Hot Air Balloon Trivia
History
On September 19, 1783, a sheep, a duck, and a rooster become the first passengers in a hot air balloon launched by the Montgolfier brothers, Joseph and Ettienne for a royal demonstration at the court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. (FYI: Benjamin Franklin did not attended this demonstration as generally rumored. According to his report to Sir Joseph Banks of the Royal Society in London, he attended the flight of the hydrogen balloon in August of that same year.)
On November 21, 1783, the first recorded manned flight was piloted by the French physicist Jean François Pilâtre de Rozier and his companion, the Marquis D'Arlandes. This balloon, which was also built by the Montgolfier brothers, launched from the Bois de Boulogne park in Paris. The balloon rose to about 500 feet and traveled approximately 5 miles across Paris in a flight that lasted 22 minutes. (While the balloon did catch fire before landing, both passengers were unharmed.)
Using de Rozier's double balloon system which consisted of a hydrogen balloon and a hot air balloon tied together, French balloonist Jean-Pierre Blanchard and American John Jeffries become the first to fly across the English Channel in 1785. (Earlier that year de Rozier died an hour into his flight in his attempt to across the channel.)
In the U.S. Civil War, World War I, and World War II hot air balloons were used as tools of warfare, for transportation surveying, and for communication.
Ed Yost made the first modern hot-air balloon flight on October 22, 1960 from Bruning, Nebraska.
In 1987 Per Lindstrand and Richard Branson fly the first hot air balloon across the Atlantic. They travel a distance of 2,900 miles in 33 hours to set a new record for hot air ballooning.
In 1988 Per Lindstrand rises to 65,000 feet in a hot air balloon and sets a solo world record for the greatest height ever reached by a hot air balloon.
In 1991 Per Lindstrand and Richard Branson break cross the Pacific ocean. They reach speeds in the jet stream of up to 245 mph, in their 'Otsuka Flyer,' which travels 6,700 miles in 46 hours. Their flight from Japan to Arctic Canada breaks the world distance record they set in 1987.
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Miscellaneous
The largest hot air balloon festival is the
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta which is held each October in
Albuquerque, New Mexico. This event was started in 1972 with just 13
balloons attending. In the year 2000, it recorded 1019 balloons
in attendance.
During the 1800's, almost all balloons were filled with hydrogen or
coal gas and were principally used for public displays, and by
scientists and soldiers.
Today balloons are used primarily for two purposes: sport or scientific
research. Sport balloons mostly use hot air. (Scientific balloons
generally use hydrogen, helium, methane, or ammonia.)
Publisher Malcolm Forbes began his collection of nine special shaped
hot air balloons with a version of a chateau he owned in France. He
also owned hot air balloons shaped as a Harley-Davidson motorcycle 200
feet long, a bust of Beethoven bigger than any face on Mount Rushmore,
and a towering copy of the Financial Times.
What is the best time of year to fly?
Really anytime of year is good for a hot air balloon flight; it's just that every season has it's own appeal. Spring has bright green foliage everywhere and the flowers are in bloom below. Summer is fun because everyone seems to be outside and there is more activity around the balloon at launch and landing. Fall has such brilliant colors as the leaves change and sometimes there's a nip in the air saying that winter is coming soon. Winter has crisp and clear skies that make you feel like you can see forever. You can easily see the wildlife through the empty branches.
When do you fly?
We fly seven days a week at sunrise and just before sunset weather permitting. Sunrise and sunset are when the winds tend to be at their most gentle and predictable. Sunrise flights are more peaceful with maybe a hint of fog hovering in the nooks and crannies below you. Sunset flights are more exciting with so much activity on the ground. We will sometimes fly low enough to have a conversation with those less fortunate on the ground. People also tend to hang around at launch and landing to see what it's all about.
How long does the flight last?
The flight itself lasts about an hour give or take depending on wind conditions and other considerations of safety. The overall adventure is about 3½ hours.
Where do you fly?
Our most frequent flight areas include Alpharetta, Duluth , Suwanee, the Snellville area of Gwinnett, sometimes Griffin , and now Douglasville/South Paulding County. Where would you like to fly?
Can my friends & family come to watch-crew-have fun?
