want to fly even lighter than this - then your looking to fly a cloud hopper - no need for a basket, or even the appearance of one, Just strap a fuel tank to your back, and jump into the air ua-cam.com/video/ZriHOgksR_4/v-deo.html
@@TheBigBalloonFestival Oh wow! So true! Parts could be the right size, but the wrong stitching method could doom the whole effort. I worked in a factory where I was sewing barracks bags together, and just totally destroyed a bag when I had the machine set for the wrong stitching as it pulled the fabric the wrong way. Geez! Who knew! Right? I just don't have good enough eyesight for that.
Do you know if there are any regulations as to how balloon baskets are made, aside from the one I've read about regarding the need for partitions if the basket is large enough? In time, I hope to design and make my own baskets for a number of reasons; to ensure that they're well made and safe, to design unique stylized baskets using a variety of materials and methods other than woven wicker (rattan/cane/bamboo), so I could be the one to more easily repair them, and to make them far more affordable. It seems like every balloon manufacturer sticks with the wicker, due to their flexible nature to absorb the energy of impacts during landings, which I understand. But they also all seem to use the stainless steel framework even when the wicker is not being used as in these MK1 Courtford collapsible basket kits. Is that required? If so, it would really limit what I hope to do when it comes to some of my design ideas. And to all the wicker fans, I don't hate the woven rattan/cane look. In fact they do have a kind of charm and vintage look I do appreciate and wouldn't mind owning at least one, someday. But I really would like to explore some design and construction methods that strays quite a bit from the tradition of the welded stainless steel frames and woven wicker.
Yes I would very much recommend taking a detailed look at easa document CS31HB as this is the specification used for type certified balloons. As a result it gives details and through associated documents guidance notes for professional standards. Once you step outside the type certification world you are of course free to experiment (at your own risk) with new and novel designs. But it's a great place to start. Of course early baskets were not reinforced with steal, didn't have flat sides (round baskets im thinking back to early drawings of gas balloons) or were open sided welded cages (like raven produced in the 60's). I've seen woven floor baskets and of course cloudhoppers with no baskets. Really interested to know what you will invent :-) happy landings
@@TheBigBalloonFestival Thank you so much for that helpful information! I still have much to learn when it comes to balloon air worthiness certifications and so forth. Many of my balloon system designs would definitely fall within that experimental category; primarily the ones I hope to make steerable as well as those with enclosed, pressurized gondolas or the open ones that look very curved, ornate, and classical. I was a bit concerned when I read a few days ago that when new balloon designs get an experimental rating, it can limit how far the balloonist is allowed to fly from its original port (no more than 60 miles if I remember correctly) and how one can't use it commercially for hire, which would definitely be problematic for me. Watching these videos of you making your own balloon has been very inspirational for me! It proves that there are those who set out to do it and actually achieve it. So these videos have given me the added confidence I need to eventually attempt it myself--hopefully in the not too distant future. So thank you again!
I'm glad you have found the build video's inspiring, you mention a 60 mile radius. That might be a local regulation based on your country (or even state) I'm not sure, that would need some research for sure. here in the UK a homebuilt can operate anywhere in the UK, but has to have additional permissions and documentation to operate outside the UK boundary, so this is a limit to some extent. Also some countries require inspections to take place by (for example) an FAA inspector during the build and some evidence that the constructor is carrying out the work and not relying on or paying for the construction. You maybe familiar with the work of Brian Boland, who home built both balloons and airship, well worth looking into some of the unusual aircraft he built - Enjoy
@@TheBigBalloonFestival Yeah, I need to go back and discover where I read about that 60 mile radius limitation for experimental balloons. I do remember the limitations were more firm when it came to experimental balloons made outside the US. So maybe experimental balloons made within the US are not as limited--that's a nice thought. I know the USA is supposed to be the "Land of the Free" but of course that's not always the case. It's very possible that when it comes to home-built balloons, the UK has the advantage in terms of freedom to do as they please. I also recently learned that the FAA here in the states will be adding regulations, such as requiring a medical exam (likely to test for drug use), which I understand and respect, along with requiring all balloons within our country to be equipped with an Automatic Dependent Broadcast Surveillance device in order to fly within Class C airspace. A lot of professional balloonists are upset about the second one, but I'm not sure why. I think that sounds like a good idea, especially if a balloon had an accident and was forced down and lost. It's last known location could be known. There are other advantages in terms of traffic awareness. And yes, I just recently became familiar with Brian Boland about a week ago when I read about his tragic accident and death. The articles I just happened to have come across, while researching how to build balloons, briefly mentioned how he had designed and flew his own balloons. I haven't seen any pics of his actual designs, yet, so I think I will go do that right now. :) You've been good to me--and helpful.
Hi Andy, did you build the basket yourself? I'm borrowing one of Tims baskets currently but I'd like to build my own. My design is loosely based on the Tekno basket.
