History of Hot Air Balloons and Hot Air Balloon Rides...

All throughout history man has envied the birds and dreamed of flying alongside them.
From bizarre contraptions to strapping on feathered wings, there have been many failed attempts
at flight throughout history. On June 5th of 1783 the secret to flight was unlocked by the
Montgolfier brothers when the first unmanned paper balloon took flight in front of a crowd of spectators.
It is said that these two French papermakers got the idea for a hot air balloon while watching a piece
of clothing get lifted into the air from the smoke of a nearby fireplace. The Montgolfier brothers
claimed that it was the smoke filling the balloon that made it take flight but it was in fact the
temperature of the air inside the balloon that was the secret!

Why do Hot Air Balloons Fly?

When the air inside the balloon is heated it becomes less dense than the air outside
of the balloon. The greater the difference in density between the inside of the balloon
and the surrounding air, the more lifting force is exerted on the basket.

How are Hot Air Balloons Launched?

The large fabric part of the balloon known as the “envelope” is removed
from a large bag and laid out in a field. The basket is laid on its side with the burners
facing the opening of the envelope. The basket is then attached to the envelope
with steel carabiners. A powerful fan is placed near the opening of the envelope
inflating it with cool air. After about five minutes the envelope is completely filled
with air but is laying on its side. A propane burner attached to the basket is then used
to heat the air inside the envelope and the balloon stands up. Passengers are then
invited into the basket and with a bit more heat from the burner the hot air balloon takes flight!

What is the hot air balloon flight like?

Aside from the occasional interruption by the burner the flight is very silent.
It is very common to hear birds and other wildlife while drifting along with the winds.
There is rarely even the slightest bit of turbulence during the flight.

How are Hot Air Balloons Steered?

A hot air balloon only has direct control in the vertical direction, however
it is very typical that winds are moving different directions at different altitudes.
A skilled pilot can use these different currents to achieve an indirect form of steering.

Where do we land?

Ahh, that is one of the most fun things about a hot air balloon ride.
While the pilot may have a good idea of what town the flight may finish
in it is almost impossible to tell where exactly the landing site will be.
As the flight goes on the pilot will gain an understanding of the different
wind layers and will have a much better idea of what landing area he will
navigate towards.

Is Boulder Colorado a Good Place to Fly Hot Air Balloons?

The combination of calm morning conditions and the spectacular background
of the Rocky Mountains make Boulder, Colorado an excellent location for hot air balloon rides.
 The best season is from May through October although flights are possible
all year long.

Hot Air balloon Traditions

Since the early days of ballooning champagne has been associated with
ballooning. One could imagine that seeing a hot air balloon fly past in the 1700’s would
be a bizarre and potentially frightening thing. Further still, imagine if a balloon were to
land in your backyard! As an act of diplomacy hot air balloon pilots would always carry
a bottle of champagne with them while flying and offer it to whomever they may anger or
frighten. To this day hot air balloon pilots still carry champagne with them for just this reason!

Once a safe landing has been made and the hot air balloon is all packed up
there is a traditional prayer that is said:

“The winds have welcomed you with softness. The sun has blessed you
with warm hands. You have flown so high and so well that God has joined in your
laughter and returned you gently to the loving arms of mother earth”

Adventure Balloon Sports

Boulder, Colorado
303-887-8842