Freedom Weekend Aloft
Freedom Weekend Aloft offers the participating pilots an opportunity to win money or prizes. This is done by various competitive flying tasks. One of the most popular competitions is known as the "Hare and Hound" race. It is not actually a race at all as all the balloons are flying at the same time in the same wind conditions. However, they are racing against the clock as they only have a specific time period to complete the task. A "Hare and Hound" competition starts with one hot air balloon (the Hare) lifting off ahead of the rest. The "Hare" balloon will fly for about fifteen minutes before the rest of the balloons (the Hounds) will lift off. The object is for the Hounds to follow the same path as the Hare as accurately as possible. The Hare balloon will change altitudes, looking for different wind currents as if to elude the Hound balloons. Most people do not know there are many different layers of wind currents in which to steer a hot air balloon. After a period of time the Hare balloon will find a suitable landing area and set down. Someone flying in the Hare balloon will get out of the basket and spread out a large "X" on the ground. The Hounds will navigate those different wind currents in hopes of finding the right one that will take them directly over the X on the ground. As they float across the X the pilot drops a beanbag marker, trying to hit the center of the X. After all the balloons have floated across the X and pilots have dropped their beanbags, the competition is over. Measurements are taken for all the beanbags to the center of the X with the closest being the winner.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
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It's a crisp clear morning in Columbia. A slightly aged mini pickup truck pulls to a stop near a large open field. A small group emerges from the truck and begin unloading its cargo - a huge bag,a wicker basket approximately 3 feet wide and four feet long and a rather large gasoline powered fan. In a flurry of activity the bag is opened, the contents unpacked with care and stretched out across the field. Then the group of lanyards are carefully attached to the basket. The fan is then positioned at the mouth of the huge multi colored balloon. The fan is started and the air slowly begins its journey into the fabric opening. Within minutes the balloon starts to take shape and the fan is moved out of the way as the burner from the gondola is positioned in its place. With a simple tug on a line a jet of fire leaps forward, heating the air in the mouth of the balloon as the balloon continues to take shape. Lines from the gondola basket are anchored to the ground and more fire leaps into the opening as the balloon begins to rise above the field in an awkward attempt to escape from the warm air. Within a short time the balloon stands majestically, straining the ropes that anchor it to earth. The sunshine reflects off the many colored panels that make up this wonder of flight from the past. The Pilot prepares the gondola. He watches as you pull up in your car and prepare for an experience that can only be described as "Fantastic". This is your first flight in a hot air balloon. After exchanging pleasantries, the pilot makes a quick phone call to the weather service to ensure safety. You are accompanied to the gondola and assisted as you climb aboard for the flight of your dreams. The pilot smiles a knowing smile and instructs his team on the ground to release the tethers as he once again opens the valves on the burner and sends a blast of flame and hot air up into the mouth of the balloon. With little effort the balloon begins its rise into the sky and you embark on a journey of a life time. If this sounds like something you'd like to do call us at (803) 256-3737 and we can make arrangements for your Hot Air Balloon Flight! |