Important Facts About Balloon Flights In Colorado

By Della Monroe


The activity of people flying in a balloon is known as ballooning. A lot of people have grown to like the experience due to its quietness during flight, the lack of motion feeling and the birds eye view. Passengers do not usually feel the movement as the vessel mainly follows the direction of the wind and it is only felt during descent and ascent. Balloon flights in Colorado is a very enjoyable recreational activity that is suitable for everyone.

Piloting this balloon requires some effort mainly licensing and availability of equipment and is the reason why many people prefer to purchase a flight from companies that offer such rides. These rides can be enjoyed in various parts across the world but are mainly popular in areas that are most frequented by tourists.

Balloon festivals give many people the chance to watch them close up which is a good family outing activity. Such festivals have other fun things including amusement rides and many forms of entertainment. These aircrafts are known to reach extremely high altitudes with the highest ever reached being 21,290 meters and is the current world record.

Just like many unpressured aircrafts, the balloon has to have oxygen supply for its passengers especially if it is going to reach and exceed a height of 3,180 meters. Most launches are done during cool times of the day which is just before sunset and in the morning. This is because at these times, the winds are lighter thus enhancing easy flying and launching.

Thermals are vertical air currents that result from the heating the ground which make the process of piloting difficult; they can be avoided by flying at the right time. In extreme cases these currents can affect the ability an aircraft to climb thus bringing about a forced landing. Before any flight begins, is the duty of a pilot to check the weather and identify the best take-off point.

The balloon should first be unpacked from its bag and fully spread out on the ground for a connection between the burner and the basket to it to be made. Cold air is pumped into the envelope using a fan for it to have its basic shape before the air inside can be heated up. A rope is usually tied to the apex of the balloon and held to avoid unwanted launching.

The setup process begins with the vessel being unpacked from its bag and spread out fully on the ground then connecting the burner and basket to it. In order for it to assume its basic shape, a fan is used to blow in cold air which is then heated by the burner. One member of this crew should hold onto a rope that is connected to the apex to prevent it from launching unexpectedly and swaying.

The pilot should select a location that has minimal hindrances like buildings, trees and power lines which is large enough to allow for laying out and inflation of the envelope. The weather should be suitable and facilitate good visibility with the winds being very soft for a successful take-off. This point must be selected such that the winds will direct the balloon towards the landing destination.




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