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Month: July, 2010

Testing our New Exclusive Balloon

30 July, 2010 (18:55) | Hot Air Ballooning Guide | By: admin

Due to an enhance in demand for private and exclusive flights, Aerosaurus has decided to upgrade its smallest balloon.

The balloon will be employed to supply champagne hot air balloon flights in the Devon and Cornwall location at our standard flight meeting locations as well as Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire. Prior to it was scheduled for exclusive flights we wanted to thoroughly test it however and make modifications. Now with a new camera line attached to take In-Flight Photos with, it is ready.

The balloon was tested and inflated by Charlie Street, who runs the pilot training school Aerosaurus operates.

On a separate note sponsorship of the balloon is readily available with space on the big 120,000 cubic foot for advertising. For far more facts and details regarding advertising please visit the aerial marketing page in the our corporate location.

Experience for Aerosaurus Balloons

29 July, 2010 (19:28) | Hot Air Balloon History, hot air balloon equipment | By: admin

Last Friday I had the experience of sitting in on an Aerosaurus pilot training flight. We went from the base in Exeter to a launch site in Tiverton. We took the 120 balloon, which stands for the envelope size which is 120 000 cubic feet. The flight lasted just over an hour, but as this was not a commercial flight we did not have champagne on board! We landed down near Honiton and hour later after doing some practice touch downs!

When we got back to the yard the much bigger 16 passenger 317 thousand cubic feet balloon was there. It had just come up from down in Devon. The 210 thousand cubic feet balloon had just been taken up to Salisbury where the flights had just started as we can not fly up there before the 1st of August.

After seeing the training flight I have made my mind up that I am going to start learning and go for my license. Then I can fly anywhere; from Launceston through Plymouth up to Somerset, I could be your pilot on your very own champagne balloon flight, some in the South West!
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16 year old Jake Prowse worked for Aerosaurus on a work experience week. During his time with Aerosaurus Balloons he went on a training flight with Private Pilot, Charlie Street, who was helping Tom Hoare build up his hours for his PPL (B) license.

Stolen Hot Air Balloon in the Essex Area

29 July, 2010 (19:27) | Hot Air Ballooning Guide | By: admin

For the second time, this year, a balloon has been stolen again. Previously a Hot Air Balloon was stolen from Lindstrad Balloon factory in March. This time however a balloon has gone from the British School of Ballooning.

Please note: On both occasions the relevant owners have no connection with Aerosaurus Balloons Ltd, however we’re just passing on the message to our customers to promote and raise awareness for the relevant companies.

The British School of Ballooning has had a Cream and Burgundy Cameron 210 G-BXJC and 16ft Ifor Williams trailer stolen from Newlands Hall, Chelmsford, Essex over the weekend of 5th and 6th September 2009.

Inside the balloon trailer was:

Cameron A᎒ Envelope Registration G-BXJC
Cameron Single-T basket with burgandy suede trim
Cameron Triple Burner Twin Stealth & a Shadow, Vapour Take Off
4 x 80ltr Cameron Cylinders and 1 x 45ltr Inflation Cylinder
2 x Cameron Fans
It was stored under an open barn near the conference centre at Newlands Hall. The police have been notified of the theft and all local and national newspapers have been advised.

We have offered a £1000 reward to the general public for the return of the balloon, please pass this onto everyone you know as we are desperate to get the balloon back.

If you have any information or hear of any the equipment being offered please contact The British School of Ballooning on 01428 707 3ǧ A.S.A.P.

How to Making Hot Air Balloons

28 July, 2010 (21:43) | hot air balloon equipment | By: admin

Making hot air balloons originated in the late 1700s, when the first ones were created by Pilatre De Rozier, and the Montgolfier brothers, of France. The very first hot air balloon flight was taken by a chicken, a duck and a sheep. When all survived the flight, the Montgolfier brothers knew they had a winner on their hands! Two months later, they launched the first two people who took a manned hot air balloon flight over Paris.

Actually, the components of hot air balloons, and what goes into making a hot air balloon, have not changed a great deal since the 1700s, except for changes in the materials that are used. They are still made up of three basic component parts: the basket, the burner, and the envelope. Examining these three components will help you to quickly understand how a hot air balloon is made.

The Basket is generally made from wicker, the same material often used for patio furniture. Most people think that wicker is a material, but in fact it is the name for the process of weaving willow branches together to create a basket or pattern. Wicker is extremely stable, durable, flexible. It is ideal for balloon baskets, since it is able to withstand the impact of landing, and also absorb some of the shock, keeping the balloon passengers more comfortable.

