Hot air balloons fly on the principle that hot air rises. The pilot fills the envelope with hot air (propane), making it lighter than the surrounding air and it flies. This is how pilots are able to control the height of the balloon, althought it really can't be steered as it flies only in the direction of the wind.
Hot air balloons are very expensive. The basic balloon envelope (not including the gondola) costs from $18,000 to $25,000 (as of 2005). The price changes depending on size, material, design, and other factors. Some balloons cost as much as $75,000. The envelope is made of nylon coated with a chemical to resist heat. The material will eventually break down from the stress of the heat and will have to be replaced. The average life of a balloon envelope is 300 to 400 hours. For a recreational, once a month pilot, the balloon can last ten or so years, however, for someone that likes to go up every weekend, the life of the envelope decreases to a matter of three years or so.
The design of the balloon is selected for the pattern it will make as it spirals high above the ground. Some pilots will replace one balloon envelope with the same design because they like the pattern it makes.
Specialty balloons are those that have a shape, such as the Purple People Eater or the Panda shown below. The price of these balloon envelopes is much higher than a "regular" bulb shaped balloon.
Balloon envelopes are about 100' high by 60' wide. That's an average size. Some are way bigger; others can be smaller, designed to hold only the pilot. The gondola is made of
wicker, generally, because of the stre
ngth, durability, and weig
ht.
rate
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 30
Thank you for posting to the Hodge Podge Fun [Post Anything Group]
(This is something I have always wanted to do, -- looks like so much fun)!!
glitter-graphics.com