How is a hot air balloon filled?

Have you ever wondered the procedure for filling a hot air balloon before you take off on that magical flight over the beautiful British countryside? Well it is relatively simple and one that has been tried and tested over the years by our Local Balloon Operators.

Firstly the Balloons over Britain operator will remove the envelope from its bag and lay this out in long line, the burners are attached to the uprights and the all important basket in which you will travel is attached to the cables at the bottom of the balloon. A fan driving cold air is then used to inflate the envelope and when this is partially inflated the air is heated with the burners when you will see the hot air balloon rising above the basket.

Continuing to use the burners will enable the balloon to lift and subsequently “fly.” The all important burners are fueled by propane gas, much the same as you probably use in your gas barbecue. The burners do not run continuously; they are only used intermittently to heat the air to maintain the required lift. Enjoy your hot air balloon ride and take a photograph the 100 foot balloon above you.