Monday, October 5, 2015

Important Facts About Balloon Flights In Colorado

By Della Monroe


The activity of people flying in a balloon is known as ballooning. A lot of people have grown to like the experience due to its quietness during flight, the lack of motion feeling and the birds eye view. Passengers do not usually feel the movement as the vessel mainly follows the direction of the wind and it is only felt during descent and ascent. Balloon flights in Colorado is a very enjoyable recreational activity that is suitable for everyone.

A lot of people opt to purchase these flights from companies that already offer balloon rides because piloting requires the availability of equipment as well as licensing which is a lot of effort. These rides are mostly common in areas that receive tourists but are enjoyed in various parts across the world.

Balloon festivals give many people the chance to watch them close up which is a good family outing activity. Such festivals have other fun things including amusement rides and many forms of entertainment. These aircrafts are known to reach extremely high altitudes with the highest ever reached being 21,290 meters and is the current world record.

It is common for unpressured aircraft to have oxygen supply to its passengers and the balloon is no exception especially if it is going to exceed an altitude of 3,180 meters. A majority of these launches take place during the cooler hours of the day which can be at dawn or dusk. At these times, the winds are lighter facilitating for easier launching and flying.

Thermals are vertical air currents that result from the heating the ground which make the process of piloting difficult; they can be avoided by flying at the right time. In extreme cases these currents can affect the ability an aircraft to climb thus bringing about a forced landing. Before any flight begins, is the duty of a pilot to check the weather and identify the best take-off point.

This point of take-off must be spacious enough to allow for the lay out and inflation of the envelope as well as be clear of obstructions such as trees, power lines and buildings. The weather must have good visibility and the winds should be slow to facilitate take off. The point should also be located such that the winds will move it to the direction of the expected landing site.

A pilot can manipulate the altitude of flight by changing the temperature of air inside the envelope while the direction is solely dependent on the wind. Most balloonists opt to be followed to their point of landing by a chase vehicle which will carry them back to their take-off point. The two parties usually communicate through radio and shouting.

The direction of these flights is mostly determined by the wind and the altitude can be manipulated by making changes to the temperature of the air inside the envelope. A number of balloonists prefer to be followed by a vehicle to the point of landing which will facilitate their return to the launching point. Communication between the two is mainly done through shouting and radio.




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