But our pilot, "Wild Bill," (radio name "Maverick") wanted go go rogue and launch from the west so he didn't get scalped for landing in the Indian reservation nearby. (seriously!)
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 3492
Balloon is first filled with cold air using large fans.
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 3875
It takes about a half an hour to fill the "envelope."
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 3743
Our balloon is 85 feet tall.
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 3950
Bucket List Item #58! ;-) (birthday 2 days away!)
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 3649
We aren't the only balloonists "goin' rogue."
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 3483
Once the balloon is partially filled with air, they turn on the burners.
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 3450
Propane is used to heat the air. An average flight uses about 30 gallons.
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 3816
The heat causes the "envelope" to rise. A typical balloon holds about 90,000 cu feet of air.
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 5516
The pilot crawls inside as the basket starts to tip...
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 3618
Passengers climb in, and we are ready to go, Toto!