An internet search for any product or service, especially a hot air balloon ride, presents a bewildering array of choices. How do you pick a company that will ensure you have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable balloon ride experience? We provide the following information to assist you in making an informed purchase. Why do this you may ask? We believe that an educated consumer is the best customer. The ballooning community is much too small to allow unscrupulous vendors with deceptive practices to remain in business. To do so has dire consequences for our industry as a whole. This information and a little effort on your part will allow you to select a company that has your safety and enjoyment as their first priority.

Is the Ride Company I am Considering a Balloon Ride Operator or a Ride Broker?

There is a big difference between the two. A balloon ride operator owns and operates (that is they fly or pilot) the balloon that you will actually fly in. They are in business to sell you the actual ride. A ride broker does not own any balloons and is in business to sell you a gift certificate which is, after all just a piece of paper! One site on the web, Hot Air Ballooning.com has devoted time and energy to approving balloon ride companies as legitimate operators worldwide. You may view their directory of approved balloon ride companies to guarantee that you are dealing with a genuine balloon ride company that operates its own balloons and not just a broker that doesn’t own or fly balloons. This point can be confusing because most balloon ride operators also provide certificates or vouchers for their flights; the difference is that when you purchase a certificate from an operator, you will be flying with that same company when you take your flight.

Why Not Buy from a broker? Your goal is to purchase a safe, affordable, quality flight from a genuine ride company by dealing directly with the company that will provide the service that you purchased. A company that is interested in a level of service that will create a memorable flight experience for their passengers for years to come.

The business model of balloon ride brokers is to sell gift certificates for balloon rides, then pay a local ride company after the certificate holder takes their ride. What is wrong with that you may ask? Especially since the broker is paying the ride company and you have what appears to be a wide selection of companies to choose from. Unfortunately, all too often things are not as they seem. Many times customers are told that they may take their flights in their local area with a legitimate company only to find out after purchase that the local company does not honor the certificate. Customers have reported difficulty redeeming the certificates or of having to travel hundreds of miles to find a company willing to provide the ride. Since the brokers sell their rides at reduced rates, keep a percentage, and then pay the ride company even less, what company would agree to fly these passengers at this price? Many do so because the broker advises them to use these passengers to “fill in” their unwanted or slack times, or whenever they have availability.

This is attractive to some ride operators but it severely limits your options as a paying customer. You may end up with little choice for the dates and times of a flight and may receive less than the expected level of customer service. In the worst case scenario, the ride company may have so badly ruined its own reputation in their local area that it has no customers of its own. It may rely on these broker rides just to stay in business. One of the things many brokers tout is their 100% safety record; how do you have a safety record at all when it appears that you have never flown the first passenger. Lastly, passengers are often told “yes you can” to any request in order to make the sale by brokers. Passengers are seldom given accurate details about the limitations of balloon flight, either because the sales person may not know the real answer or it was not anticipated on the script. Care must be taken when looking for a balloon ride company, online or when responding to a newspaper advertisement, to ensure that you are dealing with a reputable company.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Gerred

Perhaps the only adventure sport in the world that is perfect for both thrill seekers and the more faint-hearted alike, hot air ballooning is gaining increasing popularity among all sectors of society. Appealing to both young sportspeople looking for the next competitive adventure and at the same time attracting more placid personalities on account of the pure tranquility and relaxation it offers, ballooning is something that everyone really should try at some stage in their lives. The thrill of launching is quite unlike anything else and even seasoned air travellers will find that the experience of leaving solid ground from an open basket with a 360 degree view of your surroundings is simply incomparable to the abrupt, mechanical take-offs associated with airplanes.

A Lot of Hot Air

To really get the most out of your hot air ballooning adventure, it is well worth spending some time before launch chatting to the crew and developing a basic understanding of how the device actually works. This will not only enhance your appreciation of the flight experience itself but will also quickly settle any worries among nervous flyers when you realise how controlled and safe the journey will be. Moreover, it may be helpful to note that even those that usually feel a little wary of heights tend to report that the serenity of balloon flight is so calming that they actually never felt anxious in the least.

