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| Li Yongjun flied his hot air balloon on June 15, 2015. During the flight, the pilot's only ability to steer the balloon is the ability to climb or descend into winds going different directions. Thus, it is important for the pilot to determine what direction the wind is blowing at altitudes other than the balloon's altitude.(Photo/Yu Ying) |
Across China, there are about 400 to 500 licensed balloonists, 90 percent of whom are individuals who get certified and then buy balloons on their own. The number of pilots started to rise with the new millennium, although the sport was introduced to the Chinese mainland in 1983.
According to Wu Gongyu, Director of the Ballooning commission of the Aero Sports Federation of China. Only professional pilots from aviation schools were allowed to fly these craft in the 1980s. But now more individuals who have money and time are taking up ballooning to relax and enjoy themselves.
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