Wednesday, November 21, 2012

How Weather Can Effect Hot Air Balloons

The one thing that is at times impossible to predict is the weather. Although forecasters try their best, when they say sunshine, it can be pouring down with rain. Hot air balloon rides rely on the weather for them to work. There needs to be a strong wind to pull the balloon along. But it can't be too strong or the balloon will be uncontrollable! Read on for the best weather conditions for ballooning.

The Perfect Weather For Ballooning

This can change from pilot to pilot, depending on their preferred weather type for flying. The majority of pilots would prefer to fly on a fresh spring or autumnal morning. At this time of year, the weather is calm. The winds are powerful enough to fly the balloon but allow the pilots to retain control of the balloon. The morning is the best time to fly in these seasons as sunrise is usually the best weather conditions as the balloon heats up as the sun rises.

Summer Sunshine

It seems simple enough. It's a summer season so there will be sun. But that's not always the case. Some summer months have been the wettest months in the year! This is why a large number of balloon pilots don't recommend flying at the height of summer. This is apparent even if the sun does shine, as the basket can be unbearably hot. There is no wind when up in the balloon as you are carried by the wind. And with the scorching sun beating down on you and the fuel burners creating lots of heat, it can be one sweaty balloon ride!

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

Unless you decide to take a balloon flight in an extremely hot and dry country, you may have to battle with the prospect of rain ruining your balloon ride. Rain is one of the elements that cannot be negotiated. It's too dangerous to fly in rain as it can force the balloon out of the pilot's control, making it extremely dangerous for the passengers and also potentially damaging to the balloon.

Strong Winds

Wind is a necessity for balloon flights, as the wind enables the balloon to move. The pilot cannot direct the balloon to move in a particular path as the wind is the source of navigation. However the pilot can decide when to ascend and descend. This becomes difficult when the wind is above 7mph. Strong winds mean the pilot looses control of the balloon and it can be blown about violently. So for everyone to have a safe and enjoyable ride, balloons do not fly at high wind speeds.

British School Of Ballooning provides Hot Air Balloon Flights throughout the south of England. Hot Air Ballooning is the perfect way to enjoy the scenery in the Home Counties. Find out more about balloon rides Kent here http://www.hotair.co.uk/location/kent

Source: http://articles.submityourarticle.com/how-weather-can-effect-hot-air-balloons-303860

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