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: 2019
Balloon is first filled with cold air using large fans.
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 2130
It takes about a half an hour to fill the "envelope."
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 2122
Our balloon is 85 feet tall.
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 2117
Bucket List Item #58! ;-) (birthday 2 days away!)
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 2082
We aren't the only balloonists "goin' rogue."
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 1952
Once the balloon is partially filled with air, they turn on the burners.
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 1983
Propane is used to heat the air. An average flight uses about 30 gallons.
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 2217
The heat causes the "envelope" to rise. A typical balloon holds about 90,000 cu feet of air.
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 3525
The pilot crawls inside as the basket starts to tip...
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 2021
Passengers climb in, and we are ready to go, Toto!