Long before the Wright brothers made history at Kitty Hawk, people had taken to the sky in balloons. Europeans were launching ducks and sheep as early as the 1780s, soon to be followed by scores of passengers happily floating over the tranquil French countryside. The future would belong to fixed-wing aircraft, but reserving a space on the kind of couples hot air balloon ride Colorado vacationers love still generates excitement.
Early models used an open flame to heat the air, and had little or no steering. The ships tended to travel wherever the wind was blowing, and sometimes ended up in trees. Gas soon provided a more reliable source of lift, and dirigibles could be steered. Despite the romance of floating gently above the countryside, the public lost interest in ballooning.
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.
Although this research soon ended, it did capture the attention of enthusiasts. In an era when faster seemed better, there was still a magical aura surrounding this form of travel, and entrepreneurs quickly envisioned a future that included recreational balloon rides. New safety features have erased many former concerns, and people today are taking to the skies in growing numbers.
Today, most people have witnessed balloon festival videos, and with the exception of the bright colors and fanciful shapes, most airships today are similar to their French ancestors. They still rely on the fact that warm air rises, and when trapped inside a bag, will cause that container to float. Sandbags and controlled flames govern ascent and descent, and there is no steering mechanism.
Passengers ride below in a lightweight container called a gondola. Often made of old-fashioned wicker, it can hold up to two dozen people at a time. Most people stand during the comparatively short flights, and there is no attached seating due to weight concerns. Like a hang glider, a balloon relies on air currents for direction and lift, and simply reduces the heat when landing.
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.
Early models used an open flame to heat the air, and had little or no steering. The ships tended to travel wherever the wind was blowing, and sometimes ended up in trees. Gas soon provided a more reliable source of lift, and dirigibles could be steered. Despite the romance of floating gently above the countryside, the public lost interest in ballooning.
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.
Although this research soon ended, it did capture the attention of enthusiasts. In an era when faster seemed better, there was still a magical aura surrounding this form of travel, and entrepreneurs quickly envisioned a future that included recreational balloon rides. New safety features have erased many former concerns, and people today are taking to the skies in growing numbers.
Today, most people have witnessed balloon festival videos, and with the exception of the bright colors and fanciful shapes, most airships today are similar to their French ancestors. They still rely on the fact that warm air rises, and when trapped inside a bag, will cause that container to float. Sandbags and controlled flames govern ascent and descent, and there is no steering mechanism.
Passengers ride below in a lightweight container called a gondola. Often made of old-fashioned wicker, it can hold up to two dozen people at a time. Most people stand during the comparatively short flights, and there is no attached seating due to weight concerns. Like a hang glider, a balloon relies on air currents for direction and lift, and simply reduces the heat when landing.
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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