Do you think Wright the brothers have done a wondrous job by inventing airplanes? Well, it is a wondrous invention but they were not the first who gave a chance to people to look at the world from above. But let me tell you that hot air balloons were invented a century before Wright brothers got the idea. We can say that they are the oldest form of human flight. These man made aircraft are here for centuries. Here we have gathered some hot air balloons facts that will literally blow your mind.

What are hot air balloons?

We are very much aware of how a hot air balloon looks like. Hot air is filled into the balloon which rises it up in the air. The balloon as raise carries with it whatever is attached to it. Usually a basket is connected to it in which passengers can stand in.

How invented the hot air balloon?

The story of hot air balloons invention is quite interesting. In the 1700s, two French brothers Joseph Michel Montgolfier and Jacques Montgolfier noticed that a fabric bag filled with hot air became able to rise. Joseph succeeded to lift a silk bag filled with hot air to the ceiling of his house.

First Passenger of hot air balloon   

The first passengers of hot air balloons were animals. Yes! That’s right. A duck, a sheep and a chicken were the first to enjoy the ride above in the sky. The flight lasted for eight minutes. All passengers landed safely.

First Pilots of hot air balloon

Louis XVI was the head of the first hot air balloon flight. After animals it was time to test it with human passengers. Louis wanted condemned criminals to experience the risk. But then two names François Laurent d’Arlandes and Jean-François Pilâtre De Rozier were chosen for the flight. The balloon flew for 20 minutes.

Longest hot air balloon ride

Richard Branson was the pilot for the longest hot air balloon ride. It started from Japan and reached the ground of Northern Canada. The flight covered the distance with a speed of 245 miles per hour.

Hot air balloons flight are not possible in rain

Hot air balloon flights are not possible in rain. The high temperature of hot air balloons can cause the rain water on top of the balloon to boil. The boiling water can damage the hot air balloon fabric.

A tradition to share champagne 

It is usual to share champagne after the touchdown of a hot air balloon. But from where the tradition started. Several years ago local farmers thought that hot air balloons were actually dragons descending from the sky. So after the pilots of the hot air balloon landed safely on the farm, they used to share a bottle with the farmers to lessen their fear.

Chase Crew

Many people are not aware of the fact that hot air balloons are followed by a chase crew. The chase crew is a vehicle that follows the balloon throughout the flight. Remember the chase vehicle should be big enough to adjust the basket, the passengers and the inflatable balloon.

Highest recorded height for hot air balloon  

The highest hot air balloon flight was piloted by Vijaypat Singhania. The balloon rises to a recorded height of 68, 986 feet. Vijaypat and co-pilot had to wear oxygen masks because of less oxygen at that height.

Hot air balloon festival

Albuquerque, New York hosts the world’s biggest hot air balloon festival each year. This festival lasts for nine days.

Pilots need commercial license

The pilots of hot air balloons need license to operate the balloon. The requirements include aviation training, written test for hot air balloon and license from Federal Aviation Administration Official.

In 1984, an accident was reported where the passengers landed with a broken ankle and injured leg. However, accidents are rare.  Hope you enjoyed reading these hot air balloons facts. Share your thoughts in the comments below.