Humans beings were taking to the skies long before the Wright brothers made their historic flight. As early as 1783, Europeans sent intrepid farm animals aloft, and soon afterward people were also happily drifting through the skies of France in balloons. Although fixed wing aircraft would prove to be the future of aviation, booking a couples hot air balloon ride Colorado style is still an exciting adventure.
The earliest versions of these vehicles had no steering, and used an unprotected flame to heat the air. They could only go where the wind blew, which meant they regularly ended up tangled in trees. In time, gases provided a more easily controlled lift, and dirigibles with frames could be steered. In spite of the romance of drifting calmly over the countryside, public interest soon waned.
In the post-World War II U. S. Navy, research continued in an effort to find a better way of transporting smaller loads by air. Even though this study broke no new ground, it had the result of re-igniting interest in hot-air ships, while old operating systems, methods, and safety standards were updated. Solving intrinsic design issues helped bring balloon transport into the twentieth century.
While the research came to an end, it had the unintended result of re-invigorating public interest. While faster traditionally equaled superior, there is an undeniably magical feeling about floating slowly, and entrepreneurs have been quick to take advantage of this new recreational market. Former safety concerns have been addressed, and people today are eager to experience this adventure.
Most people have seen videos of regional festivals featuring hundreds of colorful airships remarkably similar to their original French ancestors. They still operate on the basic principle that hot air rises, and when it is captured inside a bag, the bag rises along with it. The ascent and descent are controlled by a single flame, and there is no steering wheel.
Passengers ride in a suspended wicker basket called a gondola. These light containers can hold up to twenty passengers, depending on how large the inflatable structure containing the hot air is. To save extra weight there is usually no seating, and most riders stand for the best view. Like hang gliders, balloons drift with air currents providing direction and lift, and simply turn down the flame to land.
There is a special feeling about flying without jet noise and engine turbulence. Passengers can actually feel the wind, hear birds, and are not 35,000 feet above the earth. The landscape can be viewed from a comfortable distance, revealing secrets and features that can only be seen from above. The experience is enjoyable because rising through the air is not only exciting, but also because it nurtures the soul.
The foothills and plains of the eastern Rocky Mountains have become prime ballooning country. Wind patterns and overall climate make certain times of the year perfect for travelers who want to make a hot air adventure part of their plans. Operators today must employ licensed pilots with experience in ballooning, making the prospect safe and worry-free for participants.
The earliest versions of these vehicles had no steering, and used an unprotected flame to heat the air. They could only go where the wind blew, which meant they regularly ended up tangled in trees. In time, gases provided a more easily controlled lift, and dirigibles with frames could be steered. In spite of the romance of drifting calmly over the countryside, public interest soon waned.
In the post-World War II U. S. Navy, research continued in an effort to find a better way of transporting smaller loads by air. Even though this study broke no new ground, it had the result of re-igniting interest in hot-air ships, while old operating systems, methods, and safety standards were updated. Solving intrinsic design issues helped bring balloon transport into the twentieth century.
While the research came to an end, it had the unintended result of re-invigorating public interest. While faster traditionally equaled superior, there is an undeniably magical feeling about floating slowly, and entrepreneurs have been quick to take advantage of this new recreational market. Former safety concerns have been addressed, and people today are eager to experience this adventure.
Most people have seen videos of regional festivals featuring hundreds of colorful airships remarkably similar to their original French ancestors. They still operate on the basic principle that hot air rises, and when it is captured inside a bag, the bag rises along with it. The ascent and descent are controlled by a single flame, and there is no steering wheel.
Passengers ride in a suspended wicker basket called a gondola. These light containers can hold up to twenty passengers, depending on how large the inflatable structure containing the hot air is. To save extra weight there is usually no seating, and most riders stand for the best view. Like hang gliders, balloons drift with air currents providing direction and lift, and simply turn down the flame to land.
There is a special feeling about flying without jet noise and engine turbulence. Passengers can actually feel the wind, hear birds, and are not 35,000 feet above the earth. The landscape can be viewed from a comfortable distance, revealing secrets and features that can only be seen from above. The experience is enjoyable because rising through the air is not only exciting, but also because it nurtures the soul.
The foothills and plains of the eastern Rocky Mountains have become prime ballooning country. Wind patterns and overall climate make certain times of the year perfect for travelers who want to make a hot air adventure part of their plans. Operators today must employ licensed pilots with experience in ballooning, making the prospect safe and worry-free for participants.
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