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.
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.
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.
In this raucous, noisy age of jet engines and helicopters, there is a uniquely calming feeling about noiseless flying. Passengers are not strapped inside a metal tube high above the ground, but can actually feel the air temperature, and even hear passing birds. From this height, details can be seen that are invisible from ground level. Not only is hot-air travel exciting, but it can also be personally gratifying.
The plains and foothills near the Rocky Mountains in the central United States have become one of the most popular areas for ballooning. The climate and wind patterns make the warmer months perfect for vacationers who want to include this unique activity in their plans. Commercial operators are required to employ experienced, licensed pilots, making floating together on the wind both safe and enjoyable.
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.
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.
In this raucous, noisy age of jet engines and helicopters, there is a uniquely calming feeling about noiseless flying. Passengers are not strapped inside a metal tube high above the ground, but can actually feel the air temperature, and even hear passing birds. From this height, details can be seen that are invisible from ground level. Not only is hot-air travel exciting, but it can also be personally gratifying.
The plains and foothills near the Rocky Mountains in the central United States have become one of the most popular areas for ballooning. The climate and wind patterns make the warmer months perfect for vacationers who want to include this unique activity in their plans. Commercial operators are required to employ experienced, licensed pilots, making floating together on the wind both safe and enjoyable.
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