Many years before their record-setting Kitty Hawk event made the Wright brothers famous, human beings had actually flown. Europeans were launching livestock aloft in large balloons as early as 1783, and people followed them into the French skies shortly thereafter. While rigid-winged airplanes would prove to be the future of flying, reserving a space on a couples hot air balloon ride Colorado style is still a popular choice.
The earliest versions had virtually no steering capability, and used a dangerously open flame. Because they could only go in the direction of the wind, many ended up snagged by trees. Over time, gas replaced hot air, and a metal framework gave dirigibles steering capability. In spite of the romance of floating gently over a lavender field, the public basically lost interest.
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.
While the research came to an end, it had the unintended result of re-invigorating public interest. While faster traditionally equaled superior, there is an undeniably magical feeling about floating slowly, and entrepreneurs have been quick to take advantage of this new recreational market. Former safety concerns have been addressed, and people today are eager to experience this adventure.
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.
Beneath the source of energy is a basket called a gondola, often made of lightweight wicker. Depending on the size of the structure above it, a gondola can carry up to twenty people at a time. There is no heavy seating, and most passengers stand during the relatively short flying times. In a fashion similar to hang gliders, they follow air currents that provide lift and direction, and land simply by turning down the heat.
Flying without constant noise and buffeting gives travelers a special, peaceful feeling. At comfortable altitudes, people can feel the wind, hear passing birds, and enjoy the scenery in a way that is impossible otherwise. Unseen features of the landscape below can only be discovered from above. Rising up toward the clouds is exciting on its own, but ballooning also refreshes the human spirit in a way that an airplane ride cannot.
The eastern slope of the Rockies in the western United States has become one of the most popular areas to pursue this adventure. For vacationers who want to include ballooning in their plans, the ideal wind patterns and often-benign climate makes this the perfect location. Operators hire only licensed, experienced pilots to make this an enjoyable and safe part of any special outdoor occasion.
The earliest versions had virtually no steering capability, and used a dangerously open flame. Because they could only go in the direction of the wind, many ended up snagged by trees. Over time, gas replaced hot air, and a metal framework gave dirigibles steering capability. In spite of the romance of floating gently over a lavender field, the public basically lost interest.
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.
While the research came to an end, it had the unintended result of re-invigorating public interest. While faster traditionally equaled superior, there is an undeniably magical feeling about floating slowly, and entrepreneurs have been quick to take advantage of this new recreational market. Former safety concerns have been addressed, and people today are eager to experience this adventure.
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.
Beneath the source of energy is a basket called a gondola, often made of lightweight wicker. Depending on the size of the structure above it, a gondola can carry up to twenty people at a time. There is no heavy seating, and most passengers stand during the relatively short flying times. In a fashion similar to hang gliders, they follow air currents that provide lift and direction, and land simply by turning down the heat.
Flying without constant noise and buffeting gives travelers a special, peaceful feeling. At comfortable altitudes, people can feel the wind, hear passing birds, and enjoy the scenery in a way that is impossible otherwise. Unseen features of the landscape below can only be discovered from above. Rising up toward the clouds is exciting on its own, but ballooning also refreshes the human spirit in a way that an airplane ride cannot.
The eastern slope of the Rockies in the western United States has become one of the most popular areas to pursue this adventure. For vacationers who want to include ballooning in their plans, the ideal wind patterns and often-benign climate makes this the perfect location. Operators hire only licensed, experienced pilots to make this an enjoyable and safe part of any special outdoor occasion.
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