What kind of fuel do balloons use?

Common Liquid propane gas (LPG) is used to
heat hot air balloons. Some balloons carry 40 gallons
of propane in two 20-gallon stainless steel tanks;
others carry three 10-gallon tanks. Propane is a
stable and predictable fuel, but highly volatile (burns
easily). It is carried in liquid form, under pressure in
the tanks, and supplied to the burners through flexible
hoses. The burner flame may shoot out 6 to 8 feet
in the blast that the pilot controls. A typical flight
lasting 1 hour, with 3 people aloft, will consume about
20 gallons of propane. Some balloons have two
independent burner and fuel systems for added safety.

Back Next