Hot Air Ballooning FAQ

What are balloons made of? The balloon bag or "envelope" is made of reinforced nylon fabric. It is light (1.3 oz per sq yd) but strong (25 lbs per sq in). The envelope is treated with a polyurethane coating to make it more airtight and to help the fabric withstand ultraviolet sun rays. The pilot and passengers ride in a gondola (or basket) made of woven wicker, which is both strong and flexible. The gondola is connected to the envelope by stainless steel suspension cables.

How do balloons work? Hot air rises and the envelope traps a large bubble of hot air. If the air in the envelope is heated by a burner, the balloon will rise. If the air in the envelope is allowed to cool or if the hot air is "vented" (allowed to escape) from the top or side of the envelope, the balloon will descend. An altimeter, rate-of-climb meter, and an envelope temperature gauge are the only instruments used in the balloon. Amazingly, the pilot can control the altitude of the balloon within a matter of inches!

How are balloons inflated? The balloon envelope is spread on the ground and the gondola laid on its side and attached to the envelope cables. A portable (gasoline powered) fan pushes cold air into the envelope. When the envelope is about half inflated with outside air, a propane burner is ignited until the air inside is heated enough for the balloon to rise to an upright positon. With a small amount of additional heat, the balloon becomes bouyant. Typically, the inflation takes about 20 minutes.

How many people does it take to fly a balloon? The sport of ballooning is a wonderful group or family activity. To safetly launch and fly a balloon requires a minimum crew of two people. Duties of the crew typically include launch preparation, following the balloon flight in the chase vehicle, obtaining permission of the landowner for the balloon landing and retrieval, keeping spectators out of the landing area, and insuring that gates are left as they are found and that property is not damaged.

Learn about: The History of Ballooning!