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.
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.
After the Second World War, the United States Navy was interested in developing better methods of moving small loads, and commissioned research into balloons as a possible solution. While nothing truly significant emerged, the old concepts were revisited and updated, bringing hot air transport into the 20th century. Design problems were solved, and power sources were modernized.
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.
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 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.
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 eastern slope of the Rockies in the western United States has become one of the most popular areas to pursue this adventure. For vacationers who want to include ballooning in their plans, the ideal wind patterns and often-benign climate makes this the perfect location. Operators hire only licensed, experienced pilots to make this an enjoyable and safe part of any special outdoor occasion.
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.
After the Second World War, the United States Navy was interested in developing better methods of moving small loads, and commissioned research into balloons as a possible solution. While nothing truly significant emerged, the old concepts were revisited and updated, bringing hot air transport into the 20th century. Design problems were solved, and power sources were modernized.
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.
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 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.
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 eastern slope of the Rockies in the western United States has become one of the most popular areas to pursue this adventure. For vacationers who want to include ballooning in their plans, the ideal wind patterns and often-benign climate makes this the perfect location. Operators hire only licensed, experienced pilots to make this an enjoyable and safe part of any special outdoor occasion.
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