Hot Air Balloon Ride in Dubai is already on the bucket
list for a number of people who are touring the city. Even the residents can
enjoy the adventure in the desert on weekends with their friends and family.
Before you book any family hot air balloon ride, here are some fun facts that will make
the whole experience more enjoyable for you.
1. The very first hot air balloons were invented in the 1700s in
France. The first passengers to ride such a balloon were not humans but a
sheep, duck and chicken. This ride lasted for about 8 minutes and they all
survived it.
2. Richard Branson has piloted the longest hot air balloon flight. It started
in Japan and touched down in Northern Canada. This same flight was one of the
fastest as it was at 245 miles per hour.
3. Albuquerque hosts the world’s largest hot air balloon festival. It
lasts for more than 9 days and includes over 750 balloons. As you can imagine,
the view of this festival is a feast for the eyes!
4. There is something called Ballooning Weather. This is due to certain
factors that are needed for a safe flight. For instance, the flights are not possible
during rains as the heat in the balloon will bring the rain water to boiling
temperatures outside the balloon, including the top. This will eventually destroy
the fabric of the balloon.
5. The world record for the highest hot air balloon flight is at 68,986
feet and was accomplished by a pilot called Vijaypat Singhania. He along with a
copilot ascended the height and had to wear an oxygen mask in order to survive the
height.
6. Hot air balloons were a part of the American Civil War. Both the
sides used the balloons for their reconnaissance missions.
7. More often than not, hot air balloons include a chase crew. The crew
are on the ground and follow them throughout the flight in a chase vehicle. This
vehicle then becomes huge enough to take the hot air balloon’s wicker basket,
passengers and the fabric.
8. The tradition of sharing a champagne started when hot air balloons
used to land in the fields of farmers. They believed that these were some sort
of creatures descending from the skies. This act helped build their confidence
and peace. The pilots started sharing bottles of champagne with the farmers whose
fields they landed in.
These are some of the fun facts that you
need to know before you book a hot air balloon ride for four for your family. Need more such insightful write-ups?
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