Hot Air Balloons

Hot air balloons are the oldest way humans have flown. They work because hot air rises. A big burner heats the air inside the balloon, and up it goes! The first passengers on a hot air balloon were a sheep, a duck, and a rooster.

How They Work

Hot air is lighter than cold air, so it rises. A hot air balloon has a big fabric bag called an envelope. A burner heats the air inside the envelope. When the pilot wants to go higher, they blast the burner. To come down, they let the air cool off.

Balloon History

The Montgolfier brothers in France built the first hot air balloon in 1783. The first human flight was later that same year. Two brave men floated over Paris for 25 minutes. Today, hot air balloon festivals attract thousands of people around the world.

Fun Facts

• The first hot air balloon passengers were a sheep, a duck, and a rooster in 1783.
• Hot air balloons can fly up to 3,000 feet high or even higher.
• The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta features over 500 balloons every year.

Did You Know?

Hot air balloon pilots can't really steer! They go wherever the wind takes them. Pilots go up or down to find winds blowing in the direction they want to go.