What Is a Hot Air Balloon Glow? Behind the Magic
October 28, 2025Key Takeaways A hot air balloon glow is a nighttime event in which lighter-than-air aircraft are stood up, but do not leave the ground, illuminated from within by their respective…
Everything You Need to Know About Hot Air Balloon Baskets
Executive Summary The basket on a hot air balloon serves as the foundation of every flight, combining strength, flexibility, and comfort to give pilots and passengers a safe place to…
How Do Pilots Steer a Hot Air Balloon? A Simple Breakdown
October 27, 2025Key Takeaways Instead of wheel- or yoke-controlled steering, which is found in airplanes or cars, hot air balloons must leverage wind layers at different altitudes to guide the flight. Hot…
The History of Hot Air Balloons: When Were They Invented?
September 29, 2025Executive Summary Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier are credited with inventing lighter-than-air flight during the Age of Enlightenment in France. After doing a test run with animals, the Montgolfier brothers launched…
5 Largest Hot Air Balloon Festivals in the U.S.
August 21, 2025Key Takeaways The United States is home to some of the largest hot air balloon festivals in the world, offering visitors a fun and communal experience while enjoying the country’s…
How High Can a Hot Air Balloon Fly? Max Altitude Explained
Executive Summary Most commercial passenger hot air balloon rides cruise between 1,000 and 6,000 feet above ground, providing peaceful views and an immersive experience. The highest altitude ever reached by…
What Weather Is Good For Hot Air Ballooning?
Key Takeaways Various aspects of weather, including wind speed, visibility, temperature, and moisture, all play a role in whether a hot air balloon can launch and how smooth the ride…
