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.
After the Second World War, the United States Navy was interested in developing better methods of moving small loads, and commissioned research into balloons as a possible solution. While nothing truly significant emerged, the old concepts were revisited and updated, bringing hot air transport into the 20th century. Design problems were solved, and power sources were modernized.
After the program ended, interest in ballooning remained high. There is an almost magical quality that surrounds this type of retro transportation, and it did not take long for entrepreneurs to begin selling recreational rides to adventurous passengers. With new safety features in place, outdoor enthusiasts have taken to the sky in increasing 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.
There is a special feeling about flying without jet noise and engine turbulence. Passengers can actually feel the wind, hear birds, and are not 35,000 feet above the earth. The landscape can be viewed from a comfortable distance, revealing secrets and features that can only be seen from above. The experience is enjoyable because rising through the air is not only exciting, but also because it nurtures the soul.
The foothills and plains of the eastern Rocky Mountains have become prime ballooning country. Wind patterns and overall climate make certain times of the year perfect for travelers who want to make a hot air adventure part of their plans. Operators today must employ licensed pilots with experience in ballooning, making the prospect safe and worry-free for participants.
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.
After the Second World War, the United States Navy was interested in developing better methods of moving small loads, and commissioned research into balloons as a possible solution. While nothing truly significant emerged, the old concepts were revisited and updated, bringing hot air transport into the 20th century. Design problems were solved, and power sources were modernized.
After the program ended, interest in ballooning remained high. There is an almost magical quality that surrounds this type of retro transportation, and it did not take long for entrepreneurs to begin selling recreational rides to adventurous passengers. With new safety features in place, outdoor enthusiasts have taken to the sky in increasing 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.
There is a special feeling about flying without jet noise and engine turbulence. Passengers can actually feel the wind, hear birds, and are not 35,000 feet above the earth. The landscape can be viewed from a comfortable distance, revealing secrets and features that can only be seen from above. The experience is enjoyable because rising through the air is not only exciting, but also because it nurtures the soul.
The foothills and plains of the eastern Rocky Mountains have become prime ballooning country. Wind patterns and overall climate make certain times of the year perfect for travelers who want to make a hot air adventure part of their plans. Operators today must employ licensed pilots with experience in ballooning, making the prospect safe and worry-free for participants.
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