Hot Air Balloon Launch at Albany, Oregon
I have always been fascinated by hot air balloons and back when I lived in Oregon I decided to attend a balloon launch which took place in the town of Albany. There I was able to watch the balloons being assembled, inflated, deployed and then watch as they floated away into the wide blue yonder.
Balloonists are ever conscious of weather conditions and prefer to fly in calm conditions to avoid higher wind conditions which may make landings hazardous. In Oregon these often occur in early mornings so I got to the launch site at the crack of dawn. The balloons are transported to the site in trailers or trucks. A few of the balloonists had started to assemble their balloons.
After the balloon equipment is unloaded from the vehicles the balloon envelope is spread out on the ground.
The envelope is then attached to the basket and a fan readied to blow air into it.
While people hold the mouth of the envelope open the fan blows in outside cold air to partially inflate the balloon.
After the balloon is sufficiently inflated the balloon’s burner is used to heat the air inside the balloon.
This causes it to rise
to a vertical position.
Things generally included in the basket or gondola of the balloon include propane tanks, instruments, drop line, required documents, strikers used to ignite propane vapors in burner, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, and a fire blanket. Instrumentation usually includes an altimeter, a rate of climb (vertical speed) indicator, and both envelope and ambient air temperature. A GPS receiver might be used to indicate ground speed and direction.
This shows the top of a balloon.
When ready the pilot and passengers takeoff.
A balloon is considered an aircraft and is governed by FAA regulation. Pilots are licensed after completing both written and flight tests. Each pilot is solely responsible for the safe flight of his or her balloon and any consequences thereof.
Balloonists use the burner when they need to go higher. The top of the balloon usually has a vent of some sort, enabling the pilot to release hot air to slow an ascent or to descend. There is little control over the direction so the balloon goes where the wind takes it.
Most balloonists are followed by their ground crew in some sort of chase vehicle. The ground crew sometimes helps with the landing or just picks up the balloon and passengers.
These hot air balloons were colorful and festive as the floated quietly across the Oregon sky. I enjoyed learning about the “behind the scenes” mechanics of putting the balloons into flight. It was much more complicated and technical that you might think. It was a memorable day!
More Information:
Wikipedia article on the hot air balloon
Willamette Aerostat Society (Pacific Northwest Hot Air Balloon Club)
