The Wicked Balloons Journal
Ballooning stories, history & how-tos
Everything about hot air ballooning — from the very first flight in 1783 to planning your own sunrise ride over New England.
What Is a Hot Air Balloon Made Of?
Curious what are hot air balloons made of? Discover the fabric, ropes, wicker baskets, and burners behind every safe, colorful flight.
A Sheep, a Duck and a Rooster: The First Balloon Passengers
Meet the first hot air balloon passengers: a sheep, a duck, and a rooster who flew over Versailles in 1783 before any…
Why Hot Air Rises: Buoyancy Explained for Beginners
Curious why do hot air balloons float? A clear, friendly breakdown of buoyancy, density, and the burner science behind every sunrise flight.
Who Invented the Hot Air Balloon? The Montgolfier Brothers
Who invented the hot air balloon? Meet Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier, the French brothers behind the first flight in 1783.
What Are Special-Shape Hot Air Balloons?
Discover what makes special shape hot air balloons different from traditional balloons and why they steal the show at every festival.
How to Become a Hot Air Balloon Pilot
Curious how to become a hot air balloon pilot? Here's a clear look at FAA training, certificates, and what flight lessons really…
When Is Balloon Season in New England?
Discover when hot air balloon season in New England runs, why sunrise flights matter, and how to plan the perfect ride.
How Do Hot Air Balloons Work? The Simple Physics
Curious how do hot air balloons work? Learn the simple physics of hot air, buoyancy, and altitude control behind every sunrise flight.
The Aeronauts (2019): The True Story Behind the Film
Curious about the Aeronauts true story? We separate the real 1862 balloon flight from the Hollywood drama, fact by fact.
The First Hot Air Balloon Flight in 1783, Explained
The true story of the first hot air balloon flight in 1783, from the Montgolfier brothers' experiments to Paris's historic manned ascent.