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How do you steer a balloon?
Balloons simply float with the wind. The pilot can control the balloon's
altitude to find a wind going in the desired direction, but you
cannot fly upwind or crosswind. Preflight planning insures the pilot
knows which way the balloon will be traveling, and the pilot makes
sure there are plenty of suitable landing sites downwind.
How long does it take to inflate and deflate
the balloon?
A good ground crew can inflate and launch a balloon in fifteen minutes
or less. It takes about the same amount of time to deflate and pack
up the balloon after the flight.
Why don't balloons fly in the middle of
the day?
Balloon fly early in the morning, right after sunrise and late in
the day, right before sunset. This is when the wind is calmest since
the sun is low in the sky.
Why is the angle of the sun important?
The sun is the source of wind, because it heats the earth unevenly.
Sunlight falls directly on the equator, for example. The North Pole
receives weaker, slanted rays of sunlight. Clouds may keep one area
cool while another heats up. Water and land heat up at different
rates. Hot air is lighter than cool air, so it rises. As hot air
rises, cool air slides in to replace it. The result: wind. It isn't
safe to fly during the daytime when different pockets of air are
rising and falling.
Can balloons fly at night?
Yes, although balloonists seldom do because of decreased visibility
and the requirement for instruments and lights. Most balloons are
certified for day flying only.
How do you get back to where you started?
A chase crew follows along in a van or truck. The chase crew is
in radio contact with the pilot, so they can be there when the balloon
lands (or soon afterwards).
How much do balloons cost?
About the same as a car or boat. The most popular sport size balloons
cost from $18,000 to $25,000 or more. Support equipment (radios,
fan, extra tanks, tools, repair kit, etc.) adds from $2,000 to $
5,000 more. You can also buy used balloons.
How many hot air balloons are there?
There are over 3,500 balloons and 4,000 licensed pilots in the U.S.
There are another 1000 or so balloons in other countries.
What are envelopes made of?
Rip-stop nylon is the most common material. Polyester and other
fabrics are sometimes used. The lower portions around the opening
are usually made from a fire resistant material like Nomex, similar
to what race car drivers and firemen wear.
What fuel do hot air balloons use, and
where is it carried?
Propane is used for fuel. It is carried in aluminum or stainless
steel tanks that range from 10 to 20 gallons in size. Average fuel
consumption is about 15 gallons an hour.
How long do balloons last?
Depending on the care it is given, a balloon envelope may last 500
or more flying hours. Considering that most sport pilots fly from
35-75 hours a year, balloons do last a long time.
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