PARTS

Envelope

This is the 'balloon' part of the hot air balloon, and usually made of nylon. The narrow vertical strips that make up the balloon are called Gores. Smaller sections running up the gores are called Panels. The very top of the balloon envelope is refered to as the Crown. Surrounding this is a circular piece of the nylon called the Parachute Valve, which is a self-sealing flap that can control the rate that hot air escapes. At the base of the envelope is the Skirt, used to guide the heat into the main envelope of the balloon.

Burner

This is positioned underneath the opening of the envelope, it burns propane, much like a barbeque grill. the propane is stored as a liquid in tanks, and drawn into the burner through hoses, where it burns. This flame heats the air filling the balloon.

Basket

This traditional part of the hot air balloon is often made of wicker or rattan, and hangs below the envelope with cables or Kevlar lines. This holds the pilot and frequently passengers, as well as the propane fuel for the burner.