The burner supplies a balloon with hot air, which it needs to rise and gain altitude. The original burners were little more than an open fire pit in the basket. Most modern burners utilize propane gas, which is stored in the basket in cylinders. A thin pipe carries the propane to the pilot light, and a thick one takes propane to a special high-pressure valve. When the pilot opens this valve, a stream of propane gas is ignited by the pilot flame, heating the air inside the balloon and causing the balloon to ascend.

The envelope is what most people think of when they think of a hot air balloon. It’s the large, colorful, inflated nylon container that is usually decorated in bright rainbow colors and patterns. The rip-stop nylon that the envelope is made from is durable and fireproof, so there’s little chance of the the wind tearing it open, nor of the burner flame setting the envelope on fire, unlike early balloons, which were actually quite fragile.

Hot air balloons come in many different sizes and designs, and can hold anywhere from two passengers to as many as twenty, depending on the size of the basket and the envelope. Most are designed only for short trips, but some very exotic models are actually designed and outfitted for long-distance travel. These, however, are usually operated by professionals, or wealthy hobbyists looking for a special thrill.

In recent years, hobbyists have experimented with “cloudhoppers”, which are single-person contraptions consisting of a harness to hold the pilot and the burner suspended beneath a small envelope. Another innovation is “cluster” balloons, which are just what they sound like – a cluster of helium balloons with the pilot suspended below in a harness that looks and functions much like a chair.

If you’re interested in building hot air balloons, the first step is to find a qualified hot air balloon parts provider. With ballooning a quite popular hobby these days, that shouldn’t be difficult! Providers can be found in most states, and of course they are always to be found at the many hot air balloon festivals around the country.

Check your local Yellow Pages or do a quick internet search to find companies in your area that offer hot air balloons and components to suit a variety of tastes and needs. You’ll also find links to quite a few providers here at HotAirBalloonStop.com, either in our ads, or in our directory. Just make sure that the company you choose has been in business awhile, has all the necessary credentials, and follows good balloon safety procedures, and you’ll be set for a safe and exciting hobby building hot air balloons!

Requirements for Becoming a Hot Air Balloon Pilot

27 July, 2010 (17:43) | Hot Air Ballooning Guide | By: admin

Hot air balloons aren’t effortless to pilot rather they’re very challenging. They should be flown early from the morning or for the duration of evenings. This really is due to the fact the air in the course of this time is still quite controllable for balloon pilots. During the day, a great deal of interference may be there with hot air rising (within the form of thermal pockets) and can give instability to hot air balloons.

As regards decision of any of you to become a balloon pilot you might locate that there are lots of forms of pilot licenses that require thinking and planning. Planning has to be performed with respect to money and time. It requires being checked 1st of all what are the rules inside area a person is living. A total of 16 hours of flying time has to get showed as experience. There’s a time limit for achieving this and this really is usually 2 years. Four, faultless, instructor flights have to be conducted allowing the student to prove their proficiency at handling the hot air balloon. After having completed this requirement, the trainee pilot can look at doing a ‘recommendation’ flight and a ‘checkout’ flight.

1 must search for a reputable coaching school. You may come across that each instruction school has its personal program. All instruction schools will need to stick to government instructions and adhere to strict rules. Regarding the government regulation, the primary requirement is that you need to at least be 17 years old or much more. There will be a test to check your knowledge and education. Both written too as oral work has to be completed apart from performing a specified amount of practical task. Medical fitness is an additional job which wants to be checked. As the course will progress you fill need to accomplish 30 minutes of successful flying on your personal, know as your ‘solo’ flight / checkout flight.

You will find unique types of pilot licenses that one will get from unique training schools according to the variety with the courses offered and the particular requirements on the training balloon pilot. Some pilots train for their commercial pilot’s licenses (CPL) and some for their private pilots licenses (PPL). For becoming a balloon pilot, seven varieties of exams / courses need to have to get passed. These exams are:

Air law – Examination
Navigation – Examination
Meteorology – Examination
Aerostatics and Airmanship – Examination
Human Performance Limitations and Factors – Examination
Landowner code of conduct – Study Course
Communication (New exam coming soon, April 썜, to sylabus)
When a person has passed these few uncomplicated tests / papers and completed their pilot education then you’ll be able to explore the blue skies as you want and choose fit.

Somerset Hot Air Balloon Ride

27 July, 2010 (17:40) | Hot Air Ballooning Guide | By: admin

Somerset as you know is popular for cheddar cheese and ciders as well as for its coastal towns, beaches and beautiful natural surroundings. Somerset balloon rides will deliver you the opportunity to have a live practical knowledge in the gorgeous scenery at heights of up to 6, 000 ft!

In the event you want to explore southern regions of Somerset then it is possible to begin from Taunton. It is known as this because it was established on the river ‘tone’. This town is in between Black Down Hills and Taunton Deane Vale. Various impressive churches are including St. James. It is also feasible to have view of the Taunton Annual shower and Taunton Castle. The Bridgewater and Taunton canal also provides a wonderful sight from the air.

