[MarkJerling]

I don't suppose you got to ride in one, did you Mark?

For Mother's Day some years back I took my mom on a balloon ride.

It was pretty cool.

I've been in one, many years back, but these days they want about $380 p/p for an hour ride. That's a bit steep for me.

[MarkJerling]

Amazing the variety of designs they come up with these days for balloons.

Hahaha. Love it!

[savoche]

I've been in one, many years back, but these days they want about $380 p/p for an hour ride. That's a bit steep for me.

I would like to try something like this sometime, but I haven't bothered with checking what they charge...

You Tube

You Tube

[robtcorl]

I would like to try something like this sometime, but I haven't bothered with checking what they charge...

Maybe they would reduce the price if you furnished your own, over abundance, of hot air.
(patiently waiting for the comeback)

[CharLac]

I would like to try something like this sometime, but I haven't bothered with checking what they charge...

Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari - YouTube

Maybe they would reduce the price if you furnished your own, over abundance, of hot air.
(patiently waiting for the comeback)

And I have heard that humble hot air has even more lift than regular hot air.....also awaiting the appropriate and obligatory comeback

[Racer X 69]

And I have heard that humble hot air has even more lift than regular hot air.....also awaiting the appropriate and obligatory comeback

I think it would be the other way around. Humble hot air is not as hot, whereas blow hard hot air, such as that which comes from the mouths of politicians, is of a much higher temperature, and will generate enough lift to move an entire army, complete with tanks and ammunition.

[robtcorl]

April showers here again and 59F. I'm still in shorts, but with a flannel shirt.
Mrs Bob is at therapy for the arthritis in her back. Her passion, and hobby, is flowers, so with planting season nigh she's trying to get her back back in shape.

[Racer X 69]

It was nearly 70 degrees here yesterday.

There was frost on my windshield this morning at 3:20 when I started my pickup to head to the Big Shed.

Probably could have used some of that hot air here.

[savoche]

Maybe they would reduce the price if you furnished your own, over abundance, of hot air.
(patiently waiting for the comeback)

Oh you, you...

Mon'en!!

You Tube

You Tube

[savoche]

And I have heard that humble hot air has even more lift than regular hot air.....also awaiting the appropriate and obligatory comeback

Easy. Say you're sorry, Charlie

[savoche]

I think it would be the other way around. Humble hot air is not as hot, whereas blow hard hot air, such as that which comes from the mouths of politicians, is of a much higher temperature, and will generate enough lift to move an entire army, complete with tanks and ammunition.

Now, now. Even as rumbumptious as Bob and Chuck can be, calling them politicians is going too far!

[robtcorl]

Mon'en!!

Is this some kind of Viking threat, should I be worried, or just more hot air?

[Racer X 69]

Oh you, you...

Mon'en!!

A’ll burst you!!!

[Racer X 69]

Is this some kind of Viking threat, should I be worried, or just more hot air?

A square go.

[MarkJerling]

I would like to try something like this sometime, but I haven't bothered with checking what they charge...

Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari - YouTube

That does seem an interesting way to see the animals. I'd prefer a Landrover.

But, I learnt something this last week. The reason commercial hot air balloon flights are so expensive is because of the costs involved. If you have a friend with one, he may only ask you to pay for the gas. The commercial operators need to make a profit, so they factor in the cost of the pilot's time, the pilot's certification costs, the balloon canopy and basket certification costs and the cost of the gas. On top of that, the balloon canopy has a limited lifespan. If flown "cool", the canopy will be flown at around 90degC, while, if flown "hot", the canopy may be at 120-130degC. This deteriorates the fabric much faster and hence the shorter flight hours. If flown more gently, i.e. slower ascents, then the lifespan of the canopy can be extended. But, if pushed hard, the envelope will deteriorate faster.

If flown only during cooler weather, and with a light load, the canopy may last around 300-400 hours. But, if flown heavy, during warmer weather, and with fast ascents, the canopy has a lifespan of about 200 hours.
So, to break even, the cost is divided into the 200 hours flight time and divided by the number of passengers along with a factor based upon average numbers booked per flight. Hence the high cost per person, per flight.