Before the journey begins, you can meet the pilot and even assist the crew in preparing and inflating your balloon ready for departure. The science behind hot air balloon travel is based on an extremely simple and ancient principle: hot air rises faster than cold air. When the air inside the balloon becomes warm, as the propane burners underneath take care of, it becomes lighter than the air outside allowing the balloon to rise through the denser cool air and lift its cargo along with it. Of course each cubic foot of heated air can only lift a small weight, which explains why passenger balloons are so delightfully enormous.

Bird’s Eye Views

Rising gently into the clouds from the sturdy basket you will feel like you’re being carried by a graceful bird taking to the air; the thrill of releasing the ropes that tie you to the earth can be really quite exhilarating and contributes to the overall feeling that you are floating away from all your earthly troubles. Gazing down from your suspended lookout point as everything below gets smaller and smaller you can take in the panoramic views of the lush, green countryside below.

First time balloon passengers soon discover that a bird’s eye view gives them a whole new perspective of the world and even areas that you thought you knew well take on a whole new appearance from above. The unique vantage point you get from the combination of heights of up to 5,000 feet and the smooth, leisurely pace of the balloon, gives you a unique opportunity to slow down and really appreciate the world around you. Single streams and hilltops that you may have noticed on the ground begin to take their place among whole ranges of peaks and valleys and intricate networks of waterways as you rise further into the sky.

The Gift of Flight

Given the appeal of hot air ballooning and the peaceful exhilaration that comes with it, it is perhaps not surprising that balloon flights have become so popular as gifts. It’s becoming very popular to give experience gifts instead of material objects, perhaps partly due to the large-scale reassessment of our materialistic culture in the aftermath of the recent financial crisis. Moreover, a unique day out doing something different will last much longer in the memory than any more tangible gift ever could.

So next time you want to treat someone special to a once in a lifetime experience that will change the way they see their world, why not treat them to a hot air balloon flight from one of the many picturesque locations that the British countryside has to offer. Flights take place at dawn or dusk when the air is at its most stable, making for a smoother journey. Luckily these times also offer the most spectacular views as the low sun provides the best light to appreciate the vibrant colours of the world below.

The whole trip will last around three hours, including plenty of time to meet the crew and help with preparations for take-off. After the flight the lucky recipient will have an opportunity to toast their safe return to land with a glass of champagne in the company of his or her fellow passengers. The sight of a balloon flight is quite spectacular so even spectators are sure to have a wonderful time so go along and watch your special gift in action.

Of course hot air ballooning is very weather dependent as you might expect, but fortunately you don’t have to worry about sending someone out in stormy weather as when you purchase a balloon flight, whether it is for yourself or as a gift for someone special, you are entitled to rebook an alternative date or even location should the weather prevent your initial flight from going ahead.

So whether you’re looking for a gift to celebrate someone’s success at work and want to send the high flyer flying high, or you would like to take a special person for a romantic excursion with a difference, hot air ballooning might just be exactly what you’re looking for. Perfectly combining the thrill of flight with an opportunity for tranquil reflection, a trip in a hot air balloon really is ideal for all personalities. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that provides a whole new view of the world, making a balloon flight an ideal gift for people that seem to have everything. Giving the gift of special memories is so much more valuable than material objects and will last far longer in the recipient’s mind. So show someone just how much they mean to you and take them on a trip that is truly out of this world.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patrick_McAleenan

Hot air ballooning is a different kettle of fish. Now I know hot air balloons fly (sort of) however there are no in-flight rations, flight attendants, movies, headsets, or pressurized cabins. There is just a big balloon (also called an envelope – I paid attention during the pre-flight briefing), a basket, a gas burner and a group of excited people. To me this was not flying, more like drifting and floating randomly above the earth.

What possessed me to voluntarily take a hot air balloon flight I’ll never know.

