Hot air balloon rides in the area of Maryland    

Maryland Balloon rides

Hot air balloon flights are accepted in Maryland, and smart shoppers can delight in this unusual way to fly any time the weather conditions are favorable. Regardless of the fact that many people have never seen a air balloon, those who have flown in one remember this wonderful experience the rest of their life!

Why is the angle of the sun important?
The sun is the source of wind, because it heats the earth unevenly. Sunlight falls directly on the equator, for example. The North Pole receives weaker, slanted rays of sunlight. Clouds may keep one area cool while another heats up. Water and land heat up at different rates. Hot air is lighter than cool air, so it rises. As hot air rises, cool air slides in to replace it. The result: wind. It isn't safe to fly during the daytime when different pockets of air are rising and falling.

Hot air balloon flights can be accomplished by everyone. Most adventures last about an hour, however check with your the company to find out what they offer. Many have several offerings to select from.

How do you steer a balloon?

Balloons simply float with the wind. The pilot can control the balloon's altitude to find a wind going in the desired direction, but you cannot fly upwind or crosswind.

Preflight planning insures the pilot knows which way the balloon will be traveling, and the pilot makes sure there are plenty of suitable landing sites downwind. You'll be amazed how the pilot is able to steer the balloon during your balloon ride!

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