6 Ways to Fly
It’s everyone’s favourite dream. It’s most people’s biggest wish. We all want to fly. Here are 6 ways you can.
1. Parasailing
Parasailing is a fun, recreational activity involving a daredevil, a parachute, a rope, and a boat. Daredevils are harnessed beneath the sail and lifted off of the ground when the boat speeds off into the middle of the sea. If powerful enough, the boat can take two to three people up at the same time.
2. Skydiving
Skydiving is meant for those of you who when sitting on an airplane, look out the window and think of jumping. This extreme sport began in 1797 when Andre-Jacques Garnerin parachuted out of a hot air balloon. Now people jump from as high as 15,000 feet and freefall for the first minute!
3. Hot Air Balloon Flight
Hot air balloons are the originating method of transport to carry humans through the sky. Today however, they are primarily used for recreation and are able to fly at extremely high altitudes. The difference in temperature between the air inside and outside of the balloon is what makes it buoyant. The views from the sky are well worth bearing the cold outdoor weather.
4. Paragliding
A paraglider is a free-flying, foot-launched aircraft. In good weather it can be flown for very long distances, upwards of 150km depending on the region. Pilots have expressed the joy and serenity that comes from drifting through the nearly silent skies, watching the Earth’s beautiful landscape go by beneath them. The best part is, it’s easy to learn and extremely portable.
5. Airplanes
The obvious answer. Airplanes are one of the greatest inventions of the twentieth century. As much as we all complain about the food, the line-ups, and the hassle, the truth is they open up the entire world to us. Today’s planes can carry over 600 civilians and weigh close to 1 million pounds. WikiAnswers claims that 69, 444 airplanes fly everyday. Unbelievable.
6. Helicopters
A type of rotorcraft that involves a combination of lift and thrust, helicopters actually have a fascinating history. Their spiral wings allow them to lift and land vertically, a technology conceptualized by Da Vinci all the way back in 1480 when he designed an aerial screw machine. The origin of the name helicopter is also neat. Coined by Gustave de Ponton in 1861, the term originates from the Greek word for turning “helik” and that for wing “pteron”.
There you have it, six great ways to fly outside of your dreams.
About the Author
Balloon Safaris provides hot air balloon flights all over England. All departure points are easily commutable from London. Flying with Balloon Safaris is an experience you'll never forget. http://www.balloonsafaris.co.uk/
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