Originally Posted by Heli-Phile
Lets review some issues.
Single lifting source (envelope ) no redundancy for rupture or failure.
Single burner, no redundancy.
Highly explosive and flammable fuel source (Propane)
Open basket with no energy absorbing seats or restraints for passengers/crew
No control of direction of travel except prevailing wind at various altitudes. theres many more problems with balloon's but I think those above are the major flaws.
Does not most of this apply to (single-engined) aeroplanes as well and is completely accepted?
- No redundancy for structural failure of the wing;
- one engine without fallback alternative;
- highly explosive and flammable fuel source (make Your pick between Avgas, Mogas or whatever);
- seat belts, yes, but no energy-absorbing structure features like on a car;
- in case of engine failure, landing is compulsory within the gliding range.
People boarding a balloon, just like doing anything else, do so in full knowledge of the risk they are about to incur. Let them, I say.