Are hot air balloon safe? why or why not?

Many people think that just because hot air balloons are basic in nature, they must not as safe as other forms of air travel. But this isn't true - hot air balloons are designed to be both simple and safe at the same time! These days, hot air balloon flights are safe and enjoyable, as long as the pilot is mindful of basic hot air balloon safety hazards.

One major hot air balloon safety hazard is weather conditions. Since rain can easily damage a balloon envelope, and lightning can be extremely dangerous to both a hot air balloon and its passengers, pilots always do a detailed check of weather and wind conditions before taking a hot air balloon up. Usually, small "test" balloons called "pballs" are released to check wind direction at a possible launch location, and most hot air balloon flights take place shortly after dawn, because the wind conditions are calmest and most favorable then.

The other major hot air balloon safety hazard is power lines and trees encountered during takeoff or landing. Experienced pilots always launch from a wide-open area, and as they descend for landing, they do their utmost to find an open area without trees, and especially power lines. Sometimes, this is not possible, however, as pilots have primarily vertical control of a balloon, and must use the wind as best they can for horizontal navigation.

Components are also designed with with the reduction of hot air balloon safety hazards in mind. Balloon envelopes are made from durable fire resistant rip-stop nylon. The basket (the part of the balloon where the passengers ride) is usually made from wicker, a material that is lightweight and flexible, but extremely strong. The basket is extremely sturdy, balanced and safe, and there's no way anyone could fall out. The burner, which heats the air inside the balloon and causes it to rise, is designed with special valves to prevent accidental firing, and the propane tanks are stored in the basket, well away from the burner, to prevent accidents.

In addition to carefully designed components, hot air balloon safety is further enhanced by the fact that most balloons, especially those outfitted to carry passengers commercially, employ a variety of basic instruments, including at least fuel level indicators, an altimeter, wind speed and direction indicators, and a GPS device the pilot can use to pinpoint his or her location, both on the ground, and during flight.

Hot air balloon pilots are trained and FAA certified for ballooning, and there is extra safety asurance on the ground in the form of a chase crew. The crew follows the balloon at all times to ensure maximum safety, as well as to collect passengers and equipment after the flight ends and the balloon lands. Because a hot air balloon has only vertical controls, it's difficult to predict exactly where the landing site will be, but with a chase crew, and the on-board GPS device, there is no worry about getting lost! The only issue is landing somewhere away from trees and power lines, the two biggest hot air balloon safety hazards.

Finally, to ensure the most possible safety when taking a hot air balloon ride, deal only with experienced companies and pilots who have all necessary credentials. You can also check the safety record of the balloon flight provider. By taking a few simple precautions, you can make sure yours is an exciting and safe hot air balloon ride. So, in answer to that nagging question, "are hot air balloons safe?" - the answer is a resounding yes!

Source: Hot Air Balloon Stop (dot) com