By Redha Sardar
ANKARA, Sept 24 (KUNA) -- It's captivating to watch hot air balloons gliding above mountain peaks in the ancient Turkish region of Cappadocia but the sport is not as simple as it may seem.
Some 700,000 of hot air ballooning enthusiasts from various corners of the world favor Capaddocia to practice their hobby to enjoy the bird's eye view of the cluster of mountains and caves dug out by dwelling and safety seekers in ancient times.
Captain of the air balloon must be enrolled in a USD 40,000 special training course for two years to obtain the permit to fly or run a business in this special sport.
Balloonist Hakan Arisi, in an interview with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), explained some of the techniques and conditions for practicing this spirit-elating activity.
Unlike other aerial transport means, the balloon flies by the winds' force. It is filled with light hot air. To lift a 455 kg object off the ground, for example, it needs a balloon filled with some 65,000 cubic feet of hot air, he explains to KUNA.
But to keep it aloft, the air inside the envelope is heated with a burner placed in the middle of the personnel-carrying basket, made from fire-proof and light materials.
To lift the balloon off the ground, the pilot opens a gasoline valve that triggers a flame. The larger the flame the higher altitude the balloon can reach.
A crew member stationed opposite the mouth, holds a rope (crown line) tied to the apex (crown) of the envelope. The "crown-man" role is twofold: one is to prevent the envelope from excessive sway, and two is to prevent the envelope from rising before it is sufficiently buoyant. Once the balloon is upright, pilot and passengers climb into the basket. When the pilot is ready for launch, more heat is directed into the envelope and the balloon lifts off.
Turkey's Civil Aviation Authority is the sole department empowered to provide permits for ballooning.
The practitioners favor early morning times, when wind speed must not exceed 20 km per hour. Legally, the highest altitude allowed is 6,000 feet during the week days and up to 8,000 feet on weekends.
A large balloon can lift up to 28 persons. A single trip lasting for one hour costs euro 150, euro 240 for an hour and a half and a special one for a couple up to euro 1,300.
Arisi also explains that there are specialized ballooning agencies in Cappadocia, the sole region in Turkey where this sport is practiced.
Each company organizes one flight per day and some 250-300 per year, depending on the weather conditions. Total number of passengers per year amounts to some 700,000.
Only two accidents occurred over the past 20 years, Arisi says assuring those who are reluctant to experience it. (end) rs.rk