I was out flying it this weekend, works really well, but think the tyre came off the rim worth considering a solid wheel instead of an inflatable one? Or of course like the lindstrand hopper used to have they were detachable and could be fitted if needed but not flown with.
@@TheBigBalloonFestival a, yeh. You mean + than 50 grams/m2 ? For 1 personne I guess 30 grams/m2 RipStop or polyester would be enough, nope? Built like a tank it seems
Great design. Have you noticed any problems with faster wear and deformation of the burner supports as the angles between burner frame and basket frame sockets are different?
Nothing as yet. Your correct the angles are different with the top frame of the basket being so small and the burner frame designed for a bigger basket. Takes a bit of force to bend them into place. 8 hours flown do far no sign of ware
yes in the UK, I'm not so sure on the limitations around the world, but in the UK a PPL (private pilots licence) B (Balloons) is a requirement, and flying solo is one of the final steps to passing your licence - though you don't have to fly in quite such a small basket :-)
@@TheBigBalloonFestival i joined a balloon club at the start of this year but covid hit and i had to pull out unfortunately. When things get better I'll get back into it. I like the idea of a cloud hopper to be honest . Love your videos mate your doing a great job 👍
@@raydickos yeah it's kept everything to a minimum this year, but it has made solo flying more popular. I'll do my best to keep uploading. Got a few build projects on the go so winter weather and lockdown can't get in the way ;-)
Sure, Will look to work on that one, Licence rules are going through a bit of a shake up at the moment, so I'll talk to a few instructors and examiners, find out when the changes come into force before I do that one. Question filmed while flying or on the ground like this one?
![Simple Aircraft - THE CLOUDHOPPER - [Hot air balloon Technology]](/img/n.gif)
want to fly even lighter than this - then your looking to fly a cloud hopper - no need for a basket, or even the appearance of one, Just strap a fuel tank to your back, and jump into the air ua-cam.com/video/ZriHOgksR_4/v-deo.html
This is an amazingly simple basket design! Thanks for sharing this.
A pleasure, the really devil in the detail is the sewing of the fabric sides so that all are in tension when assembled 😉
@@TheBigBalloonFestival Oh wow! So true! Parts could be the right size, but the wrong stitching method could doom the whole effort. I worked in a factory where I was sewing barracks bags together, and just totally destroyed a bag when I had the machine set for the wrong stitching as it pulled the fabric the wrong way. Geez! Who knew! Right? I just don't have good enough eyesight for that.
Thanks for sharing. I had not noticed the wheels before -- very clever design!
could make for some interesting landings if ever they drop down in flight ;-)
On the opposite side of the wheels, I'd add a flip out handlebar that lets you get more of that hand-truck functionality.
I got my study book from the FAA a few weeks back. I'm starting my journey to becoming a balloon pilot! Hope to fly with you some day. :)
FANTASTIC keep up to date on your progress :-) looking forward to sharing the skies
Do you know if there are any regulations as to how balloon baskets are made, aside from the one I've read about regarding the need for partitions if the basket is large enough? In time, I hope to design and make my own baskets for a number of reasons; to ensure that they're well made and safe, to design unique stylized baskets using a variety of materials and methods other than woven wicker (rattan/cane/bamboo), so I could be the one to more easily repair them, and to make them far more affordable. It seems like every balloon manufacturer sticks with the wicker, due to their flexible nature to absorb the energy of impacts during landings, which I understand. But they also all seem to use the stainless steel framework even when the wicker is not being used as in these MK1 Courtford collapsible basket kits. Is that required? If so, it would really limit what I hope to do when it comes to some of my design ideas. And to all the wicker fans, I don't hate the woven rattan/cane look. In fact they do have a kind of charm and vintage look I do appreciate and wouldn't mind owning at least one, someday. But I really would like to explore some design and construction methods that strays quite a bit from the tradition of the welded stainless steel frames and woven wicker.
Yes I would very much recommend taking a detailed look at easa document CS31HB as this is the specification used for type certified balloons. As a result it gives details and through associated documents guidance notes for professional standards. Once you step outside the type certification world you are of course free to experiment (at your own risk) with new and novel designs. But it's a great place to start. Of course early baskets were not reinforced with steal, didn't have flat sides (round baskets im thinking back to early drawings of gas balloons) or were open sided welded cages (like raven produced in the 60's). I've seen woven floor baskets and of course cloudhoppers with no baskets. Really interested to know what you will invent :-) happy landings
@@TheBigBalloonFestival Thank you so much for that helpful information! I still have much to learn when it comes to balloon air worthiness certifications and so forth. Many of my balloon system designs would definitely fall within that experimental category; primarily the ones I hope to make steerable as well as those with enclosed, pressurized gondolas or the open ones that look very curved, ornate, and classical. I was a bit concerned when I read a few days ago that when new balloon designs get an experimental rating, it can limit how far the balloonist is allowed to fly from its original port (no more than 60 miles if I remember correctly) and how one can't use it commercially for hire, which would definitely be problematic for me. Watching these videos of you making your own balloon has been very inspirational for me! It proves that there are those who set out to do it and actually achieve it. So these videos have given me the added confidence I need to eventually attempt it myself--hopefully in the not too distant future. So thank you again!
