On Thursday, June 5, elementary and pre-k students at Hoosick Falls Central School had an opportunity to get up close to the Family Affair hot air balloon piloted by Mark Donahue. Donahue nearly lost his voice as he repeatedly explained to more than 600 students how a hot air balloon works. The balloon must be inspected every year by the FAA to make sure it is safe to fly. It usually flies from 500 to 2,500 feet high. It carries 30 gallons of propane. A portion of the nylon fabric is fireproof, though in strong wind any portion of the fabric could get into the way of the 200 degree flame. Donahue has a rope that he pulls to open the Velcro sealed top of the balloon to let hot air escape. When he wants to inflate the balloon more, he releases some propane which comes out with a roar and sends a flame and hot air up into the balloon, as seen here. The balloon was at the school in anticipation of the Cambridge Balloon Festival which took place last weekend. (Bea Peterson photo)
