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Hot Air Ballooning |
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Hot air balloon rides in Colorado are nothing new. In fact, ballooning began as one of the first forms of flight over 200 years ago. The first balloon flight occurred in France, the same country where the traditional champagne toast began.
On September 19, 1783 a scientist named Pilatre De Rozier launched the first hot air balloon called “Aerostat Reveillon”. Its passengers included a sheep, a duck, and a rooster. The balloon rose to the end of a 250 foot tether for a total of fifteen minutes before landing. The first manned, untethered attempt came about 2 months later on the 21st of November, with a balloon made by two brothers, Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier. The balloon’s design was dubbed the “Montgolfier” and was constructed of linen and paper. Its pilots included Pilatre de Rozier and Marquis de Arlandes. The balloon was launched from the center of Paris and flew at an altitude of 500 feet for a period of 20 minutes. The heat to inflate the balloon was generated by a fire of straw, kindling, and even rotten meat. It travelled five and a half miles before landing on the Butte-aux-Cailles. Ten days later, Aine Roberts and Jacques Charles, a French physicist, made the first hydrogen-filled balloon flight. The red and white balloon flew for 25 miles before landing in the Nesles-la Vallee where frightened farmers attacked the descending balloon with pitchforks. They believed that the balloons were strange objects descending from the heavens. From this point onward, manned balloon flights progressed at an amazing rate. With the invention of the powered aircraft, ballooning's popularity decreased and was only continued by some enthusiasts. The current sport of ballooning survived and is used by the agencies such as the US Navy for research. Ballooning later made a comeback with the development of a durable inexpensive nylon able to be used for the envelope. Today
hot air ballooning in the United States is regulated by the Federal
Aviation Administration, which regulates pilot training and certification,
as well as the inspection and maintenance of the balloons themselves. Hot air balloon rides in Colorado can offer some of the most stunning views in the country. Such scenery includes the Rocky Mountains, Fraser Valley, and the Continental Divide. Whether for a special occasion or on a last-minute whim, hot air balloon rides in Colorado can provide you with memories to last a lifetime. Call to schedule your balloon flight today! |
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"Krazy Joe"
The Balloon Man |
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