One more area which is often a good launch site is Ilminster which lies inside the south of Somerset. It lays half way between Taunton and Yeovil. The church of Ilminster known for its architecture provides a single with the most noticeable features.

Somerset officially has 400 villages which offer a serene sight from a hot air balloon. As a County it is the 7th largest within England and by population it stands at 22nd largest. There’s a population of half a million residing in total within the Somerset borders. With such big and stunning areas to be seen, a hot air balloon ride over Somerset could be the ideal fun practical knowledge or gift to give to a loved one or relation. All in all Somerset balloon rides will provide a refreshing knowledge.

my flights log-Father’s Day Hot Air Balloon Flights

25 July, 2010 (19:55) | Hot Air Ballooning Guide | By: admin

The Ultimate Gift of a Balloon Ridefathers-day-balloon-ride

One can enjoy one of the greatest and most adventurous, enjoyable flight experiences by going on a hot air balloon flight over the South West of England. The free flying in the air, soundless lift in a basket attached to a large fabric envelope can’t help but give a feeling of being on “Top of the World”. Most people have this desire but very few get the chance / opportunity to fulfil it.

The old, but successful, flight technology behind a “Hot air balloon flight”, which is still being used for great fun and adventure and enjoyment around various parts of the world. These days such flights are organized very successfully and during special occasions there are great programs being held in different countries for balloon ride passengers. Father’s day hot air balloon flights are among such special occasions along with birthdays. These types of occasions include great public gathering. Some people just come to see the balloon flights taking off from the ground and some come along for the fun and enjoyment by flying in the air standing inside of the balloon basket whilst sipping on their traditional glass of champagne as they float through the sky.

fathers-day-balloon-ride

On these occasions the prices are brought at a lower level. These reasonable flights are also put together with different categories like which balloon one decides to take for the flight and for what distance etc. There can be a great flight with many people and many balloons flying together in the air. During these occasions the sky appears filled with colourful balloons, balloons of different sizes and shapes. For passengers wishing to fly alongside other balloons then they fly with us at balloon festivals, such as Tavistock Balloon Fiesta, or equally they hire the balloons via our private / exclusive balloon flights page.

On Father’s day hot air balloon flights are very cheap and there are some attractive plans where some times the cake or some other complimentary gifts are provided free of cost along with the flight. There are various places all over the world where one can enjoy a Father’s day hot air balloon flight. On these kinds of special occasions people generally prefer taking their family with them and they can have a great time with professional hot air balloon pilots who take care of them all the time during the journey whilst the pilots’ crew / retrieve stay on the ground following the hot air balloon.

The best way to give your family a great time during occasions like father’s day, mothers day or any such day is by taking all of them to a hot air balloon flight to experience it themselves. A special day with a great difference can really bring lots of happiness to the family and such a day will be memorable because of it’s so unique and special.

Balloon Flights and Team Building Exercises

25 July, 2010 (19:53) | Hot Air Ballooning Guide | By: admin

Corporate BallooningCorporate BallooningCorporate Ballooning

A hot air balloon flight is the ultimate knowledge of a lifetime. The lovely locations that can be viewed from the sky are unforgettable, particularly over England, Scotland and Wales. These locations offer a excellent deal of fun to folks from all walks of life. Corporate persons go for hot air balloon rides along with their group members typically as a team building activity or corporate “thank you” present / reward.

Corporate balloon flights are something employed by corporations to give their members a respite and a break. Corporate persons normally book these flights as part of building their group, to support them come closer to each other and also to discuss corporate matters in a light and engaging manner. When together, the members of the business share and appreciate naturally.

Corporate corporations also pick to advertise on hot air balloons by having the logo of their company on the balloon or a banner around the balloon basket, advertising the organization. Hot air balloon flights are a thrilling encounter in peaceful serenity. This is usually a best advertising opportunity if conducted correctly and if the proper aerial advertiser is employed. Aerosaurus Balloons have a wealth of over 20 years promoting brands and businesses within the sky, having worked with large names for instance Ford Motor Cars and Morgan & Stanley.

As for team building events, the group will collectively have a wonderful knowledge on the day either just on a balloon ride or, at request, we will organise a whole day of events based around ballooning which will focus on group work, delegation of jobs and equal opportunity. The world may be experienced from a different perspective with the support of Aerosaurus Balloons’ expertise of team building, and providing experiences, all you have to do is see our passenger feedback to find out for yourself how happy our passengers are.

To find out more about corporate balloon rides please contact Arthur Street at Aerosaurus Balloons Ltd on 01404 823102 to find out more.

