Balloon at center of Falcon Heene drama not your average hot air balloon

nydailynews ^ | October 16th 2009, 1 | Rosemary Black

[JoeProBono]

The homemade balloon contraption that soared through the air in eastern Colorado for several hours is vastly different from the giant hot air balloons that are seen at festivals and that are used for recreational purposes, experts say.

Nearly all the giant balloons that drift and bob through the air are hot air balloons that are filled with air and fueled by propane, explains Howard Freeman, executive producer of the Quick Chek New jersey Festival of Ballooning in Reddington, New Jersey. As the air inside the balloon heats up to a temperature higher than the outside air, the balloon rises, he explains. Helium balloons rise because helium is lighter than air, he explains. The contraption, owned by Richard and Mayumi Heene, may have risen even higher than it would have otherwise since the heat would have caused the helium to expand further, Freeman explains.

Both hot air and helium balloons typically are piloted by a pilot with a license, he says.

"A skilled pilot licensed by the Federal Aviation Authority can go to different altitudes and although he can't steer a hot air balloon, a pilot can get it going in the general direction that he wants," Freeman explains.

Hot air balloons generally have 70,000 cubic feet of volume, are seven stories high, and can carry 760 to 800 pounds, or about four adults, Freeman explains.

The flying saucer-shaped silver balloon owned by the Heenes looked to be carrying about 1,500 cubic feet of helium, Freeman estimates. "Some experts are saying that it could not have carried anyone over 70 pounds," he says. "You figure that it takes about 1,000 cubic feet of helium to give you 40 pounds of lift."

[RckyRaCoCo]

"It is ba-llooon!"

[Oztrich Boy]

Did you know that you can make hot air by heating air that is at room temperature? true story.