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.
During the 1960s, the United States Navy funded research intended to find a better way to economically move small loads short distances using airships. Although there were no earth-shattering solutions, old hot-air flight concepts were updated and modernized, bringing ballooning into the modern era. Power sources became safer and easier to regulate, and certain design problems were eliminated.
After the program ended, interest in ballooning remained high. There is an almost magical quality that surrounds this type of retro transportation, and it did not take long for entrepreneurs to begin selling recreational rides to adventurous passengers. With new safety features in place, outdoor enthusiasts have taken to the sky in increasing 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 foothills and plains of the eastern Rocky Mountains have become prime ballooning country. Wind patterns and overall climate make certain times of the year perfect for travelers who want to make a hot air adventure part of their plans. Operators today must employ licensed pilots with experience in ballooning, making the prospect safe and worry-free for participants.
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.
During the 1960s, the United States Navy funded research intended to find a better way to economically move small loads short distances using airships. Although there were no earth-shattering solutions, old hot-air flight concepts were updated and modernized, bringing ballooning into the modern era. Power sources became safer and easier to regulate, and certain design problems were eliminated.
After the program ended, interest in ballooning remained high. There is an almost magical quality that surrounds this type of retro transportation, and it did not take long for entrepreneurs to begin selling recreational rides to adventurous passengers. With new safety features in place, outdoor enthusiasts have taken to the sky in increasing 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 foothills and plains of the eastern Rocky Mountains have become prime ballooning country. Wind patterns and overall climate make certain times of the year perfect for travelers who want to make a hot air adventure part of their plans. Operators today must employ licensed pilots with experience in ballooning, making the prospect safe and worry-free for participants.
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