Hot air balloons: Q&A

What are hot air balloons made of?
Hot air balloons are very simple things, made up of only three components: the basket, the burner and the balloon itself, otherwise known as the envelope.

Are baskets in hot air balloons really like large hampers?
Most baskets for hot air balloons are made from wicker or cane, which provides strength, lightness and, importantly, flexibility for when the hot air balloon lands (the basket, as well as carrying passengers, is also the landing gear). Other materials can be used to make baskets, which can also have transparent floors.

What are hot air balloon envelopes made from?
The hot air balloon itself, or the envelope, is normally made from long tapered nylon strips called gores, each of which is made of smaller panels. Nylon is used for its strength and light weight, but also because it has a high melting temperature. At the base of the hot air balloon's envelope near the flame is the skirt, which is coated with special fire-resistant material.

What fuel is used to power the hot air balloon?
The burners in hot air balloons run on propane, the same substance used for gas barbecues. It's stored as a compressed liquid, which allows it to flow quickly through the hoses to the heating coil, where it becomes a gas and can be ignited to create the necessary heat.

How are hot air balloons controlled?
Hot air balloons are first inflated with a fan and then gently heated with the ignited propane flame. Once the balloon is inflated enough and ready to fly, the guy ropes are released and the hot air balloon can ascend. To descend, the air in the envelope is allowed to cool just enough to enable a gentle float down. However, a great deal of skill and practice is required to make the hot air balloon respond to a pilot's actions. The wind is a key factor too.

What else do I need to fly hot air balloons?
People, mostly. While you may be the only person in the hot air balloon, it requires a team to set it up and collect it once it lands, preferably in the general area it was planned to. There are, however, optional extras such as turning vents and deflation systems, which work in tandem with the parachute opening at the top of the envelope to quickly let out hot air.

What shape hot air balloon can I have?
Standard hot air balloons are all roughly the same shape and design, but you can—as many companies do—design your own based on virtually any shape imaginable. A visit to a balloon festival will prove that, as far as hot air balloon design is concerned, the sky really is the limit.