Students are up-close and personal with Remax hot air balloon at Sabin School
The program began with Baker giving a short presentation about types of balloons as well as their history. Basic principles were given too, such as "To have a balloon fly,
it must be lighter than ground air. Hot air rises so the hot air that fills a balloon causes it to rise."
While history credits the French Montgolfier brothers of building the first manned hot air balloon in November 1783, Baker said that a couple of years ago some old letters were found that revealed that it was actually their sister Marie who had the idea to build the vehicle. Furthermore, she was very angry that they took her idea and did not acknowledge that it was hers.
Baker suggested to all the girls in the audience that if they have a great idea, as did Marie, they should share it with their parents but perhaps not their brothers!
He went on to give facts about hot air balloons that take away some ballooning myths:
+ hot-air balloons cannot be "popped"
+ one hole is large enough to drive in a truck
+ at the top there are two other holes
+ balloons can be any size and shape
+ once a balloon is launched, everything is
about the wind for speed and direction
Then with air blowing into the fabric balloon the audience was given the thrill of walking, jumping and dancing in the cavernous balloon with shoes off.
Exiting from the balloon, comments from students and teachers included: "I liked it," "It was fun," "Refreshing," "Cool," "Thought it would be more intense but it wasn't ...more surreal."
The experience then moved to the playground where the balloon's gondola was waiting for yet more lessons about ballooning.
Baker explained that the gondola (the basket) is certified by the FAA and that three people in the one they had with them would mean that they would be very close together. To heat the air for the balloon, propane gas is used. "I is the same type gas you use to cook hot dogs and hamburgers," said Baker.
Everyone participated in the countdown for blast off of the air. All shouted 3, 2, 1! Then came the blast of gas with flames shooting into the gray morning sky to the delighted screams and shrieks of the students...that was cooool!