Parque Natural Mexiquillo

10.07.2012

Up Up and Away



We did not fly Saturday because of high winds aloft. I switched pilots. I am now crewing for Daniel Liberti. The routine is to get up at 5:30 and be on the field by 6:15. Set the balloon up, launch and then follow in a chase car. When it lands, pack up all the gear.  


6 am on Main Street. This is the row of concession stands running along the launch field.


Pulling out the envelope. Balloon to you novices.


The envelope in partially inflated using a large fan.


Then the burner is used to heat the air and stand the balloon up.




These are gas balloons. They compete to see which one can travel the greatest distance before touching down. The winning balloons may reach Canada or the northeast. They are filled with either hydrogen or helium. Pilots choice. To fill whit hydrogen costs about $5000 and $15000 for helium. 

There was glow tonight. This is where the balloons are inflated and stand up, but do not leave the ground. 


No comments:

Post a Comment