The Hot Air Balloon

When coming to the Kenyan beaches one will find that there are some tour firms that offer the hot air balloon as part of the holiday feast for them to enjoy. This is all quite good since the hot air balloon gives one a taste of the land from a birds eye view. Having time to go on this ride is good but it does not come cheap and for those afraid of heights, it does not go to helping them relax from all this. Here are a few facts on the hot air balloon and why it is becoming a popular event when at the coast of Kenya.
The hot air balloons were discovered in France in 1783 by two brothers Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier who had earlier tried it by having one made out of polythene bags and putting a chicken, duck and sheep for a five minute ride which they survived. On seeing this they went ahead to improve the model and in that same year, they made the hot air balloon taking a twenty minute ride across Paris made out of thick tent like material and a wicker basket .
It is written that back in 1783, local farmers were very suspicious of the 'fiery dragon' descending from the sky into their vineyards. To placate them and celebrate the first flight, the pilots offered champagne to both the passengers and observers.
The propane gas is stored in compressed liquid form, in lightweight cylinders. When the burner is started, the propane flows out quickly through hoses to a heating coil around the burner, and is ignited by a pilot light. As the flame burns, the metal in the tubing heats up. This heats up the propane flowing through it and changes it to a gas. Helium gas propelled balloons have also been introduced with time.
A typical commercial pleasure balloon flight reaches anywhere from about 500 feet to as much as 3,000 feet altitude above ground level, although flights up to 10,000 feet are possible. Helium balloons using very specialized equipment, including fully enclosed, pressurized cabins, have exceeded 100,000 feet in altitude. The altitude record in the Guinness Book of Records, for hot air balloons is 65,000 feet.
One disadvantage of hot air balloons is that Hot air balloons don't fly in the rain because balloon heat can cause water to boil atop the balloon, and boiling water destroys the fabric. As a traveler it is thus important to make sure that one picks out a bright sunny day for safety purposes.
It should be emphasized that when going hot air ballooning, you will go with a trained pilot. Like any other aviation activity there are strict rules and regulations that need to be applied. Just like captains of planes, hot balloon pilots undergo medicals and balloons are inspected every 100 hours to ensure that they are airworthy and completely safe. Make sure you inform the pilot about any health issues that may emerge during the ride so as to prepare her for any eventualities.
Lastly go with a friend and enjoy the view of the beautiful country Kenya and take lots of pictures for sweet memories later on.

Hot Air Baloon Safaris