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The Birth of Hot Air Ballooning
On June 5, 1783 in Annonay, France, two brothers, Etienne and Joseph Mongolfier, filled a large cloth bag with heated smoke. The bag measured 35 feet in diameter. The smoke was produced by burning charcoal on a pan beneath the bag. The air inside the bag, being warmer than that on the outside, caused the balloon to rise. And hot air ballooning was born.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Who can fly a balloon?
The Federal Aviation Administration issues a balloon pilot certificate to candidates who pass an FAA written exam, obtain a prescribed number of hours in a balloon, make a solo flight & pass a flight test. -
How many people does it take to inflate a balloon?
Depending upon the size of the balloon one person is able to perform this function. Larger balloons tend to need a crew of 2-4 persons. -
How do you steer a balloon?
The balloon goes wherever the wind takes it. However, pilots can seek higher or lower altitudes to find wind currents of various directions. We refer to ballooning as the truest form of sailing. -
How safe is balloong?
Hot air ballooning is considered one of the safest forms of flying. The major risks are tangling with power lines, treetops & hard landings. -
What are the best conditions for a balloon flight?
A balloon flies better in cooler weather since the hot air gets better lift. The safest time to fly a balloon is at sunrise or just shortly before sunset. Light winds less than 10 knots are preferred. -
Is it cold in a balloon?
Generally it is only 3.5 degrees F lower per 1000 feet. A typical flight does not reach great heights so there is little temperature diference. -
How large are hot air balloons?
Most balloons are bigger than your house. They hold from 19,000 to over 300,000 cubic feet of air and loom from 50 to over 100 feet tall.
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How does a hot air balloon differ from a gas balloon?
A hot air balloon gets its lift from heating the air with propane fuel. A gas balloon gets its lift form lighter than air gases, usually helium or hydrogen. -
What kind of fabrics are used?
Rip-stop nylon, dacron polyester or taffeta are most commonly used. -
What are the baskets made of?
Because weight is critical in balloon flying, the baskets are made of light materials such as wicker, fiberglass or aluminum. Wicker is traditional. -
Do balloons wear out?
Yes, but well taken care of could last 300-500 hours before any fabric needs to be replaced. -
What instruments do balloons use?
An altimeter to indicate altitude, a variometer showing the rate of climb or decent & a temperature gauge to show how hot the air is at the top of the balloon. Also each propane tank has a fuel gauge.
GENTLE BREEZE caters to groups of two or more. Gift certificates, rides and further information can be obtained by contacting us at (513) 932-9007.
