When humans first began to think, they started dreaming of flight. They tied feathers, thin wooden boards, and gunpowder tubes to themselves, only to have their dreams shattered. Before the invention of aircraft, dreamers finally came up with an invention called the hot air balloon. In 1782, Joseph and Montgolfier in France conducted the first hot air balloon flight experiment. They used paper as the envelope and fuel made from old leather boots and animal fat. Though it smelled terrible when burning, this rudimentary hot air balloon managed to fly for 10 minutes, covering 3.5 kilometers, and reached a maximum height of 33 meters. The following year, the Frenchman Rozier achieved the first manned hot air balloon flight. Since then, the hot air balloon has bobbed along through time, not only serving as a common mode of transport in fairy tales around the world but also creating many thrilling moments and records in real life. Today, hot air ballooning has also become an international sporting event. In July 2011, top flight enthusiasts from across China gathered in Delingha City, Qinghai Province, making the skies over the Qaidam region bustling with activity. This coming March of 2012, take to the skies in a hot air balloon and let this retro sport ignite your spirit in springtime.
Hot Air Balloon Flight
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Become an Outstanding Hot Air Balloon Pilot
Nowadays, realizing this retro flying dream is no longer difficult. Cities in China such as Beijing and Shanghai have professional hot air balloon clubs that offer flight training. Remember, “practice makes perfect,” and that’s the key to becoming an outstanding pilot.
1. Flight Training Course
Obtaining a “hot air balloon pilot license” involves more steps than getting a regular driver’s license, which is one reason why club training courses can be quite expensive. It’s important to verify the qualifications of the club you choose.
Before Going to the Training Site
Make an appointment with the club. Most clubs will require applicants to prepare a copy of their ID, a passport-sized photo without a hat, and a copy of their academic credentials. Additionally, participants should bring a sports cap, sports shoes, or boots with tire-like soles as training gear. Professional flight suits and gloves are provided by the club.
How Are Training Fees Distributed?
Currently, domestic training fees range from 20,000 to 40,000 RMB per person. These usually include general health checkups, specialized medical exams, theoretical classes, practical flight lessons, written exams, technical evaluations, and accommodation and meals during the training period. After completing the course, if you continue practicing at the club, each hourly session costs between 400 and 500 RMB.
What to Expect in the Training Content
The training content is divided into theoretical classes and practical flight lessons. Theoretical classes cover basic aviation knowledge based on the syllabus designed by the Chinese Aeronautical Association. Practical flight lessons teach procedures related to piloting a hot air balloon. Typically, you’ll need to log at least 16 hours of hands-on practice before taking the exam. Successful candidates can join the Chinese Aeronautical Sports Association and receive a “Hot Air Balloon Pilot License” issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China.
2. Pilot’s Handbook
Hot air ballooning is divided into tethered flights and short-distance free flights. During tethered flights, the balloon is secured with three ropes, allowing it to float in place and perform altitude demonstrations.
◎ Timing
Best Time to Fly: Right after sunrise or one to two hours before sunset, when air currents are calm.
Best Weather for Flying: For tethered flights, wind speed must be <4 m/s; for free flights, wind speed must be <6 m/s. Visibility must be at least 1.5 km during the flight, and there should be no precipitation in the flight area.
◎ Location
Best Takeoff Surface: At least a flat area of 30m x 30m, with no overhead wires or tall buildings nearby.
Best Flying Environment: Always be aware of potential obstacles such as high-voltage lines or tall structures along the flight path.
◎ People
Best Flying Team: Launching a hot air balloon requires 4–5 people working together to unfold the envelope, attach it to the basket, and use a fan to fully inflate it before igniting the burner to heat the air inside.
Best Flying Attire: A professional one-piece cotton flight suit is the most comfortable and safe option. If unavailable, be sure to wear all-cotton clothing and a cotton hat.
3. Flight Equipment Preview
Not many enthusiasts in China purchase their own hot air balloons solely for amateur flying—they usually rent from flight clubs. The most commonly used balloons in China are Grade 7 and Grade 8.
◎ Hot Air Balloon
Standard hot air balloons come in several volume grades: Grade 7 balloons have a volume of 2000–2400 cubic meters; Grade 8 balloons have a volume of 2400–3000 cubic meters; Grade 9 balloons have a volume of 3000–4000 cubic meters; Grade 10 balloons have a volume of 4000–6000 cubic meters. The main components of a hot air balloon are the envelope, burner, and basket.
Sphere: The envelope of a hot air balloon is mostly made of reinforced nylon, a material that is lightweight yet extremely durable.
Burner: The heart of the hot air balloon, usually equipped with two additional backup burner systems; the ignition burner is designed not to be blown out by the wind.
Basket: Woven from rattan, it helps cushion the impact upon landing. Four liquefied petroleum gas cylinders specifically for hot air balloons are placed at the four corners of the basket, along with gauges.
◎Delorme Earthmate PN-60
It offers the basic functions of a high-end GPS, such as map navigation, a three-axis compass, and a barometer; additionally, the PN-60w can send real-time distress signals like SOS via satellite.
◎7000 HF-VHF-UHF aviation radio
During the hot air balloon flight, the pilot and the ground recovery vehicle must maintain constant communication to report and coordinate in a timely manner.
