Hot air balloons are one of the oldest forms of flight. The method of flight uses the weather around the balloon to steer and guide the balloon, while moving the balloon up and down with the burners inside the basket. There is a pilot on board that is maneuvering the balloon so that it makes the most of the weather it is encountering. Hot air balloons rise because they are filled with hot air, and hot air rises. The pilot controls this aspect of the ride by determining how high to let the balloon rise.http://www.hotairballooning.com/faq/entry/How_do_balloons_fly_29.html This act of controlling is done by adjusting the temperature of the air that is being blown into the balloon. All of the technical steps will be performed by a trained pilot or an instructor if you are planning on training to be a Air balloon Pilot. You will learn this during the course of your training.

If you are wanting to enjoy hot air balloon flights then you will be able to enjoy the ride without learning how to pilot the balloon. There are many companies that take riders up and there is even a first time riders ritual and ceremony that comes at the end of the ride. Although the ride its self is typically about an hour long, with the ceremonies and the adventure that these companies provide for the same fee, you should plan on about a four hour time frame.

There is constant contact with the ground the entire trip as they have a ground crew that basically follows the balloon and meets you at the landing area. This is one of the first steps in learning to pilot a balloon is working as part of the ground crew.

In order to be in control of the actual balloon you must have been trained by a commercial pilot and have passed a written exam administered by the FAA. There is also a test ride where you show that you are capable of handling the balloon.

If you wanted to start the learning process the best way is to contact a hot air balloon company and ask to work as part of the ground crew. There are many positions that a company will need and everything that you learn will assist you in the licensing process.

There are hot air balloon adventure companies in 28 of the United States that are able to take you for an adventure flight. These companies have set up in the best locations for take off and landings of the hot air balloon. Although technically hot air balloons can fly at night using instruments they typically do not fly after dark.http://www.hotairballooning.com/faq/entry/Can_balloons_fly_at_night_6.html

There are many hot air balloon coupons available and there are Deals available to help you plan a great hot air balloon adventure while saving money.

• Pilots License

• Hot air Balloon and basket set up

• Ground Crew