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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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