“Hot Air Ballooning Capital of the World”
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Clear
blue skies, calm winds and mild temperatures are the norm in
Albuquerque, encouraging year-round hot air ballooning and enabling more
than 300 resident balloonists (more than any other state) to fly hot
air balloons frequently and for long periods of time.
Why
Albuquerque? The weather here is widely considered to be the best in the
world for ballooning. In the famous "Albuquerque Box" pattern, the wind
blows predictably north at one elevation and south at another, allowing
pilots to launch, fly a great distance, then change altitude to return
close to the launch site. This unique pattern, created by the interplay
of clear skies, low humidity and elevation, is common on early October
mornings, usually dissipating by midday. Albuquerque's ideal conditions
have earned it the title of Balloon Capital of the World.
- Balloon Fiesta
Each
fall, pilots, crews and spectators from all over the world come to
Albuquerque for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®, the
world's largest hot air ballooning event.
- Ballooning Culture & History
More
than a century ago in Albuquerque, "Professor" P.A. Van Tassell, a
local bartender, piloted a "gas bag" from the center of town up to
nearly 14,000 feet and landed, intact, a few miles away at the west end
of the city.
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