Guide to Hot Air Balloon Safety
Hot air balloon safety is mostly a matter of choosing the right ride provider. You want to make sure that the company you choose is qualified and experienced with giving hot air balloon rides. If so, then there should be no worries about safety.
Hot air balloons are designed to be safe. The balloon envelope is most always crafted from fire-resistant, sturdy nylon. The basket where the passengers ride is made from wicker, which is extremely sturdy yet flexible.
A hot air balloon pilot must be certified by the FAA before being allowed to fly a hot air balloon. Before ever taking a balloon in the air, pilots perform a thorough examination of all equipment as well as weather and wind conditions. Weather and wind conditions are very important parts of ballooning safely.
The pilot controls the balloon vertically, and the wind does the rest. Wind moves in different directions at different altitudes, and the pilot uses this to his advantage. Even though ballooning is simple in theory, a pilot must have advanced knowledge about wind and altitude.
One very important part of hot air balloon safety is the crew that stays on the ground. Not only does the crew help check and set up the equipment, they follow the balloon while it is in flight. This is to give an extra measure of safety, as well as to meet the balloon on the ground so passengers and equipment can be collected.
Today's balloons are similar yet different from the very first balloon created in the late 1700's by the Montgolfier brothers of France. The first balloon was crafted from fabric, lined with paper and coated with alum to prevent the envelope from catching fire. Although the basic design is the same, the materials used and the heat source are much, much more sophisticated.
If heights make you uncomfortable, then a hot air balloon ride may be just the thing to ease your fears. The basket does not sway or rock during flight, and there is no possible way a passenger can fall out. It feels like the ground unfolds below you, and is quite relaxing.
Most balloonists fly at low levels such as a few thousand feet. However, you can find flights that are at higher altitudes, such as 10,000 feet, so you can experience flying through the clouds!
So if you've ever thought of taking a hot air balloon ride, go for it! It's safe, fun, and exciting!
Copyright 2006 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved
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- Guide to Hot Air Balloon Safety
