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Hot Air Balloon History
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Flying has fascinated mankind throughout the ages. The history of ballooning is the early history of aviation itself. It finally allowed mankind to shrug his earthly bonds. In the United States today there are over 8,000 licensed balloon pilots and thousands more joining in the sport as crew members, passengers and spectators. Approximately 4,00 FAA certified balloons fill the skies in this country and there are many more worldwide. |
| It all started in France in 1783 when two papermakers, Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier, noticed that burning paper and smoke rose up the chimney and wondered if they could apply the phenomenon to build a flying machine. After secret research and experimentation, they built the first balloon. Constructed of paper, fabric and glue, it was fueled by a very smoky fire. Indeed, until their death, the Montgolfiers thought that smoke, rather than hot air was lifting force. |
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A rooster, a duck and a sheep were chosen as the first passengers aloft in order to test the effects of higher altitudes on living creatures. The success of the flight led to the first manned flight in Paris on November 21, 1783 before a crowd of 400,000. |
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Modern hot air ballooning began in 1960 when Ed Yost, an American now known as the father on modern ballooning, developed a fuel and heating system using common household propane. This, combined with strong new lightweight fabrics led to the resurgence of hot air balloons. For the first time, ballooning was both safe and relatively inexpensive. Hot air ballooning for sport and recreation was born. |
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Hot air ballooning is a
magical experience that gives all of us a chance to enjoy Mother Nature. As
we float above the treetops… You can reach out and touch the tops of the
highest trees!! |
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What A Fantastic Sight!! |
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Phone Number: (318) 334-7220 | Email: chris@eagleballooning.com web hosting by Walker Coach & Company |