I'm glad you have found the build video's inspiring, you mention a 60 mile radius. That might be a local regulation based on your country (or even state) I'm not sure, that would need some research for sure. here in the UK a homebuilt can operate anywhere in the UK, but has to have additional permissions and documentation to operate outside the UK boundary, so this is a limit to some extent. Also some countries require inspections to take place by (for example) an FAA inspector during the build and some evidence that the constructor is carrying out the work and not relying on or paying for the construction.
You maybe familiar with the work of Brian Boland, who home built both balloons and airship, well worth looking into some of the unusual aircraft he built - Enjoy
@@TheBigBalloonFestival Yeah, I need to go back and discover where I read about that 60 mile radius limitation for experimental balloons. I do remember the limitations were more firm when it came to experimental balloons made outside the US. So maybe experimental balloons made within the US are not as limited--that's a nice thought. I know the USA is supposed to be the "Land of the Free" but of course that's not always the case. It's very possible that when it comes to home-built balloons, the UK has the advantage in terms of freedom to do as they please. I also recently learned that the FAA here in the states will be adding regulations, such as requiring a medical exam (likely to test for drug use), which I understand and respect, along with requiring all balloons within our country to be equipped with an Automatic Dependent Broadcast Surveillance device in order to fly within Class C airspace. A lot of professional balloonists are upset about the second one, but I'm not sure why. I think that sounds like a good idea, especially if a balloon had an accident and was forced down and lost. It's last known location could be known. There are other advantages in terms of traffic awareness. And yes, I just recently became familiar with Brian Boland about a week ago when I read about his tragic accident and death. The articles I just happened to have come across, while researching how to build balloons, briefly mentioned how he had designed and flew his own balloons. I haven't seen any pics of his actual designs, yet, so I think I will go do that right now. :) You've been good to me--and helpful.
Yo te puedo ayudar
Hi Andy, did you build the basket yourself? I'm borrowing one of Tims baskets currently but I'd like to build my own. My design is loosely based on the Tekno basket.
Sorry, I'm actually re-watching this for inspiration and left that comment at the start of the video forgetting you say who built it...
I was out flying it this weekend, works really well, but think the tyre came off the rim worth considering a solid wheel instead of an inflatable one? Or of course like the lindstrand hopper used to have they were detachable and could be fitted if needed but not flown with.
A skyhoper,
Excellent.
How much does the envelope weigh?
It's heavy for it's size 54kg, a combination of (traditional ripstop - not light weight) and heavy load tapes - It's build like a tank :-)
@@TheBigBalloonFestival a, yeh.
You mean + than 50 grams/m2 ?
For 1 personne I guess 30 grams/m2 RipStop or polyester would be enough, nope?
Built like a tank it seems
Great design. Have you noticed any problems with faster wear and deformation of the burner supports as the angles between burner frame and basket frame sockets are different?
Nothing as yet. Your correct the angles are different with the top frame of the basket being so small and the burner frame designed for a bigger basket. Takes a bit of force to bend them into place. 8 hours flown do far no sign of ware
Hello, do you need lessons and pass a test to fly one of these ?
yes in the UK, I'm not so sure on the limitations around the world, but in the UK a PPL (private pilots licence) B (Balloons) is a requirement, and flying solo is one of the final steps to passing your licence - though you don't have to fly in quite such a small basket :-)
@@TheBigBalloonFestival i joined a balloon club at the start of this year but covid hit and i had to pull out unfortunately. When things get better I'll get back into it. I like the idea of a cloud hopper to be honest . Love your videos mate your doing a great job 👍
@@raydickos yeah it's kept everything to a minimum this year, but it has made solo flying more popular. I'll do my best to keep uploading. Got a few build projects on the go so winter weather and lockdown can't get in the way ;-)
@@TheBigBalloonFestival cool look forward to seeing the build
Could you make a video detailing how you go about getting a hotair balloon flying licence?
Sure, Will look to work on that one, Licence rules are going through a bit of a shake up at the moment, so I'll talk to a few instructors and examiners, find out when the changes come into force before I do that one. Question filmed while flying or on the ground like this one?
@@TheBigBalloonFestival sitting at you kitchen table with a coffee.
@@TheBigBalloonFestival Are these new rules happening worldwide? Or are they a regional thing?
Wich use cloth in air bloon
The material is a high tenacity ripstop nylon with a PU coating. Similar to parachute and kite fabrics