How Hot Air Balloons Work

If you're thinking of taking a hot air balloon ride for the first time, it's helpful to understand exactly how hot air balloons work. Also see the menu item for extra information.

Hot air balloons of today heat up air by burning propane fuel. Propane is a common fuel used in outdoor grills. The propane is compressed and stored in liquid form by light cylinders located in the balloon basket. There is a hose that runs down to the bottom of the cylinders so the liquid can be extracted.

The propane travels through the hose and to what is called the heating coil. This coil is made from steel tubing coiled around the burner. When the burner is lit, the liquid propane flows out and is ignited. The fire heats the metal and propane, changing it to a gas which emits a strong flame and uses fuel more efficiently.

When the hot air balloon pilot fires the burner, the balloon rises. The balloon itself is crafted from a sturdy fireproof material so that the fire used to power the balloon doesn't ignite the balloon itself.

Most passenger compartments are made from wicker. Wicker is a lightweight, durable and flexible material that patio furniture is often crafted from. Upon landing, wicker does a good job in absorbing some of the impact so the passengers don't feel a jolt.

Even though hot air balloons are designed in a simple way, it takes expertise to pilot one. The pilot is able to go higher and faster by using a large flame as compared to a smaller one. Some hot air balloons have more than one propane valve so that the pilot can choose to burn fuel as a gas or a liquid.

There is a cord that the pilot uses to open the parachute valve. When this cord is pulled, hot air escapes, which causes the balloon to slow down. The balloon will float to earth if this valve is kept open long enough.

Hot air balloons are run by vertical controls. To move horizontally, pilots utilize different vertical positions and wind direction to work in their favor. Wind blows different ways at different altitudes, and pilots understand this. Even though it is possible to guide a hot air balloon horizontally, a pilot still doesn't have total control. This is why there's often a crew on the ground who follow the balloon and meet it when it does to collect equipment and balloon passengers.

A smart hot air balloon pilot makes sure the weather is favorable before going up. Bad weather is very dangerous for a hot air balloon. Rain can damage the balloon, and lightning can destroy it. Therefore, hot air balloons should only be flown when the weather has been checked and is ideal.

If you're looking for a fun way to travel the sky on a nice day, try a hot air balloon ride with an experienced and knowledgeable pilot. It's sure to be an experience you'll never forget!

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Hot Air Balloon News:

How Ian Fleming's book on gems was neglected - MI6

How Ian Fleming's book on gems was neglected
MI6
So, in April 1957, Fleming took an Air France Caravelle to Tangier to meet Collard. The two men quickly established a rapport, and Fleming started work. .

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: EURœKing of HumanityEUR imprinted with King Abdullah's picture will .

and more »

James Cameron's teen chum prizes an early script - Toronto Star

James Cameron's teen chum prizes an early script
Toronto Star
Meanwhile, he and some other boys built a hot-air balloon out of dry-cleaning bags. The local newspaper headline identified the prank as a possible UFO. .

and more »

World's balloons might fly BC skies - Battle Creek Enquirer

World's balloons might fly BC skies
Battle Creek Enquirer
The competitive world of hot air ballooning may return to Battle Creek in two years. On Saturday, representatives from Battle Creek and the Balloon .

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Found: An early sci-fi script by James Cameron - Toronto Star

Found: An early sci-fi script by James Cameron
Toronto Star
Meanwhile, he and some other boys built a hot-air balloon out of dry-cleaning bags. The local newspaper headline identified the prank as a possible UFO. .

and more »

Balloon of hope - Bluefield Daily Telegraph

Balloon of hope
Bluefield Daily Telegraph
ATHENS EUR” When Angie Peck sees the familiar logo EUR” a red and yellow hot air balloon EUR” she immediately thinks about .

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It's never too late for the first time - Kansas City Star

Kansas City Star

It's never too late for the first time
Kansas City Star
EURœIt was terrific,EUR said Carol Sherman, a graphic artist at KCPT who also operates a hot air balloon ride company. Sherman and four hot-air balloon crew .

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, .

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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 .

YOUNG AT ART - The Decatur Daily (subscription)

The Decatur Daily (subscription)

YOUNG AT ART
The Decatur Daily (subscription)
Silent auction items include a ride in a hot-air balloon, an original Robert Klein painting, weekend car rental and more.

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