly experience, one that you
can enjoy with a close friend, your husband or wife or even a group of
total strangers. After you've shared the sky with them, you'll become
fast friends. And although you may be a bit fearful at first, your
nerves will soon calm down. The overwhelming sense of contentment that
the balloon provides will take over.
So, what is a ride like? Hot air ballooning is serene, peaceful and
most of all - fun! The balloon moves with the flow of the wind, so you
don't hear an engine or anything else really, except nature. Of course,
once in a while you'll hear the flame heating the envelope.
There are many great places to experience the Hot Air Ballooning
experience. Rides are usually scheduled in the very early in the
morning or late in the day because these are the best times for low
wind conditions. Why? The sun influences the rise of wind. You'll
probably never see a hot air balloon in flight in the middle of the
day. It's just too dangerous and unpredictable.
So, how much does a hot air balloon ride cost? Hot air balloon
companies typically charge between $100-250 per person for a ride with
a licensed, commercial balloonist. A licensed pilot needs to be
certified by the FAA as a Commercial Balloon Pilot. Be sure that your
pilot has this accreditation. 4000 pilots in the US are legally able to
fly. How long will your flight last? Around an hour or so. Some people
have wondered why the balloon doesn't ever catch on fire. The area of
the balloon near the flame is usually made of fire resistant material
such as Nomex. The rest of the balloon is nylon.
How the Hot Air Balloon Works
Do you remember when you learned that hot air rises in your high school
science class? That's really all you need to know about how a Hot Air
Balloon works. What are the various parts of a hot air balloon?
* The envelope: the large nylon bag that holds the hot air. Bright,
colorful and easy to see, they can be formed in a variety of shapes,
but usually in an egg shape.
* The burner: Located directly above the passenger's heads and produces
a huge flame, which heats the air in the envelope based on where the
pilot wants to go.
* The basket: Made of lightweight, flexible wicker for obvious reasons.
Where the riders stand.
So, when you want the balloon to rise, what would you do? Simply heat
the air inside the envelope. If the pilot wants to lose altitude, they
allow the air to cool.
How does the pilot know where it's going? Good question. Before the
balloon is launched, the pilot watches to see where the wind is
blowing. Wherever it's going is where the balloon will go as well.
Technically, the pilot cannot steer the balloon, but they will find a
"layer" of air that will allow the balloon to change direction. Air
pockets form in layers and can be moving in opposite directions. How do
you get back to where you started when you're not really sure where you
will land? Thankfully, a "chase crew" follows the hot air balloon ride
the entire way so you can be picked up.
(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
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