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Glossary Of Ballooning Jargon

The sport of hot-air ballooning, as with most other sports has a whole jargon associated with it. We have given brief definitions of some of the key terms below, to help you in your tour around the Cameron Balloons factory.

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A

Artwork

ArtworkThe artwork on balloons takes various forms. At the simplest level it can be stuck onto the balloon. The transfers can be cut by computer and are then stuck on.
Spraying
The next level up from this for more sophisticated and detailed designs is to airbrush them onto the fabric. This is done in house at Cameron's. The final possibility is a dye-sublimation technique where the dyes are actually printed into the fabric. This process is contracted-out or out-sourced as Cameron's do not have the equipment to do this.


B

Basket

BasketThe basket perhaps needs little explanation! It is made out of cane and willow and woven by craftsman. It has a padded edge around the top of suede or leather which is one of the only concessions to comfort. Despite modern advances in materials the woven basket is still felt to be the best material - better than plastics and others. This is because of the basket's ability to absorb the shock loads that can be put on it by bumpy landings.


Burners

BurnersMost balloons have two types of burners incorporated into them. They have main burners and also a 'whisper' system which is quieter than the main burner. This is a big advantage when flying over country areas and can avoid upsetting animals (and people!). Though it isn't as quiet as a whisper it is much quieter than the main burner. The flame from the burners appears when the blast valve is operated. This releases a mixture of vaporised and liquid propane which is lit by a pilot light.


C

Cushion Floor

The meaning of this is probably very clear! Wouldn't you want to be comfortable when landing from several thousand feet!

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