Yes, sharing your balloon adventure with friends or family is very popular. They can just tag along with the chase and shoot pictures of you or roll up their sleeves and have fun. They are also invited to join the celebration afterwards
Is hot air ballooning safe?
Yes, ballooning is very safe and we have a 100% safety record. It's much safer than driving on Atlanta interstates. Our pilots are commercial rated with instruction privileges by the F.A.A. and the balloons are also certified and regularly inspected in accordance with the F.A.A.
Will it be cold up there?
No, it might even feel a tad warmer since we are flying with the wind and you won't feel any wind-chill.
What type of weather is best for hot air ballooning?
For safety reasons, in this area, balloonists generally prefer for the the winds to be less than 10 mph and the clouds to be at least 2000' above the ground. And personally I like flying best when the temperature is between 50ºF - 75ºF (not too hot, not too cold). We can still possibly fly even if the weather is somewhat different. For example, a flight over the snow-covered ground is magical. But rest assured, I will never compromise your safety by trying to fly in unsafe conditions
What if the weather is bad?
We will contact you the day or two before your flight to discuss the details of your flight including the weather. For most flights, we know the day before if the weather is cooperating. There are however days when we have to cancel at the last moment or even at the launch site. We don't want to cancel that late, but your safety is our first priority.
How many people can fit in the basket?
We can fly up to 4 adults in your basket (maybe 1 more if some are children). As it warms up towards summer, we can carry 2-3 adults on a hot afternoon. It is actually based more on weight and temperature than on number of people.
How much does it cost?
Our regular balloon adventure is $190/person.
We can also tailor a special package just for you.
How far will we fly?
Well, that depends on the winds. Since we fly
with the winds, if the wind is 2 mph, we will fly about 2 miles.
If the wind is 8 mph, we will fly closer to 8 miles. You get the
picture.
Where do we land?
Wish I had an answer for you on that one, but I
don't. And that is really a part of the excitement and adventure
of ballooning! Your pilot will choose a launch field where the
winds will take you in a good direction for landing spots. We
might land in a large field, a cul-de-sac, or even someone's front yard.
What happens after we land?
The first thing we do if possible is have the chase crew ask the landowner for permission to land. As the balloon deflates, you enjoy the excitement of your flight and landing. After packing up the balloon back in the trailer, it is time to celebrate.
And what about that champagne celebration?
A champagne celebration is part of the tradition and history of hot air ballooning that goes back to the first manned balloon flight. We also have a nice spread of munchies. You'll leave with your champagne bottle signed by your Magic Carpet Ride crew and your personal 'crew' commemorating your balloon adventure.
How do we get back to where we started?
You will come to appreciate our chase crew most once we have landed and you realize we have to get back. We are going nowhere until our crew shows up to get us. Balloon chasing is a fun challenge and hopefully the chase will be there waiting on us, or will arrive shortly after we land . We all drive back to the meeting site together and say our goodbye's.
What time will we meet and when will I be finished?
For sunrise flights, we meet about 30 minutes before sunrise and for sunset flights, we meet about 2½ hours before sunset. The entire experience lasts about 3½ hours.
Can I bring a camera?
Yes, definitely! And bring twice as much film as you think you need.
What should I wear?
Dress casually and comfortably for the weather. Remember it is a little cooler after dark and a little warmer while the sun is out. Also, no open toe shoes or high heel shoes allowed. We want to protect your feet just as much as the rest of you
How big are hot air balloons?
Most balloons are from 60,000 cubic feet to 140,000 cubic feet. However, some are small enough to fly from a harness on your back and some are capable of flying 16 people or more. Most balloons tower from 60' to 90' tall. We have two balloons which are just right for the 2 to 4 of you. We have an AX-8 and an AX-8b (a technical term for size) which are 100,000 and 90,000 cubic feet respectively, about 70' tall, and 55' wide.
What material is the balloon made of?
Most hot air balloons are made from ripstop nylon which is similar to the material for parachutes. One difference is that our ripstop is coated inside to contain the hot air.
What is the basket made of?
Baskets or gondolas are made from wicker with a weave similar to your household wicker furniture. They are reinforced with metal tubes or aircraft cables and a wood floorboard. The wicker weave is what gives a balloon it's strength and flexibility at landing.
What kind of fuel do you use?
Balloon burners use propane similar to your gas grill out back. The only difference is that we use the liquid rather than the gas.
