Are Hot Air Balloons Safe?

Thinking of taking a hot air balloon ride? Then, safety was probably high on your list of considerations. Many people may think that just because hot air balloons are basic in nature, they're not as safe as more complex methods of air travel. This isn't the case -- hot air balloons are designed to be simple and safe at the same time!

== Travel Tips == Paris hot air balloon... A trip down the Champs Elysees is encouraged when you visit Paris as this is the city's most famous street; you can see beautiful shops, sit and drink coffee from the many cafes or have a meal in a first class restaurant. When you visit this region of the city you will see it is a much more select area; the average tourist may find the accommodation expensive but more modest hotels can be found away from this area.

One very important hot air balloon safety factor that comes to mind is weather conditions. Rain can damage the balloon envelope. Lightning can also be extremely dangerous to a hot air balloon and its passengers. That's why pilots always perform detailed analysis of weather and wind conditions before taking a hot air balloon up in the air. The pilots can also release piballs (which are small balloons) to check wind direction at a possible launch location. Most hot air balloon rides take place around sunrise, because the wind conditions are the best during this time.

What are the parts to a hot air balloon? The three major parts are the envelope, the basket, and the burner. The envelope is the large balloon that is filled with hot air. Balloon envelopes are made from durable fire resistant nylon. The basket is the part of the balloon where the passengers ride. Baskets are crafted from wicker, a material that is lightweight, flexible, yet extremely strong. The burner is the part of the balloon that supplies propane gas to the pilot light, which is what causes the balloon to rise. There is a valve that the pilot can open to cause the balloon to descend altitude.

Hot air balloon pilots are trained and certified for ballooning. They are further supported on the ground in the form of a chase crew. The chase crew follows the balloon at all times to ensure maximum safety, as well as to collect passengers and equipment after the balloon lands. Since a hot air balloon has only vertical controls, it's often difficult to predict or even choose the landing site. With a chase crew, you don't need to worry about getting lost!

When you're in a hot air balloon basket on a ride, would the basket tip over or shake? No. The basket is extremely sturdy, balanced and safe, and there's no way anyone could fall out.

== Travel Tips == About business travel... The order of the day is simplicity, this means just enough business clothes for the trip and the same for the evenings; if the amount of footwear is restricted to one pair for business and one for pleasure then you will be keeping your luggage to minimum. The remaining items to pack will be toilet essentials and any other work related documents that aren't important.

Your safety when taking a hot air balloon ride is of utmost importance. Only to deal with experienced companies and pilots with the necessary credentials and an excellent safety record. By taking a few simple precautions, you can make sure you take a fun and safe hot air balloon ride!

Copyright 2006 Lawrence J. - All Rights Reserved

Hot Air Balloon News:
A weekend outlook for Charlotte events
Find out more about Sarah: Sarah graduated from UNCC in 2009 with honors. She got her start as a writer by interning with Brittney Cason, one of Charlottea TMs top nightlife writers...

Radio Books
This series of short stories by Dutch and Flemish writers in English translation is an initiative of Flemish-Dutch Huis de Buren in Brussels, in association with the Flemish radio broadcaster. Rodaan Al Galidi has written two stories for Radio Books...

Rahul's promised me a massage: Dimpy Ganguly - Times of India

Rahul's promised me a massage: Dimpy Ganguly
Times of India
When we went out on a hot air balloon date, Rahul was eager to know me. I had seen a spark in his eyes and my sixth sense said he likes me. .

and more »
..

Books in brief: Pat Metheny, the new Matthew Skelton and more
The Pat Metheny Interviews by Dr. Richard Niles; Hal Leonard paperback, 161 pages In 2007, Richard Niles - composer, arranger, musician and producer - concocted a three-part radio series dedicated to the music of jazz luminary Pat Metheny...

Thanks to all the YugaTech Contest Entries
Just an update to everyone who joined our recent YugaTech Photo Contest . I know all of you are excited to know who won the MSI Wind U123 so here's an update and some highlights...

Chad Pettus puts hope back in people's lives
Michael J. Mullen/Staff Photographer Chad Pettus, a housing counselor with Neighborhood Housing Services, helps first-time home buyers and people facing foreclosure negotiate with banks...

A Florida's heat sizzles this summer, look north for travel opportunities - Orlando Sentinel

A Florida's heat sizzles this summer, look north for travel opportunities
Orlando Sentinel
June 1 -- More than 20 hot air balloons, two races, two night glows, tethered rides, a car show, live music and more are a part of the Great Galena Balloon .

..

Walter Smith rants over moaning people and praises his team's resilience
HE called it a rant. It was more a rantissimo. Walter Smith was ranting at ranters who ranted at refs, though he admitted he rants at refs too...

News Release: For Immediate Release - MCV

News Release: For Immediate Release
MCV
. logo in pigs and dropping them across the country from a hot air balloon does sound like fun-the key is entirely in wind velocity and ground density). .

and more »
..

Rahul's promised me a massage: Dimpy - Times of India

Rahul's promised me a massage: Dimpy
Times of India
When we went out on a hot air balloon date, Rahul was eager to know me. I had seen a spark in his eyes and my sixth sense said he likes me. .

and more »
..

Music review: 'Pandaemonium' at Other Minds - San Francisco Chronicle

Music review: 'Pandaemonium' at Other Minds
San Francisco Chronicle
In their vivid accounts of first-time encounters with new machinery, you can hear the unnerving novelty of such developments as the hot-air balloon, .

..

Hot air balloon lands in east Burlington neighborhood
A ride in a hot air balloon that took more than a year to plan ended with a bit of excitement Sunday when it landed in a field overgrown with brush behind a house on North Ashland Drive in east Burlington...

Welcome The All New Gamers Front By Downloading Dominions 3
Hampstead, NC, 08 March 2010 Shrapnel Games, your friendly neighborhood publisher of independent award-winning strategy and niche titles since 1999, is very excited to announce that our online store the Gamers Front has been completely retooled for an all new shopping experience! To inaugurate this new store we came up with several ideas, many of ...