2. When Was the First Balloon Flight?
3. Evolution of Hot Air Balloons
4. A Modern Hot Air Balloon Flight
5. When to Fly in a Hot Air Balloon
6. What Do I Need for a Balloon Flight?
The hot air balloon flight was made possible by the hot air balloon, the historic aircraft par excellence that granted mankind the ability to traverse the skies for the first time. Today, taking a balloon ride remains a means of flight but with objectives of leisure and adventure within the vast world of aerial sports. It's practised in open fields to admire landscapes and enjoy a different perspective, categorising it as an extreme sport.
1. Who Invented the Hot Air Balloon?
Contrary to popular belief about balloons, recent research has shown that it wasn't the Montgolfier brothers who conducted the first hot air balloon flight. Evidence has been found testifying that in 1709, Bartolomeu de Gusmao, a Brazilian priest, demonstrated an unmanned hot air balloon that ascended before King John V of Portugal.
However, historical recognition for this discovery has been granted to brothers Joseph and Jacques Montgolfier (Annomay, France) who in 1783 built an aircraft that ascended using a gas lighter than air. Based on Archimedes' principle, they constructed a linen balloon covered with paper, measuring 11 metres in diameter and weighing 226 kg. When placed above a fire source, it ascended for 15 minutes, covering 2 kilometres and reaching approximately 1,830 metres in height.
2. When Was the First Balloon Flight?
This great discovery became official the following year when they demonstrated it before King Louis XVI of France at the Palace of Versailles with history's first three flight passengers: a rooster, a sheep, and a duck.
That same year saw the first manned flight, with adventurers Pilâtre de Rozier and the Marquis d'Arlandes becoming the first men to take an aerial ride. They flew 12 kilometres aboard another Montgolfier-built aircraft made of varnished paper, staying aloft with hot air for 20 minutes.
This historic flight occurred near Paris and was witnessed by 400,000 Parisians as well as King Louis XVI of France.
3. Evolution of Hot Air Balloons
Later, engineering improvements by Noël Robert and Jacques Charles transformed this aircraft's flight efficiency. The latter added a net covering the balloon to secure the passenger basket, a regulating valve to control hydrogen release (replacing hot air), and a barometer to measure flight altitude via air pressure.
With these advancements, they achieved a 54-kilometre flight in 2 hours at 3,000 metres altitude in 1873. The most resounding success came from Charles himself, who shortly thereafter became the first human to fly solo in a balloon, even surpassing the altitude reached with his partner.
4. A Modern Hot Air Balloon Flight
Today's hot air balloons have become highly technically advanced and increasingly sophisticated. Despite being an ancient aerial vehicle, they remain a magnificent opportunity to fly through the skies.
Modern hot air balloons are made of waterproof synthetic materials like nylon or polyester, which withstand the high temperatures of internal hot air perfectly. They come in various sizes and colourful designs, while passenger baskets are still typically made of wicker, a woven rattan material.
Burners now use propane gas, proving safer than hydrogen or helium. Additionally, other navigation instruments have been integrated for safety and comfort:
- Thermometer
- Compass
- GPS
- Flight area maps
- Radio
- Fire extinguisher
Today, you need no prior experience to enjoy a wonderful balloon flight. Such flights offer passengers a splendid panoramic view like riding a magic carpet.
Passenger baskets typically hold up to 8 people, but custom flights for special occasions are also available. These flights present excellent opportunities for declarations of love, anniversary celebrations, or marriage proposals! Any excuse is good for such a magnificent experience.
6. What Do I Need to Know for a Balloon Flight?
To fly, the only essential is an early start. Takeoff occurs at dawn when weather conditions are most stable, facilitating balloon assembly. The inflation and setup process is fascinating to observe in the pre-dawn darkness, and you're welcome to assist if desired. You'll watch as the balloon is prepared and gradually inflated before boarding.
Takeoff is gentle and straightforward, as is the flight itself - a journey at the wind's mercy without directional control. This is essentially floating airborne without set course, only controlling altitude via burner valves.
This is how you can enjoy an incredible sunrise from above during a hot air balloon flight with your chosen companions. What are you waiting for? Embark on an exceptional balloon adventure!
