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: 1648
Balloon is first filled with cold air using large fans.
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 1670
It takes about a half an hour to fill the "envelope."
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 1708
Our balloon is 85 feet tall.
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 1616
Bucket List Item #58! ;-) (birthday 2 days away!)
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 1656
We aren't the only balloonists "goin' rogue."
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 1553
Once the balloon is partially filled with air, they turn on the burners.
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 1572
Propane is used to heat the air. An average flight uses about 30 gallons.
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 1816
The heat causes the "envelope" to rise. A typical balloon holds about 90,000 cu feet of air.
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 1476
The pilot crawls inside as the basket starts to tip...
Date: 10/07/2012
Views: 1628
Passengers climb in, and we are ready to go, Toto!