A flight was booked and as luck would have it, perfect weather conditions. We arrived at the departure point on a cool, crisp morning before the sun rose. The other passengers had already arrived and were eagerly awaiting the pre-flight briefing before take-off.

That was the good bit.

Fear washed through me, it became difficult to breathe, and my heart was pounding rapidly. It took supreme effort to keep my panic in check and instead, not wishing to put a damper on anyone’s enthusiasm, tried to appear as nonchalant as possible.

As time for take-off approached my fear intensified. Finally, as the ropes were released from the basket and the balloon slowly made its way upward, my knees turned to jelly and the urge to rid myself of the previous night’s dinner became overwhelming.

Totally trapped I silently screamed as we rose higher and higher from the ground.

What did I do next to overcome this panic?

I changed my state.

I remembered to breathe, and with that was able to centre myself (knowledge of meditation helps!) to step fully into the present moment. It also helped to shift my focus and become more curious, about the purple hills I could see on the horizon.

My focus then shifted to experiencing how serene it was up in the sky, only occasionally hearing the sound of the burner as it blasted hot air into the balloon above.

From experiencing this serenity my focus turned to the burner and feeling the heat of the flames.

Happy with experiencing what I was, I began asking myself probing questions about my fear. With each answer I would then ask “and what is important about that?”

Remaining centred and controlling my breathing, I continued to answer each question fully to myself until there was nothing left to ask.

From answering my own questions I discovered my fear was based on the fact that there was no jet engine, steering wheel, seat belts, escape chute and we were in a basket attached to a really big balloon!

From those answers I then:

*Determined that the likelihood of disaster was minimal to nil.

*Knew the present moment was the safest place for me.

*Future paced me. I imagined myself eating my champagne breakfast with the other passengers after the balloon flight, and retelling my story.

*Realised I was actually having an experience of a lifetime which I probably will never do again and decided to make the most of it.

Not only that, the captain seemed to know what he was doing (always encouraging), I knew the equipment was in great shape (I had a good look), and there was someone following the balloon in a vehicle below.

Taking several deep breaths, I refocused on my internal world and connected with peace again, silently giving thanks to my years of meditation practise.

At last I was able to truly enjoy this exhilarating experience! The peace and tranquillity above the earth with the sun rising in the East, and the green rolling hills below was absolutely awesome – I was in heaven!

Being in the present moment, focusing on controlled breathing, as well as becoming centred helped enormously in dealing with my anxiety. Not only that by asking the question “and what is important about that?” got to the heart of my fear.

Try asking yourself that question sometime when a need crops up. You might be surprised as what you discover about yourself.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michaela_Scherr

One of the best ways to advertise your business is to use a Hot Air Balloon and it is considered to be one of the fastest new forms of advertising. A hot Air Balloon becomes a very mobile Billboard and can travel and is viewed over many miles by thousands of people.

They can provide a very dramatic and lasting impression on the consumer especially at Hot Air Balloon festivals as many are photographed and reported some are videoed and can be available on you tube and other internet video sites.

Specially designed Hot Air Balloons that have a funny shape or have a much known recognisable shape can be the most stunning advertising concepts. I was recently at a show in Bristol UK and there was a vast array of different special shaped kinds.

It was great to see some shaped like Beer cans and others shaped like bottles of fizzy pop these forms of advertising can bring a big impact they can be seen over such a wide range of area and have a very lasting impression on the consumers.

A Hot Air Balloon travelling over a busy city centre is likely to catch the attention of over 90% of the people in the city this is a great medium and has chance of raising your company’s awareness providing a lasting with consumers that people remember long after the event has passed.

Having one made for advertising, is not as expensive as people imagine compared to large TV ad champagne. It has a longer and more effective publicity as it can be flown most days in summer and brought and flown at festivals.

Good photographs of them are very good for promotional pictures in your company’s literature and can enhance your marketing strategy. There are many forms of advertising and most cost serious money but sometimes you have to consider that using a Hot Air Balloon could be a cost effective method for your companies needs.

