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A Short History and Explanation

of Hot Air Ballooning

By CUO

Griffin Putland

Objectives

At the end of this lesson the student will:

• Know the key points in the early history of

Hot Air Ballooning;

• Be able to identify the basic parts of a Hot

Air Balloon; and

• Be able to state the basic principles

involved in the flight of a hot air balloon.

• Motivation: RAAF Balloon

• Aims:

• Give cadets a foundation of RAAF

knowledge an discipline

• Develop an interest in the Royal Australian

Air Force and aviation generally

• Instil a knowledge of aviation history

• Encourage cadets 2 continue an active

interest in aviation into thier adult life

History

• The first Hot Air Balloon was made from

paper & silk in France by the Montgolfier

Brothers.

• Originally it was thought that smoke caused

the lift which made the balloons float.

• The first manned flight was on 21 Nov 1783.

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• The first Hot Air Balloon was made from silk

with a paper lining, in France by the

Montgolfier Brothers.

• The Montgolfier Family owned a paper

factory.

• They first had the idea when they were

burning some discarded paper, and the

burning embers were carried into the air by

the smoke – or so they thought.

• They experimented with small paper

prototypes (similar to below), catching the

smoke inside paper bags.

• The first manned flight was on 21 Nov 1783.

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Components• Envelope: largest part, tightly woven nylon

• Parachute: explain Control Lines

• Load Tapes: draw & show Crown Ring

• Basket: next slide

A Closer Look At The Basket

• Made from woven cane.

• Strong & flexible (hard landings).

• Gas Cylinders

• Burners

• Altimeter

• Flint

• Fire Extinguisher

• Handling Line

How It Works

There is a simple idea behind the flight of a

hot air balloon:

• Remember: hot air rises.

• The air in the envelope is heated by the

burner.

• The temperature difference between the

inside and the outside of the balloon

causes it to ‘float’.

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Questions

Review questions.

• What was the Montgolfiers’ Balloon made from?

• What is the largest part of the Hot Air Balloon

called?

• Name the equipment that is typically carried inside

the basket.

• Describe briefly how a hot air balloon flies.

• Envelope

• Fire Extinguisher

• Handling Line

• Gas Cylinders

• Flint

• Burners

• Altimeter

• The air is heated by the burner, becomes less

dense, and rises, pulling the balloon with it