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The hot air balloon is the oldest successful human-carrying flight technology. On November 21, 1783, in Paris, France, the first manned flight was made by Jean Rozier & Francois d'Arlandes in a hot air balloon created by the Montgolfier brothers.
A hot air balloon consists of a bag called the envelope that is capable of containing heated air. Suspended beneath is the gondola or wicker basket which carries the passengers and a source of heat. The heated air inside the envelope makes it bouyant since it has a lower density than the relatively cold air outside the envelope. Unlike gas balloons, the envelope does not have to be sealed at the bottom since the air near the bottom of the envelope is at the same pressure as the surrounding air. In today's sport balloons the envelope is generally made from nylon fabric and the mouth of the balloon (closest to the burner flame) is made from fire resistant material such as Nomex.
Recently, balloon envelopes have been made in all kinds of shapes, such as hot dogs, rocket ships, and the shapes of commercial products. Hot air balloons that can be propelled through the air rather than just being pushed along by the wind are known as airships or, more specifically, thermal airships.
Hot Air Balloon Links-
Children's Miracle Network Balloon Rally - Wild Weekend Adventures Michigan Ballooning VIDEO: The Children's Miracle Network balloon team travels to Hot Air Balloon Festivals all across the United States and Canada promoting good will and raising awareness for the Children -Jackson Hot air Jubilee - Michigan Ballooning Link: No guts? Maybe you should go watch an event first. Try the Jackson Hot Air Jubilee.
Battle Creek Balloon Festival, Battle Creek, MI - Michigan Ballooning Link: Tip: If you go to a ballooning event, you can volunteer to help and meet people who may take you for a free ride. You can become a part of the crew!
West Wind Balloon Company, Oakland County MI - Michigan Ballooning Link: West Wind Balloon Company can take you for a ride!
Sky Adventures Balloon rides, Oxford, MI - Michigan Ballooning Link: Sky Adventures Balloon Rides. You know you want to go, make it so.
Grand Traverse Balloons Inc. , Traverse City, MI - Michigan Ballooning Link: It is unbelievable floating over the bays of Traverse City. Just ask some of the Red wing Players
Sky High Balloon Rides, Middleville, MI - Michigan Hot Air Ballooning Link: Sky High Balloon Rides. You are never too old to enjoy a balloon ride.
Attitude Endeavors, Battle Creek, MI - Michigan Hot Air Ballooning Link: Altitude Endeavors balloon rides. Try a 2000 ft attitude adjustment!
Michigan Balloon Corporation, Fenton, MI - Wild Weekend Adventures Michigan Ballooning Link: The silence in a balloon is deafening. You will love the experience.
Balloon Quest, Holly, MI - Wild Weekend Adventures Michigan Ballooning Link: Balloon Quest is about an 45 minute ride from the Detroit burbs.
Renaissance Balloons INC. MI - Wild Weekend Adventures Michigan Ballooning Link: Renaissance Balloons incorporated. These guys give new meaning to being full of hot air.
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