|
The two most important things
are Weather and Navigation. (Where are we
going)
GPS on board helps with
navigation to a landing field.
Fly Low go Left.
Fly High go Right!
Just some of the STUNNING
scenery you may see on your flight. Breathtaking swamps
|
About the Aircraft.
How are we going to get where ever it
is we are going?
Now we are at the really fun part.
Navigation!
Navigation you say. How are you going to
navigate something that floats with the wind?????
Well,,,,,,,
Its a matter of up and down.
As we climb away from the surface of the earth
the wind will change direction. This is because the earth is
spinning and the earth causes friction on the atmosphere. Anyone out
there know what they call this effect??? MMMMMM?????
The Coriolus Effect. Generally as you
climb in altitude in the northern hemisphere your direction of travel will
turn to the right.
Coriolus Effect
By Golly we can use that you say!!!
Yepper... we sure can.
As we ascend in our balloon we will begin to
turn
to the right. Some days only a few degrees other days almost 180
degrees.
Yes, there are a few
days where you could actually fly back and land where you launched.
Real rare, better not count on that one.
By using these layers of wind that travel in
different directions and speeds we can actually influence where we will
end up with our balloon. By using the right layers and at the right
times an experienced pilot can actually land his balloon on a dinner plate
placed miles away from the launch point. Captain Thompson will many
times tell his chase team where he will land even before he takes flight.
Now you're starting to get impressed aren't you??
Wait till you come and fly with this guy.
Its all a matter of timing. Descend your
balloon into the right layer of wind at the right time and it will float
just where you want it.
Navigation here in Florida is rather important.
Lots of swamp out there. The thing that makes a flight here so
fantastic is also the thing that makes navigation so important. Lots
of places where you DON'T want to end your balloon flight.
Only thing left to do is land this thing.
All you have to do is put the balloon into a decent and stop that decent
just a few inches above ground level.
Piece of cake. Right into the arms of the
awaiting chase team. Well done.
We hope that this description of the aircraft
and how it works has helped many of you appreciate how incredible this
form of flight is. This is truly mans first and best form of flight.
Of course we do suffer from a little bias..
But we are sure you will suffer from it as well once you have floated
aloft in heaven.
Sincerely from all the staff at
Thompson Aire.
Thank you and hope to see you again soon.
|