Basic requirements of pilot training

24 July, 2010 (16:28) | Hot Air Ballooning Guide, hot air balloon equipment | By: admin

Hot air balloons usually are not effortless to pilot, rather that, they’re extremely complicated. They must be flown early from the morning or for the duration of the evening. This is due to the fact the air in the course of this time is still quite controllable for pilots. Throughout the day, lots of interference may possibly be there with hot air rising (thermals) which give instability to hot air balloons.

As regards choice of any of you to become a pilot you may uncover that there are lots of kinds of pilot licenses that need thinking and planning. Planning has to get carried out with respect to money and time. It needs to become checked primary of all what are the rules in the area a single is living. A total of 16 hours of flying time has to get showed as experience (within the UK). There’s a time limit for achieving this and that is typically 2 years. Four instructor flights have to be shown which are ideal in every sense with no any errors, which result in a âCompleted with out help” tick in one’s education book. As well as a checkout, recommendation and solo flight should be conduct in that quite order. Only after having completed this requirement, a friend may be taken along for the ride with the student now being a fully qualified private hot air balloonists.

One really should search for a reputable education school. You can find that each coaching school has its own program and strengths. All training schools need to follow the governing bodies (BBAC within the UK) rules. Regarding the government regulation, the first requirement is that you need to at least be 17 years old or more. There will be a test to check your knowledge and education. You can not be able to participate inside the course if you are not great in Met, Navigation, Air Law and also the other subjects that encompass and function side by side with ballooning. Both written too as oral operate has being completed apart from doing a specified amount of practical tasks with other pilots & instructors. Medical fitness is another task which needs to be checked.

When one has passed these tests and papers and completed the pilot training then you can explore the blue skies as you want. Don’t forget to contact us for much more information on the Aerosaurus Balloons Coaching School program.

Hot Air balloon History-The First Hot Air Balloon

24 July, 2010 (16:21) | Hot Air Balloon History | By: admin

The history of modern hot air ballooning began in France in 1783. Two brothers, Joseph Michel and Jacques Etienne Montgolfiere, launched the first hot air balloon in September of 1783 with an odd trio of passengers – a sheep, a duck, and a rooster. The king and his court turned out to see the spectacle, and they were not disappointed. The balloon rose to more than 1000 feet and then floated down, safely returning its three passengers to the ground.

But the two brothers who became the inventors of modern air ballooning certainly didn’t start life as inventors. Their father owned a paper mill, and made sure both of his sons received a good education. Joseph went to a private school and later started a chemical business before returning home to work in the mill with his father. Etienne studied as an architect, but also returned to the family business when his father retired.

In 1782 they became interested in understanding why smoke rose and whether it could be used to lift man into the sky. They began experimenting, moving from smaller balloons to larger ones. By the time they lifted the barnyard animals into the sky, they had already successfully launched an unmanned full-size balloon.

After the barnyard trio’s successful flight, the brothers moved on to manned flight. In November 1783, they launched the first manned hot air balloon flight. Pilate de Rozier and the Marquis d’Arlandes were the pilots of the silk-and-paper balloon, and the two stayed aloft for aboutಙ minutes, ascending approximately 500 feet and traveling about 5 1/2 miles from their origination point in a Paris park.

Legend says the pilots gave champagne after landing to the local farmers to alleviate their fears of the suspicious craft descending from the sky, but he National Balloon Museum in Iowa disputes this story, saying research shows the balloon actually landed in an empty vineyard with no witnesses.

The first manned flight in a hot air balloon was quickly followed by the first gas balloon ride. Just 10 days after the Montgolfier’s balloon carried its two human passengers into the sky, French physicist Jacques Alexander Charles launched the first manned gas balloon flight on December 1. It also started in Paris, but lasted much longer; the balloon stayed aloft 2 1/2 hours and traveled 25 miles.

Ballooning quickly took off from there. French balloonist Jean Pierre Blanchard and American John Jeffries became the first people to cross the English Channel in a hydrogen balloon. The crossing took two and a half hours, and nearly ended in disaster – the pilots had to toss most of their ballast overboard after the balloon unexpectedly lost gas and almost fell into the channel. Months later, Pilate de Rozier, one of the two pilots in the first manned Montgolfiere, became the first person to die in a balloon accident as he attempted to cross the Channel.

Blanchard later flew the first hot air balloon in North America, in 1793. But it wasn’t until 1830 that Charles Ferson Durant became the first American to pilot a hot air balloon in North America. He lifted off from New York’s Castle Garden to drop leaflets that contained a poem he had written about the joys of flight.

The sport never really took off, however, until 1960, when advances in balloon technology led to a new interest in hot air ballooning. Paul Yost, who became known as the father of modern hot air ballooning, piloted the first flight of a balloon sporting a new envelope and new propane burner system he developed. Suddenly the sport took off. By 1963, sport ballooning had become popular enough that the first U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championships were held in Michigan.