Ask Hyde about hot air balloons

[FortunaMaximus]

Awesome. Thanks.

[SamIAm]

How well can balloons steer?

The whole premise is that if they're going the wrong direction, they change their altitude, right? That always seemed pretty far-fetched to me. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
-Sam

[kitaristi0]

Have you ever crashed into another balloon while flying? Is there such a thing as the balloon police that chase around you in bigger faster balloons?

[Slow Play Ray]

can you swing by and pick me up in framingham sometime?

[ScottieK]

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Ever been to the balloon festival in Howell, Michigan?

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no. I have done most of my flying in New England. Some Canada, Florida, Arizona, New York, Antigua and one trip to Albequerque for the 'big one'.

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When did you go to ABQ balloon fiesta? I hope you had a good time. It's happening in three weeks I think. I used to crew for a balloon but got sick of waking up at 4:30am and not flying because winds were at 15 mph. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

ScottieK

[KilgoreTrout]

Hyde,

Can a fat bastard like me (6' 240) be detrimental to the basket? In other words, when we run out of sand bags am I S.O.L.?

[hyde]

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How well can balloons steer?

The whole premise is that if they're going the wrong direction, they change their altitude, right? That always seemed pretty far-fetched to me. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
-Sam

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Balloons can not steer at all. They go wherever the wind goes.
Winds often change direction slightly with a change in altitude. Average change in direction might be 30 degrees within 1000 feet of altitude. Occasionally there is greater steerability. albequerque is famouus for having 'box winds' where you can steer 360 degrees and land near where you take off. This situation is not always present.
The winds we fly in are light and variable.
I once flew 100 miles at altitudes up to 12,000 feet and did not vary my direction at all. Also a rare occurance.

[hyde]

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Have you ever crashed into another balloon while flying? Is there such a thing as the balloon police that chase around you in bigger faster balloons?

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Balloons rarely touch in midair. Though there is an occasional 'kiss' of fabric to fabric. If a basket touches fabric it can tear it. there was a catastrophic mid air collision years ago in australia that resulted in 10 people plummiting from 2000 feet......

The balloon police are the FAA. Most of whom know little or nothing about balloons. But their motto is " We're not happy until you're not happy....."

[hyde]

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can you swing by and pick me up in framingham sometime?

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No. There is no place to land in Framingham. I used to fly alot in Worcester. Mostly out of the Hebert Candy Mansion.
The flying there is not great.

but if you visit Quecheee Vermont I'll get you high....

[RJT]

I am scared of heights. I am not afraid to fly on airplanes. I would love to go on a balloon ride if the opportunity ever “arises”. Do you think I would be afraid in a balloon? Ever encounter anyone who has ridden who was afraid of heights?