At most festivals most of the Hot air Balloons have now got advertising slogans on them or are shaped like a product. As they drift across the sky producing and awe inspiring spectacle that emblazes your company logo in the sky.

They are the original way man has learnt to fly and ever since the first Hot Air Balloons took to the sky they have always managed to stir something within us to look up into the sky and wonder.

A balloon ride is a excellent day out and well worth looking into but remember that safety is very important within this industry and what goes up will come down and having flown in a Hot Air Balloon then it does come down quite often with a bump even with the most experienced pilots.

They are great fun and gliding over the countryside silently looking down at the ground from an unusual angle often seeing familiar objects from a very different angle makes you realise how special a Hot Air Balloon flight can be.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_Bolton

The Grand Canyon, located in Arizona, is one of the most visited tourist spots in all of America, and the entire world. This immense gorge, carved out of steep rock and nearly fully encompassed by the Grand Canyon National Park, is a full 277 miles in length. It ranges from 4 to 18 miles wide, and has a depth of 6,000 feet (over one mile). The force of the Colorado River created it over the span of 6 million years.

With such amazing beauty at our fingertips, why would we choose to simply stand at a scenic overlook, grasping the rails in our hands? Why not take one of the spectacular Grand Canyon Balloon Tours.

This area has far too much to offer by simply hiking or stopping and taking pictures. What better way to view the immensity and history the Grand Canyon offers than in a hot air balloon. Even more spectacular than a helicopter tour, balloon tours are peaceful, quiet, and the best feature is simply being outside with the elements, feeling the heat of the Grand Canyon sun on your face. You’ll be able to see the striations in the rock that are from the Paleozoic era. The Grand Canyon is unmatched throughout the world for its wide sequence of archaic rocks that are exposed by the canyon walls.

The best thing to do when planning for one of the Grand Canyon balloon tours is to be prepared. Generally, balloon rides are held at dawn and at dusk, when the winds are at their calmest. Bring a light sweater, or possibly something heavier, as it may be cool at the altitude you’ll be floating. Dressing in layers is best because if the sun is hot that day, you’ll want to be able to discard some clothing.

There are so many ways to see the Grand Canyon:

-On foot by walking or hiking,
-In certain areas in your car or rented SUV or rented Hummer
-Donkey ride down into the canyon
-Helicopter ride
-Rafting Tour
-Boat Tour
-Bus Tour
-Balloon Tour

Grand Canyon balloon tours are by far one of the most awesome, scenic, thrilling ways to experience the wonder of the Grand Canyon. Some might be hesitant to step inside the basket of a hot air balloon and give over the trust to the hot air balloon pilot. This is understandable. How does a hot air balloon work? It’s such a simple idea and the concept is abundant in our every day life. Hot air rises, cool air sinks. The balloon captures the hot air released by the burner, the more the air is heated, the higher the balloon will fly. Crank down the burner, so there is less of a flame, and the balloon will gradually fly lower.

Because the air currents in the atmosphere travel at different speeds, it is possible to be floating at a lesser or greater speed when traveling vertically. To those who might fear the winds, this isn’t a concern at all. The balloon actually floats on the wind, therefore, the balloon glides and the occupants in the basket never feel wind on their face, just an effortless motion along the currents of the air. Grand Canyon balloon tours are just one of the many great opportunities to see one of the wonders of the world up close and personal.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wendy_Pan

The original way to fly from the first known flights of the Montgolfier brothers to more recent pioneers like Sir Richard Branson’s record breaking flights Hot air Ballooning is one of the most fascinating sports to participate in.

Hot air ballooning is probably the slowest way to fly and probably not the safest but as far as being the most spectacular it’s hard to beat. Booking a hot air balloon ride is fairly easy and common there are lots of Hot Air Balloon company’s providing excellent flying experience.

Before taking the plunge and booking a flight check out the company and it’s pilots experience as making sure the company has been certified by the CAA and the pilots are qualified and have a good safety record.

