Taking a hot air balloon ride is a dream for many people.
Setting off into the sky in a wicker basket while the wind decides your course. What could be better? Hot air balloons are fun and romantic.
But did you know that the hot air balloon also has a long a fascinating history? In fact, its invention goes all the way back to the 1700s!
Keep reading to find out more incredible facts about hot air balloons.
What Are Hot Air Balloons?
A hot air balloon is a type of aircraft. It is made up of three parts called the envelope (balloon), the burner, and the basket. The envelope is made out of nylon which is strong and resistant to heat.
The burner uses propane gas to heat up the air inside the envelope. Because hot air rises, this is what causes the balloon to gain altitude.
1. You Can’t Control the Trajectory of a Balloon
Once a hot air balloon takes to the skies, its trajectory depends on the wind. That’s why hot air balloon pilots study wind charts before every flight.
Experienced pilots can use the wind to chart a path, but reliance on the wind makes ballooning an impractical means of transport.
2. Passengers Drink Champagne After Flights
Did you know that it’s a tradition to drink champagne after a successful hot air balloon flight? This custom began in France when farmers got fed up with the aristocracy landing balloons on their land.
It makes sense that farmers wouldn’t want hot air balloons to crush their crops. To make amends, they offered champagne to the farmers and that’s how the tradition was born.
3. Landing a Hot Air Ballon Isn’t Easy
Hot air balloons continue to rise as long as the burner remains on. Once the burner is off, the air inside the envelope remains hot, meaning the balloon won’t fall to the ground.
In order to land a hot air balloon, pilots must open a valve at the top of the envelope to slowly let the air out.
4. Hot Air Balloons Were Used During the American Civil War
During the war, President Lincoln established the ‘Balloon Corps’ in order to spy on the enemy from afar. In fact, these balloons could spot enemies up to 15 miles away.
There’s no questioning that hot air balloon rides provide amazing views. Just look at this article to find out more.
5. The Nazca Lines May Have Been Made With Hot Air Balloons
In the 1970s an American explorer named Jim Woodman put forth the theory that the Nazca lines in Peru were made by using hot air balloons.
He was even able to create his own balloon out of materials that were available at the time!
There Are Many Interesting Facts About Hot Air Balloons
The hot air balloon is an incredible invention. In fact, there are so many more facts about hot air balloons – too many to include in this article!
A hot air balloon ride is one of those once in a lifetime experiences that you’ll never forget! Beautiful views, champagne, and wicker baskets, what’s not to love?
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