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Ballooning was revived as a sport in the 1960’s. Balloons are defined as types of aircrafts that become airborne due to the lift or buoyancy supplied by a gas that is less dense than the air surrounding the balloon. Although the first balloon flight in 1783 was buoyed up by heated air, hydrogen was soon found to be superior to hot air for filling a balloon. Hydrogen has inherent buoyancy while hot air has the tendency to decrease its ability to supply lift as the air cools. When a gas balloon is launched, it will fly up until its average density exactly equals that of the atmosphere around it. The pilot discards some ballast to go higher and releases some of the buoyant gas through a valve to descend.
The balloon as an aircraft was put to use by the military in both World War I and World War II and also in the Civil War. The spherical balloon was found to be very good for free flight but the tethered spherical balloons were not. They often buckled and rotated around their anchor cables making them unsuitable for military operations. Mostly the kite type balloons were used for observation posts or their cables were positioned to create hazards for enemy planes.
When hot air ballooning first became a sport, the flights were short due to the heat source being left on the ground. However, before too long, small lightweight propane burners were created that could be carried on the balloon. The most popular forms of balloons to fly are the cheaper hot air balloons, which consist of three components. The first component is the balloon itself, which holds the hot air used for the lift, constructed of nylon or polyester. The second component is the basket that hangs by cables from the balloon envelope usually made of wicker. The third component is the fuel system and burner of the balloon attached to a frame over the pilot’s head. The hot air balloon lifts when the propane burners heat the air inside and descends when the pilot cools the gas.
While many balloons are not sturdy enough for long distance flights, new, more durable balloons are being produced all the time by manufacturers. One such balloon is a hybrid called a Rozier, which is a gas-balloon surrounded on the bottom half by a hot air balloon cone. A tiny propane burner heats the air inside the cone, which then warms the helium, increasing the lift while it expands. The training for a balloon pilot is much like the training for any other aircraft, including equipment operation, how to handle emergencies, launch flight and landing techniques. He must understand the complex micrometeorological conditions that control wind and respond accurately to the weather conditions appropriately.
Some pilots may enter sport ballooning for competition and follow the competitive ballooning rules established by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI). But most sport ballooning is done for the sheer pleasure and beauty of the flight and is less governed by the goal of winning. Following the rules of aerodynamics and safe procedures influence the pilot more than any contest rules. Balloonists compete in local, regional, national and world championship events. World records are established in the categories of altitude, duration and distance. The best weather for ballooning is when there is high pressure and light surface winds. If there is too much wind, it is probable that the pilot will wait until the winds are more stable and predictable. Usually within three hours of sunrise and sunset is favorable. In addition, the type of terrain affects the way the wind flows. Flat expanses are very different than wooded mountainous areas.
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