Many years before their record-setting Kitty Hawk event made the Wright brothers famous, human beings had actually flown. Europeans were launching livestock aloft in large balloons as early as 1783, and people followed them into the French skies shortly thereafter. While rigid-winged airplanes would prove to be the future of flying, reserving a space on a couples hot air balloon ride Colorado style is still a popular choice.
The earliest versions had virtually no steering capability, and used a dangerously open flame. Because they could only go in the direction of the wind, many ended up snagged by trees. Over time, gas replaced hot air, and a metal framework gave dirigibles steering capability. In spite of the romance of floating gently over a lavender field, the public basically lost interest.
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.
Hot-air festivals are commonplace, and often showcase brightly colored and whimsically shaped aircraft. In principle, however, these ships are still quite similar to those flown by 18th century Europeans. Air is still heated by a flame, and when captured inside a balloon, floats upward. Progress up or down is controlled by the size of the flame, and there still is no actual steering wheel.
Beneath the source of energy is a basket called a gondola, often made of lightweight wicker. Depending on the size of the structure above it, a gondola can carry up to twenty people at a time. There is no heavy seating, and most passengers stand during the relatively short flying times. In a fashion similar to hang gliders, they follow air currents that provide lift and direction, and land simply by turning down the heat.
Flying without constant noise and buffeting gives travelers a special, peaceful feeling. At comfortable altitudes, people can feel the wind, hear passing birds, and enjoy the scenery in a way that is impossible otherwise. Unseen features of the landscape below can only be discovered from above. Rising up toward the clouds is exciting on its own, but ballooning also refreshes the human spirit in a way that an airplane ride cannot.
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 had virtually no steering capability, and used a dangerously open flame. Because they could only go in the direction of the wind, many ended up snagged by trees. Over time, gas replaced hot air, and a metal framework gave dirigibles steering capability. In spite of the romance of floating gently over a lavender field, the public basically lost interest.
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.
Hot-air festivals are commonplace, and often showcase brightly colored and whimsically shaped aircraft. In principle, however, these ships are still quite similar to those flown by 18th century Europeans. Air is still heated by a flame, and when captured inside a balloon, floats upward. Progress up or down is controlled by the size of the flame, and there still is no actual steering wheel.
Beneath the source of energy is a basket called a gondola, often made of lightweight wicker. Depending on the size of the structure above it, a gondola can carry up to twenty people at a time. There is no heavy seating, and most passengers stand during the relatively short flying times. In a fashion similar to hang gliders, they follow air currents that provide lift and direction, and land simply by turning down the heat.
Flying without constant noise and buffeting gives travelers a special, peaceful feeling. At comfortable altitudes, people can feel the wind, hear passing birds, and enjoy the scenery in a way that is impossible otherwise. Unseen features of the landscape below can only be discovered from above. Rising up toward the clouds is exciting on its own, but ballooning also refreshes the human spirit in a way that an airplane ride cannot.
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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