http://www.balloonclub.org/index.php?s=flying101


Here is a link to the excellent introduction to Hot Air Ballooning by the Edinburgh Univerity Hot Air Balloon Club.........

Flying101: How Hot Air Ballooning Works

  1. Principles Of Balloon Flight
  2. Setting Up The Balloon
  3. Inflating The Balloon
  4. Flying The Balloon
  5. Landing And Packing Away
  6. How to Crew
  7. Fan Operator
  8. Crown Line
  9. Mouth Crew
  10. Other Crew
  11. Passenger Brief
  12. Following the Balloon
  13. Notes

Principles Of Balloon Flight

Diagram

Balloons work on the very simple principle that hot air rises, as it is less dense than cold air. A balloon has a set of burners to heat the air, which is then trapped by the fabric of the envelope. As the air is heated, the lifting force eventually overcomes the force of gravity and causes the balloon to rise. The balloon will not rise forever though since the air in the envelope will cool and the balloon start to fall. As the balloon rises the air pressure also decreases. This means that there is less cool air to support the balloon so it will begin to drop again. By varying the temperature of the air in the envelope the balloon’s altitude can be controlled.