[header] How to fly a hot air balloon [title] Understand why a balloon rises. [step] Hot air balloons are based on a simple concept. As you heat air, or any other gas, it becomes less dense. 
Just like a bubble rising in an aquarium, the hot air will float above the denser, colder air around it. Get the air in the balloon hot enough, and it can lift the balloon canvas, the basket, and everyone inside it as well.