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Can you steer a hot air balloon?
The
balloon goes where the wind takes it. However, the winds at varying
altitudes may blow in different directions and at different speeds, so
the trick is to climb or descend to an altitude where the wind is
blowing in the direction you want to go.
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Do you need a license to pilot a balloon?
Yes. A Balloon Pilot Certificate is required by the Federal Aviation
Administration. You must pass an FAA written exam, have a prescribed
number of hours of flight instruction in a balloon, make a solo flight
and a flight to altitude, pass a flight test and oral exam with a
designated fight examiner and submit a medical statement.
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How big are hot air balloons?
The typical
sport balloons range in size from 65,000 to 105,000 cubic feet in volume
and stand about 70 feet tall.
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How do you get it back?
With the help of
a chase crew who drive a recovery vehicle. The chase crew follows the
flight of the balloon trying to stay parallel or ahead of the balloon
and should be on hand to make the recovery when the balloon touches
down.
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How fast does it go?
As fast as the wind.
Or as slow, Since the balloon has no forward propulsion system, its
speed is determined entirely by the speed of the wind. That's why
balloon races are strictly races of accuracy not speed.
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How high do balloons fly?
Most balloon
flights occur between 500 and 1,000 feet above the ground. But balloons
can fly at just above the ground or go much higher. The world record for
altitude in a hot air balloon is 64,997 feet.
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How is it inflated?
First the envelope is
stretched out on the ground and attached to the basket, which is lying
on its side. A small gasoline-powered fan blows air into the balloon.
Then the burner is turned on, and the air in the balloon is heated. The
hot air rises, lifting the balloon upright. Since a balloon is quite
unwieldy on the ground, especially in gusty winds, it takes about four
people to get the balloon inflated. Of course, the more people there
are, the more fun you can have.
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How long can it stay up?
Normally, the
balloon carries enough fuel to remain aloft for about 2 hours. Factors
like outside air temperature, weight being carried in the basket and
weather determine the duration of the flight.
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What are hot air balloons made of?
The
envelope, is made of a reinforced fabric called rip-stop nylon (some
balloons are made of acron). The material is very light weight and
strong. The fabric is coated on the inside to prevent leaks. The baskets
are made from rattan and each one is individually woven by hand.
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What kind of fuel is used?
Hot Air
Balloons use propane, kept in pressurized tanks in the basket. The tanks
are connected to burners with aircraft certified flexible hoses. When
the burner valves are opened, the propane is ignited by a pilot light in
the burner. The flame may shoot out as much as ten or twenty feet,
making a loud "whoosh.". Generally balloons carries 30-40 gallons of
liquid propane.
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When is the best time to fly a balloon?
Usually just after sunrise and one or two hours before sunset. This is
when winds are calmest and the air most stable.
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