I started off going to Hot Air Balloon festivals there are some great shows around UK, Europe and the States the biggest being the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta which is held in October every year. In Britain we have 2 good Hot Air Balloon festivals the biggest being the Bristol Balloon Festival and it was great lots to do and see as well multiple Balloon launches over two hundred balloons took part.

Hot Air Balloons come in a lot of different shapes and sizes depending on the usage the really large ones are used to carry more people and sometimes you can see these saw for miles as they must contain the ability to carry more weight and more fuel on board.

Hot Air Balloons are difficult to pilot and must be flown in the early morning or in the evening as these are the times that the air is most still and manageable for the pilot. During the day there can be too much interference from thermals lots of hot air rising that can cause the hot air balloon to be unstable.

So if you book a balloon trip and its early in the morning don’t forget it can very cold at altitude sensible clothing and a woolly hat are recommended items. Listen carefully to the safety brief from the balloon centre paying attention often makes for a safe landing.

Knowing what to expect does not prepare you for the feeling seeing the burner heating the balloon and standing in the basket waiting for the lift off which is carefully controlled by the pilot to be smooth as not to rise too rapidly.

Once in the air the you see the world from a totally unexpected way as you glide almost silently across the land. Some countries that have wild animals this is one the greatest ways of seeing wildlife in the natural stat without disturbing them.

Having been on many balloon rides in the UK and Europe as well as Africa I can recommend that this is an experience that you will never forget. However on the one in Africa I was a little pre occupied with not coming down in a heard of lions or something else. Fortunately as you will find out the balloons are tracked with GPS so that the support vehicle so that they can quickly pack up the Hot Air Balloon when it lands.

A hot air balloon is steered by the pilot understanding that air at different heights moves in different directions and the pilots skill is to interpret the weather for the day and adjust the height of the balloon to go in the correct direction for the day’s planned flight.

Riding the skies at dusk and dawn is a real thrill and looking down at our busy way of life while drifting across the sky makes for a real fun day out. I urge you to put this on one of your to do before you die lists and get out there and cloud hop across sky.

There are all kinds of vacation activities in Maine, but one of the best and most unique is taking a hot air balloon ride for an aerial tour of the area. The best place to take a hot air balloon ride is in Kennebunkport, Maine. Everything beautiful about New England is so obvious floating among the clouds. If you are afraid of heights then a hot air balloon ride is not for you, but if you don’t mind heights then you will be overcome with the beauty you see from the basket.

There are several hot air balloon providers that can take you up, but before you book you should talk to past customers or read some reviews. The reason why is that taking a hot air balloon over Maine is such an amazing experience that you don’t want to risk running into any problems. So, if you read reviews about the different operators you will have a better chance of finding the best operator for you.

Remember that a full afternoon before sunset or else a couple hours at sunrise should be allotted for your balloon ride because there is no exact time for the tour. Balloons go as fast as the wind takes them, or as slow, so you should just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Know, too, that most balloons carry enough fuel to last for a couple of hours. There are several factors like weather, weight, and more that affect the length of the ride. Most balloon rides occur between 500 and 1000 feet off the ground, but sometimes hot air balloons will go even higher!

Most hot air balloon operators in Maine operate seven days per week, that is depending on the weather. Early reservations are important to make sure you have the day and time you want and weekend flights are the busiest. Weekday flights will give you more flexibility and you may be able to show up last minute and still fly. Remember that it is colder in the balloon than on the ground and a light jacket or sweater should be taken. Several people may go up in the hot air balloon, but generally the limit is four. You will want to talk with the tour operator to find out rates, schedules, and the like.

Hot air ballooning in Maine is gorgeous and if you go during September and October when the leaves are changing you will have a breathtaking experience like no other. Give hot air balloon rides a chance and you will likely fall in love!

