Today Today, there are approximately 7,500 hot air balloons throughout the United States, and most are used for recreational purposes. Piloting a hot air balloon can be tricky and requires someone with the knowledge and skill to properly operate one. This type of flying is largely dependent on favorable weather conditions, sufficient visibility, wind speed and direction. The pilot must steer the balloon by climbing or descending into wind currents traveling in the direction he wishes to go. This may be accomplished by opening a blast valve to increase the temperature of the air inside the envelope to achieve lift. To descend,
the pilot may open a vent to let hot air escape which decreases the temperature. An integral part of the hot air balloon flight is the chase vehicle. This team follows the balloon’s path on the ground and arrives in time to help with the landing and to transport equipment, crew, and passengers back to the launch site. For the second year, we are thrilled to have a collection of these beautiful balloons join us for Biplanes and Triplanes. Weather permitting, they will launch at dawn and dusk, and perhaps offer a glowing showcase of color after dark during the Saturday evening hangar dance.
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