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How a balloon works

You have probably asked yourself countless times “how does a balloon work?” How does he manage to go up and down? Here in this article I will explain everything to you!! Let's go?!

Firstly, not just anyone can buy a balloon and go around the world, there are many hours of theoretical and practical classes. So calm down!

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Items of a balloon

  • a wicker basket
  • torch or burners
  • envelope (the canvas part of the balloon, to make it easier to understand)
  • propane or helium tanks
  • parachute valve and pulling ropes
  • balloon sections

As shown in the image the model.

All this material is of excellent quality, the lives of the passengers and the pilot are protected by these materials.

Before every flight, everything is thoroughly checked, every detail is essential for everything to go well!

How a balloon works

It all starts with the type of air that is inflated through the torch into the envelope.

It is by hot air or helium gas. As the balloon is inflated, the gas ends up becoming less dense (heavy) than the air outside, cold air, which we breathe.

Heating causes an increase in volume and consequently a decrease in density. And that's why the balloon takes off.

How does a balloon go up and downr

Inside the envelope, at the top, there is a hole that opens and closes. Called a parachute. The movement is done through the ropes that are under the control of the pilot.

When you pull the string, the hole opens and the air comes out, making the balloon heavy and starting to descend.

On the contrary, to go up, you need to inflate more air and leave the “hole” closed.

There's a really cool movie that tells a story about balloons, pilots and the maximum altitude they can reach: “the aeronauts”, You will be amazed by this story!

How a balloon works

How a balloon works and weather conditions

Weather conditions are fundamental for the flight to be perfect.

If it's going to rain is the first analysis to be done. With rain it is not possible to fly. Because you can't wet the canvas or the basket.

Wind speed is the key element throughout the course. The balloon makes its entire route guided by the force of the wind masses. As it ascends, it passes through different air masses.

Taking care of the wind speed starts before the balloon takes off.

It's through a birthday balloon, tied on a string and as it moves.

Flights start first thing in the morning, around 5 am in summer or 6:30 am in winter and late afternoon around 5 pm in winter or 8 pm in summer. These are the times when the wind is weak or almost non-existent.

How long can you stay in the air?

It all depends on how many cylinders of air it can take along. It can take on average two cylinders and the duration is on average 60 min to 1:30h.

How a balloon works

How many people can go in a basket

It depends on the size of the basket, there are baskets that only fit the pilot, which are generally used for competition.

Baskets that fit 3, 6 or up to 12 people. It's a lot of people!

How much does it cost to go on a tour like this?

In the southern region of Brazil, the average value is R$500.00 per person, but it can vary up to R$1,000.00.

There are numerous packages for ballooning. There is a package that only goes with the couple and the pilot and a tip: the guys propose to the girls in mid-air, accompanied by champagne… I think it's great!

Finally, I hope you enjoyed this content and be sure to fly when you have the opportunity! It's an amazing feeling! You won't go through turbulence or hit traffic in the sky, the feeling is of floating through the clouds <3 indescribable!

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