Why Hot Air Balloon Rides?



People have many reasons for wanting to take hot air balloon rides. Perhaps you love trying new things and having exciting adventures. Perhaps you love heights and are naturally drawn to ballooning. However, not everyone is quite so adventurous. If you're like a lot of people, maybe you're not so sure about heights. The thought of a hot air balloon ride can sound like fun...but be a little bit scary!

Actually, a hot air balloon ride is every bit as safe as a plane ride, car trip, train ride, roller coaster ride, or any other comparable travel. Pilots and crews check all balloon components before passengers are ever flown. The nylon fabric that forms the balloon itself is fireproof and extremely sturdy and durable. Passengers fly in a wicker basket designed to carry weight safely yet still be flexible enough to absorb impact upon landing. The basket does not shake, sway or tip during flight, and there is virtually no chance of a passenger falling out

So how exactly does hot air ballooning work? Hot air is supplied to the balloon envelope, causing the balloon to rise. The heat is created by a propane cylinder that uses a series of tubes to transport fuel to the pilot light as well as the main burner valve. When the pilot opens the valve, firing the burner, he can cause the balloon to rise, and or fly faster. The pilot uses wind direction at different altitudes to carry the balloon horizontally, and opens a flap in the envelope to release heated air and descend.

Now that your safety concerns have been addressed, let's talk about the fun part! Your hot air balloon ride will usually last around an hour, occasionally longer. Typical pleasure balloon flights cost around $200 per passenger, and the balloon carries around six people, maximum.

It's hard to say how far you'll travel, or where you'll land, because that is up to the wind! There will be a chase crew on the ground following the balloon during flight, and they will meet the passengers on the ground with champagne and flight certificates, and transport them back to their hotel or to a pre-arranged location. Since you're never quite sure where you'll land after a balloon flight, it's always possible the ride home will include some unexpected sightseeing!

Your balloon ride will probably take place at sunrise, although some pilots like to fly around sunset, too. The weather and wind conditions are at their most favorable at these times of day. Dress in comfortable clothes, light layers, and flat soled shoes, and bring a jacket and sunglasses. Don't forget your camera, to document your exciting hot air balloon adventure, and bring plenty of film!

Wondering where to find a hot air balloon ride in your area? Our site is a great resource that can help you find providers in your locality. Most provider web sites will offer contact information, pricing, special package deals, and even general information about ballooning. A lot of companies even let you reserve your trip online! Check the providers listed here on our pages and in our directory, and you're sure to find what you need.

With the many options available, you're sure to find the perfect hot air balloon ride provider, and have an experience that you'll never forget!

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