FAQs About Hot Air Balloons

Who created the first hot air balloon?

In 1783, brothers Jacques and Joseph Montgolfier created the very first hot air balloon. The first hot air balloon was made of fabric that was coated with alum to prevent it from catching on fire. It traveled for eight minutes and carried a chicken, duck and sheep. When the animals survived the trip, the Montgolfier brothers knew they were onto something! Two months later, a military major and a physics professor became the first two people to ever ride in a hot air balloon.

== Travel Tips == The obvious consequence of booking your vacations online is that travel agents are used less and less. This gradual turn to travel websites has come about because more discounts can be found and you can book the vacation at any time of the day. Even though I will probably save a few dollars by using the internet, I continue to book my vacations face to face with a travel agent but I do admit to some serious searching on the internet to learn more about where I am going. It is actually much easier to go to your travel agent armed with all the information including costs as it can make it much easier to find what you are looking for.

How do hot air balloons fly?

Hot air balloons use propane fuel to gain altitude. Hot air rises as compared to cold air. This rising hot air, powered by efficiently burning fuel, causes the balloon to lift. More flame makes the balloon go higher, and opening a special valve allows it to descend.

Are hot air balloons safe?

Yes, as long as they're flown by a qualified pilot in good weather. Today's companies that offer hot air balloon rides have crews of experienced people who check every aspect of the balloon and the weather before each flight. There's even a crew on the ground that follows the balloon during the entire flight. To ensure a safe flight, make sure the organization you fly with is qualified, experienced, and knowledgeable by doing a little research or even checking references.

How high do hot air balloons go?

3,000 feet above ground level would be the average level. This is what is known as low level flight as compared to other flying vehicles like planes.

How long does a normal hot air balloon ride last?

The average hot air balloon ride lasts around an hour. The distance traveled depends on various factors like piloting and wind conditions.

When is the best time to take a hot air balloon ride?

Most pilots prefer to fly either right after dawn or right before dusk since cool weather is preferred to hot weather. These times offer the best wind conditions for hot air ballooning.

== Travel Tips == About business travel... Sometimes for instance, baggage goes missing; that is an unfortunate fact of travel and whilst it is distressing enough on a family holiday, on a business trip it can be disastrous. An easy remedy to this is to pack as much as possible that you absolutely must have for you meeting, in your hand luggage.

Where can I find out more about hot air balloons?

Performing an Internet search would be a good idea. There are many different websites, clubs and organizations devoted to hot air balloons. You can even find the sites of various hot air balloon ride providers in your area and learn all the details about hot air balloons and riding in them.

Copyright 2006 Lawrence J. - All Rights Reserved

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