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Hot air balloons are passenger carrying balloons, and are used primarily for recreation being manoeuvred by regulating the temperature of the air within the balloon envelope by means of a burner, thus causing the balloon gain or lose height.
Popularity
Events range in size from a few balloons and no spectators to hundreds of balloons with hundreds of thousands of spectators. Ballooning as a passenger is a very popular once in a lifetime celebratory pastime.
Location
There are many regular gatherings of balloons and balloonists around the world. Most of these events are held on annual basis. The festivities provide both a place for balloonists to interact as well as a venue for entertaining spectators.
Age
There are no age limits to ballooning as a passenger, common sense should prevail. Attractive aspects of ballooning include the exceptional quiet the lack of any perceptible feeling of movement and the birds-eye view.
Ability
The direction of flight depends on the wind, but the altitude of the balloon can be controlled by changing the temperature of the air
Description
A hot air balloon for manned flight uses a single layered, fabric gas bag (lifting envelope), with an opening at the bottom called the mouth. Attached to the envelope is a basket, or gondola, for carrying the passengers. Mounted above the basket and centered in the mouth is the burner which injects a flame into the envelope, heating the air within. The heater or burner is fueled by propane, a liquefied gas stored in pressure vessels, similar to high pressure forklift cylinders.
Dedication
In competition, the pilots need to be able to read different wind directions at different altitudes. Balloon competitions are often called races but they're most often a test of accuracy, not speed. For most competitive balloon flights, the goal is to fly as close as possible to one or more exact points called targets. Once a pilot has directed the balloon as close as possible to a target, a weighted marker with an identifying number written on it is dropped.
Potential
Recently, balloon envelopes have been made in fantastic shapes, such as hot dogs, rocket ships, and the shapes of commercial products.
Further
Reading
The direction of flight depends on the wind, but the altitude of the balloon can be controlled by changing the temperature of the air
Cost
To purchase the simplest of balloon, including envelope, basket, burner and ancillary equipment is in excess of £20,000. A flight of approximately one hour as a passenger will cost from around £150 per person.
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
|
Legs
|
Sight
|
Hearing
|
Speech |
Learning |
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