In addition some travel might be required to reach a hot air balloonist nearest to you. Some people, however, would prefer to buy their own balloon. The most popular sport size balloons cost from $18,000 to $25,000 or more. Support equipment (radios, fan, extra tanks, tools, repair kit, etc.) adds from $2,000 to $ 5,000 more. You can also buy used balloons (Launch). In addition to one-time travels or buying your own balloon, there are special youth ballooning camps held yearly in different parts of the world that allow for a better understanding and a much more extensive appreciation for the sport of ballooning (Air sports). .
V. Possible future changes in ballooning.
Since the sport of ballooning has evolved so much in terms of the techniques of flight over the past 100 years, there is little room for future changes, because they have already been made. New technology is however making new products to aid the sport rather then change it. For example new heat resistant ropes have been made. For the most part however it will be the physical appearance of balloons that will evolve. The beauty of the bubble floating in the air is what attracts people to the sport in the first place. New ideas on colors, shapes and even lighting will always be changing with each generation (Lighter).
VI. Risks.
As with all sports, there are some risks involved with hot air ballooning. The risks are relatively low as long as a few safety policies are followed. For one, Temperatures change quickly at high altitudes, so dressing in layers is key to staying comfortable during the trip. In addition, the balloon is filled with thousands of pounds of explosive gas, so flying during an electrical storm or smoking around a balloon is a big safety hazard. Because ballooning follows the path of the wind, there are no round trip flights on a balloon. Establishing a rendezvous point and keeping radio contact with a ground team is important for landing and pick up.
