Invented in France in 1783, hot air balloons are the oldest successful flight machines made by mankind. They range from very basic balloons to their advanced cousins, the airship or zeppelin.

Ballooning is very different from other forms of flight. The experience is very quiet, gives an amazing view, and the movement is very gentle. The giant balloon itself is called the envelope and come in a variety of spectacular colours and designs, as well as unusual shapes. These days they are made from nylon and the base from a fire resistant material. A burner at the base, usually gas, provides hot air which rises into the envelope and provides lift, gently causing the balloon to rise into the sky. The buoyancy is closely related to the difference between air temperature inside the balloon and outside, meaning that the air does not have to be tremendously hot, just more than the air around it. Most nylon balloons us a maximum of 120 degrees Celsius.

Most flights launch early in the morning when he air is coolest and the winds are generally low. The envelope is unpacked and a fan is used to blow normal cold air into the envelope and inflate it just enough to establish the shape, then the burner is used to heat the air inside while the users hold the balloon down with ropes. Once the wind has been judged using smaller balloons the pilot can take off, rising or descending into different air currents to change direction.

The balloon has been used throughout history; the Chinese used small unmanned balloons as signalling tools and they were employed as lookout posts during the American civil war and the French revolutionary wars. Despite their appearance as being slow, lumbering and fragile, Hot air balloons are able to fly to extremely high altitudes. On November 26, 2005, Vijaypat Singhania set the world altitude record for highest hot air balloon flight, reaching 21,290 meters (69,852 feet). He took off from downtown Bombay, India and landed 240 km (150 miles) south in Panchale. The furthest that a hot air balloon has ever been flown is 7,671.91 km. In January 15, 1991, the Virgin Pacific Flyer balloon completed the longest flight in a hot air balloon when Per Lindstrand (born in Sweden, but resident in the UK) and Richard Branson of the UK flew from Japan to Northern Canada.

I have always toyed with the idea of having a go in a hot air balloon, but was pretty convinced that it would be one of those things that I would never really quite get round to. In my mind, the experience would be still and quiet, and I would be at one with nature. To me, hot air balloon rides are about lifting off into the air effortlessly and having a feeling of solitude and calm. I am obviously a hippie at heart.

One of the most amazing things about a hot air balloon ride is the wonderful views from the air. Booking a flight in the local area gives an opportunity to view familiar places from a whole new perspective, and take in the vast expanse of the local area. It is said that the human eye can see for sixty miles given an unimpeded view. Taking a ride in a hot air balloon offers a rare opportunity to exercise this gift.

Because rides can be taken all over the country, it is possible to take in city views and pick out familiar landmarks as an unusual and unforgettable way of sightseeing. It is a gentle yet exhilarating experience that can turn any scaredy cat into a devil that dares to push the boundaries a little bit further next time.

From Currumbin in the south to southern Moreton Bay in the north and west to the Great Divide, the Gold Coast has a large footprint for its population. The Numinbah Valley and the natural Bridge are features of the very south of the Gold Coast. Right where Queensland meets New South Wales is the Currumbin Sanctuary.

And guess what’s one amazing way to absorb all this natural Splendour? Better than hire car or day bus trip . . . see it from a hot air balloon! You never feel the wind when you travel in a hot air balloon. You’re travelling the same speed, so it’s simply the most peaceful, still and silent journey you can imagine.

You won’t believe how exciting and thrilling it is to drift along, in the safe hands of your qualified pilot. One thing which will amaze you is the way the sun glistens on any still water below you it’s an experience you’ll never get on the ground . . . you’ll only get it from your hot air balloon or another type of aircraft occasionally The effect is just like sunlight striking a pile of diamonds.

After just one hour of hot air ballooning you’ll have memory treasures to last you a lifetime.And you know nothing you can think of will outdo the experience of watching the sun come up behind the Gold Coast skyline.

Bring your digital camera loaded with an 8 gig memory card and you’ll have thousands of images from your hot air balloon flight to treasure for years to come. Impress your family and friends! There are lots of trips for you to experience.

Depart from Helensvale first thing then land near the Carrara Markets. Or leave from Jimboomba and arrive at Mt Tamborine in time for brekkie. Maybe you’d prefer to launch from the stunning Numinbah Valley and float over the Gold Coast to land in time for breakfast at the Raddison in Palm Meadows.

One thing is certain, never in your life will you see anything as amazing as the Gold Coast by hot air balloon.

To find out more about riding a hot air balloon Gold Coast visitors and locals alike can do no better than contacting Bob Lye and the team at Balloon Aloft, Gold Coast.

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• Attend the Page-Lake Powell Hot Air Balloon Regatta on November 5 … – Baby boomer travelers will enjoy Arizona’s cooler fall weather as they watch hot air balloons drifting over Lake Powell at the Page-Lake Powell Hot Air Balloon Regatta. It’s a photographer’s dream.

Safety is our first consideration we will only fly in suitable weather conditions. Don’t be disappointed. We promise to book you on our next available flight or happily refund your money in full.

Free Transfers

A complimentary pick-up and return service is available from local accommodation providers. Local passengers will assemble in the reception area of the award winning Radisson Resort Gold Coast. Collection and meeting times will be advised at the time of making your booking.

Early to bed, early to rise

Nothing surpasses the beauty of experiencing the sun rise over the fabulous Gold Coast skyline. Our approximate meeting time is 4.30am in summer and 6 am in winter. Your tour will last approximately 4 hours.

Pre flight

After assembling together our ground crew will transport you to the launch site (selection based on wind direction). We invite everyone to assist in preparing the balloon for departure (approximately 20 minutes). Registration forms are completed and our pilots will brief you on the required safety procedures whilst in flight.

The experience

It’s time to fly.feel the thrill and excitement as you float like a cloud above the magnificent panorama of Surfers Paradise. Watch the sun reflecting off the myriad of canals and waterways and view the surrounding forest covered mountains of the Gold Coast hinterland – this is truly the most
spectacular flying area in Australia.

Experience the serenity of flight as you become the wind – this is the unique sensation of hot air ballooning. You are being transported on an aerial nature walk by the world’s oldest and most romantic form of flight. Your flight will last approximately 1 hour but your memories will last a lifetime!

Breakfast celebration

Tasting the Gold Coast a feast of the senses! After the exhilaration of flying effortlessly above the beautiful Gold Coast skyline it’s time to gently wind down with a sumptuous fully catered champagne breakfast at the prestigious Radisson Resort Gold Coast. The award winning ‘Chelos Restaurant’ located at the Radisson Resort is nestled within the internationally acclaimed Palm Meadows Golf Course and offers a superb buffet menu to satisfy even the most fastidious diner. Enjoy indoor or alfresco dining amid the soothing relaxation of this tropical paradise. Sip chilled champagne as you savour the superb gourmet cuisine whilst reflecting your unforgettable hot air ballooning experience.

Flight certificate

During breakfast each passenger will be presented with a personalised ‘Flight Certificate’ as a memento of your amazing hot air ballooning experience. Well done!

Book your flight today!

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• Munster Express Online » Archive » International Hot Air … – Waterford will get a late-season lift when the International Hot Air Ballooning Championships return to the city and county next week.