There is a website that has great information on USA Vacations and Unique Travel Spots Listed State By State and Season, the website is called: Seasonal Vacation Spots, and can be found at this url:

http://www.seasonalvacationspots.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2007

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Benjamin

If you think you have already seen a lot of the usual tourist attractions and are looking for a new adventure and for something to tell your friends back home about, then you should take a hot air balloon ride over the skies of Orlando.

You can enjoy a panoramic view of the lakes, wildlife and skylines of Central Florida’s cities and attractions in a balloon that reaches a height of 1000 feet. The balloons are huge, 90,000 and 120,000 cubic feet in volume and over seven stories tall, and riding in a basket with four to six other passengers you will be able to get a thrilling view of Disney, Epcot, Kissimmee, and Orlando skylines as well as the many lakes in the area.

Flights are offered on a daily basis and generally begin at dawn to avoid mid-day thermals. In the winter late afternoon flights are sometimes launched. Weather permitting you can get a balloon ride 365 days a year.

This adventurous outing takes about three hours. You will be driven to a launch site (picked according to weather conditions) and will watch as the balloon is set up and filled with air. The flying time is about one hour and then following the flight many operators offer a champagne brunch. After the brunch the balloon is packed into a vehicle and everyone returns to the starting location.

The balloon does not go high enough to make a big difference in temperature, so you can dress as you would on the ground according to the season you travel in. However, skirts may not be suitable for some of the landing spots. Sneakers, comfortable flat shoes, or hiking boots are the preferred footwear. You can bring cameras, camcorders, sun glasses, and a hat if you wish.

While you are up in the sky there is a chase crew following the flight below. The chase crew is in radio and cell phone contact with the pilot at all times and follows the balloon while you are in flight. The same air conditioned van that took you to the launch point will be there to pick you up when you land, and you can sometimes see it from your flight.

You won’t have to worry about motion sickness on this flight. The ride is very gentle and you can even put a glass of water on a table in the passenger area, and not spill a drop of water. This is a great ride but it is not cheap. Current rates are $175 per person or $90 per child under 90 pounds. If you want a romantic ride for two then it will cost you $475. These prices include a post flight champagne toast, an all-you-can-eat brunch, souvenir champagne glass and a photo flight certificate.

In addition to the normal touristic rides, it is also possible to hold special events in the balloons. Weddings are sometimes performed before a flight right at the launch site and if conditions permit, you can even have a private launch from your locale.

One of the big and reputable balloon operators of the area is Bob’s Balloons so check them out and get ready for a ride to write home about.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Whichard

For practical purposes, hot air balloons really can’t compete with airplanes and helicopters. They’re extremely difficult to steer, and they can only move as quickly as the surrounding winds. But as a recreational activity, hot air ballooning can’t be beat. You’re outside, feeling the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, drifting serenely over the earth. If you’ve ever been in a hot air balloon, you know it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

Hot air is less dense, and lighter, than cold air. Because it’s lighter, it tends to rise. If you’ve ever taken a dive into a pool, you may have felt this effect in water: the surface water is warm, but as you move deeper, the water gets cooler. That’s because warm water is lighter than cool water and tends to rise to the top, like air.

The air within a hot air balloon is heated, and as it rises, it takes the balloon—and anything attached to it—with it. A cubic foot of air within a balloon can lift about seven grams of weight. This isn’t a lot of weight, which is why the balloon has to be so big.

The balloon itself is called an “envelope.” It’s usually made of nylon, which is the perfect fabric for hot air balloons: it’s lightweight but sturdy, and it can withstand heat without melting easily.

Below the balloon, a burner is positioned to send a jet of flame upward into the envelope. The burner uses propane as a fuel. The fuel is stored as a highly compressed liquid in canisters attached to the burner with a fuel hose. Because it’s so highly compressed, the liquid fuel flows quickly through the hose to the burner when the pilot turns it on. There, it’s ignited by a pilot light. The flame heats up the surrounding metal of the burner, which turns the fuel to gas before it gets lit. This makes the flame stronger and the fuel usage more efficient.

