Since hot air balloons move with the air and are not directly steered by the pilot, the weather is a vital factor in making a decision on whether to fly or not. Before the launch, the pilot will be in contact with the weather service to find out about the wind conditions and climate around the proposed launch site.

Another consideration on the part of the pilot is ground conditions. Although not as important as the climate and wind conditions, if the ground is wet the basket might churn up the field on take-off and reduce the likelihood of the landowner giving you permission for further flights.

Hot air balloons need stable winds to operate efficiently and flights are made either early morning or evenings depending on the sunrise and sunset. At these times the weather is cooler and the balloon flies better due to the hot air producing more lift. It is not advisable to fly during the daytime, because as the earth heats up it produces thermal pockets of air that can cause turbulence when in a balloon.

The weather is always of the upmost importance, as storms are very hazardous for balloons with the possible threat of a lightning strike. Even rain is a problem, because it reduces visibility and damages the balloons fabric. Pilots tend to fly when the weather is near ideal and when the skies are clear and wind conditions are close to normal.

Before a successful hot air balloon flight can begin, the pilot must first check the weather and find a suitable take-off point. The weather must have sufficient visibility for the pilot to see and wind speeds should not exceed 10mph to allow for safe take-off and landings. To check wind speeds at a given location the pilot will send up a balloon called a Met-balloon or Pibal, this gives instant information about what the wind is actually doing.

Next the balloon is unpacked and the burner and basket attached. The envelope (balloon) is then filled with cold air that partially inflates the balloon and gives it, its basic shape. Once the shape of the balloon has been established the burner is used to heat the air inside. When the balloon is upright, the pilot and passengers climb into the basket and the flight can begin by directing more heat into the envelope.

Balloons have been used by the military for hundreds of years and were mainly used for reconnaissance and battlefield map making. It wasn’t until 1941 that the British used balloons as weapons to fight the Germans during World War II.

Operation Outward was given the go ahead in September 1941 and consisted of free-flying balloons with two different types of weapon. The first was a steel trailing wire, intended to damage high voltage line by producing a short circuit. The second was a set of flexible socks filled with flammable material designed to start fires in forests and fields.

The first launches took place on the 20th March 1942 and within days the British were receiving reports of fires near Berlin and Tilsit. Interception of German radio soon showed that German planes were trying to shoot the balloons down, this encouraged the British as it cost the Germans more to shoot a balloon down than it cost the British to make.

On the 12th July a wire carrying balloon struck a high voltage power line near Liepzig and the resulting fire destroyed Bohlen power station. In the lead up to D-day balloon launches became more sporadic, as there were fears that Allied bombers might get damaged. The last balloons were launched on 4th September 1944.

At least today when you take your Hot air balloon ride you can rest assured that there is no chance of being shot down by a German plane, it’s just you, the tranquil countryside and the peaceful sound of the wind gently lifting you away.

Hot air balloons work on the simple principal that warm air rises. Warm air is lighter than cooler air and when contained in the balloon or the envelope as it’s known in the business, it produces lift and thus propelling the balloon upwards. To ensure the balloon stays in the air it must be continuously heated using gas burners.

To move the balloon upwards the pilot uses the burners to deliver regular burst of fire to maintain a stable flight. As hot air rises very little of it is lost through the bottom of the envelope.

To bring the balloon downwards there is a valve at the top of the envelope called the parachute valve. The valve is a round piece of fabric connected to a chord which is runs down the centre of the balloon to the pilot. If the pilot wishes to decent they simply pull the chord to open the valve, letting the hot air escape and bringing the balloon downwards as the hot air cools. The balloon can also be brought back down by using the burners less frequently this has a similar effect to the parachute valve bringing the balloon to a gentle decent.

For more information about ballooning check out Adventure Balloons website.

There are many ways in which companies can reward their employees for all their hard work in continuing to make it successful. For sure, an Adventure Balloon Flight is a fantastic incentive and one which will be remembered for a long time to come, important and one which will ensure continuing success. Our balloons can carry up to sixteen people, or smaller numbers for special incentives, perhaps the top sales team. A flight in a hot air balloon is a sociable time out and we think your employees will find it more enjoyable than the bowling alley or a quiz night at the local pub; it can also be a team building exercise, they are sure to be thrilled.

Adventure Balloons are experts in the field of corporate hospitality and it is becoming more and more popular with companies, perhaps combined with other events at a hospitality weekend or simply on its own, your valued customers will always remember it and your company will be uppermost in their minds.

Hot Air Ballooning is the oldest flight technology known for carrying human passengers. Hot air ballooning was invented in France in 1783 by the Montgolfier brothers.

The construction of a hot air balloon is literally a large bag which is called an envelope this contains the heated air. The suspended wicker basket below (gondola) carries the heat source and passengers. The hot air contained in the envelope has a lower density than the air outside meaning that the balloon can take flight. Gas balloons differ from hot air balloons because they need to be sealed, in a hot air balloon there is no need for this as the hot air which is rising puts pressure on the upper part of the balloon and provides the lift.

Most hot air balloons now are made from nylon fabric with the area near the burner being made from a flame resistant material.