Take The Couples Hot Air Balloon Ride Colorado Vacationers Love

By Sally Delacruz


Long before the Wright brothers made history at Kitty Hawk, people had taken to the sky in balloons. Europeans were launching ducks and sheep as early as the 1780s, soon to be followed by scores of passengers happily floating over the tranquil French countryside. The future would belong to fixed-wing aircraft, but reserving a space on the kind of couples hot air balloon ride Colorado vacationers love still generates excitement.

The earliest versions had virtually no steering capability, and used a dangerously open flame. Because they could only go in the direction of the wind, many ended up snagged by trees. Over time, gas replaced hot air, and a metal framework gave dirigibles steering capability. In spite of the romance of floating gently over a lavender field, the public basically lost interest.

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.

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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