If you look at a hot air balloon, you’ll notice a big hole in the bottom where the burner is. So why doesn’t the hot air escape through the hole at the lower end? Simple: buoyancy. Hot air is buoyant, which means it can only rise—it can’t sink and drain out the bottom of the balloon. As long as the air stays hot, it will continue to rise.

It won’t rise forever, though. The atmosphere thins as it goes up, and eventually the air within the envelope is too thin to support the weight of the balloon. The more air within the balloon, the greater the buoyancy—so bigger balloons can go higher than smaller ones.

A pilot can cause the balloon to rise by turning on the propane burner and heating the air within the envelope. To bring the balloon down, the pilot releases the parachute valve. That’s a vent in the top of the envelope that allows some of the hot air to escape, cooling the temperature of the remaining air within. This causes the balloon to sink gradually.

There are no horizontal controls in a balloon, but pilots can still control the horizontal movement by raising and lowering the altitude of the craft. Winds at different altitudes move in different directions. If a pilot has a good working knowledge of the wind currents in the area, she can raise and lower the balloon to catch a current moving in the right direction.

Still, piloting a balloon isn’t an exact science. It’s impossible to target the precise location where you’ll land. That’s why it’s usually necessary for someone on the ground to follow the balloon by car to meet the balloon where it lands and transport the equipment.

Launching and landing generally take more work than actually flying a balloon. The inflation process takes only about ten or fifteen minutes, and is done with a powerful fan. Once the balloon is full of air, it will still lie on the ground until the burner is fired, heating the air in the envelope and causing it to rise.

A balloon descends gradually, but can still land with a bit of a bump if the pilot isn’t experienced enough to know how to bump the basket along the ground to lessen the impact. The wicker basket helps absorb the force of the landing. Wicker is lightweight and flexible, and absorbs the energy of landing better than a solid, less flexible basket would. This way, riders aren’t jarred when the ride is over.

There’s nothing like soaring over the earth in a balloon. Hot air balloons are exciting, fascinating, and pure fun. If you’ve never taken a ride in one, you’re definitely missing out on an experience you’ll never forget.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janette_Vince

Ever since it was first invented, man has been fascinated by the hot air balloon. Today, hot air ballooning is an incredibly fun activity enjoyed by many people from all over the world. Its main attraction is in the tranquillity this means of transport provides, the view one gets from being up there, and of course that weightless feeling of floating above the world.

So how does this simple yet marvellous contraption work? The answer lies in the wind and the air. Since hot air balloons are subject to the movement of the wind, the air remains still in the basket, except for the times when the balloon is speeding up, climbing or descending. The balloon is able to stay afloat by the constant heating of the air in the balloon which causes it to rise.

Hot air ballooning like any mode of transport has its risks and dangers. Landing is one of the trickiest parts of hot air ballooning. Smooth landings can be hampered if the ground wind speed exceeds 5 miles per hour. Under certain circumstances the basket can even drag or tip over, but prior to the flight, passengers are taught about the safe landing procedures and what to do in case of an emergency. However, accidents do happen and passengers are advised quickly to stay away from the side that is going down. It is best advised to land near a line of trees or in a valley.

The major dangers with hot air ballooning is reaching excessive speeds when landing, colliding with another balloon in the air or hitting high voltage electricity lines. In fact, power lines pose the biggest threat and are the most common cause of major ballooning disasters. However, licensed hot air balloon operators make it their business to know where power lines are and avoid them at all costs, even if they have to land on a road.

The earliest known hot air balloon flights were done in the Chinese Shu Kingdom when military leader, Zhuge Liang used them as signals for his military campaigns. The first recorded hot air balloon that carried passengers was accomplished in France in 1783. Later, hot air balloons were used at the Battle of Fleurus by the Austrians in 1794, again for military purposes.

The modern hot air balloons that we use today were designed by Ed Yost in 1960. The first flight occurred in October over Bruning, Nebraska. Today hot air balloons are mainly used for tours and recreation. In fact, over seven thousand hot air balloons are in regular operation across the country.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Symonds