Humans beings were taking to the skies long before the Wright brothers made their historic flight. As early as 1783, Europeans sent intrepid farm animals aloft, and soon afterward people were also happily drifting through the skies of France in balloons. Although fixed wing aircraft would prove to be the future of aviation, booking a couples hot air balloon ride Colorado style is still an exciting adventure.
The earliest versions of these vehicles had no steering, and used an unprotected flame to heat the air. They could only go where the wind blew, which meant they regularly ended up tangled in trees. In time, gases provided a more easily controlled lift, and dirigibles with frames could be steered. In spite of the romance of drifting calmly over the countryside, public interest soon waned.
In the post-World War II U. S. Navy, research continued in an effort to find a better way of transporting smaller loads by air. Even though this study broke no new ground, it had the result of re-igniting interest in hot-air ships, while old operating systems, methods, and safety standards were updated. Solving intrinsic design issues helped bring balloon transport into the twentieth century.
Although this research soon ended, it did capture the attention of enthusiasts. In an era when faster seemed better, there was still a magical aura surrounding this form of travel, and entrepreneurs quickly envisioned a future that included recreational balloon rides. New safety features have erased many former concerns, and people today are taking to the skies in growing numbers.
Hot-air festivals are commonplace, and often showcase brightly colored and whimsically shaped aircraft. In principle, however, these ships are still quite similar to those flown by 18th century Europeans. Air is still heated by a flame, and when captured inside a balloon, floats upward. Progress up or down is controlled by the size of the flame, and there still is no actual steering wheel.
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.
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 plains and foothills near the Rocky Mountains in the central United States have become one of the most popular areas for ballooning. The climate and wind patterns make the warmer months perfect for vacationers who want to include this unique activity in their plans. Commercial operators are required to employ experienced, licensed pilots, making floating together on the wind both safe and enjoyable.
The earliest versions of these vehicles had no steering, and used an unprotected flame to heat the air. They could only go where the wind blew, which meant they regularly ended up tangled in trees. In time, gases provided a more easily controlled lift, and dirigibles with frames could be steered. In spite of the romance of drifting calmly over the countryside, public interest soon waned.
In the post-World War II U. S. Navy, research continued in an effort to find a better way of transporting smaller loads by air. Even though this study broke no new ground, it had the result of re-igniting interest in hot-air ships, while old operating systems, methods, and safety standards were updated. Solving intrinsic design issues helped bring balloon transport into the twentieth century.
Although this research soon ended, it did capture the attention of enthusiasts. In an era when faster seemed better, there was still a magical aura surrounding this form of travel, and entrepreneurs quickly envisioned a future that included recreational balloon rides. New safety features have erased many former concerns, and people today are taking to the skies in growing numbers.
Hot-air festivals are commonplace, and often showcase brightly colored and whimsically shaped aircraft. In principle, however, these ships are still quite similar to those flown by 18th century Europeans. Air is still heated by a flame, and when captured inside a balloon, floats upward. Progress up or down is controlled by the size of the flame, and there still is no actual steering wheel.
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.
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 plains and foothills near the Rocky Mountains in the central United States have become one of the most popular areas for ballooning. The climate and wind patterns make the warmer months perfect for vacationers who want to include this unique activity in their plans. Commercial operators are required to employ experienced, licensed pilots, making floating together on the wind both safe and enjoyable.
No comments:
Post a Comment