Abstract: A venting valve in a hot air balloon comprises a valve member for opening and closing on outlet hole in the balloon envelope, the valve member being in the form of a flat panel having an edge portion secured along a line to a portion of the envelope adjacent an edge portion of the outlet hole. There is a cord and pulley arrangement for drawing the valve member to and fro across the outlet hole, moving substantially transversely of the outlet hole, to close and open the outlet hole. The cord and pulley arrangement can be operated both to open and to close the valve, closing movement being possible from any partially or fully open position of the valve, and, in one form, also, from the valve member fully closed position, to obtain re-closable venting without moving the valve member transversely of the outlet hole.

Abstract: A hot air balloon of conventional construction with a balloon envelope having an inlet aperture for hot air received from a heat generating device coupled with the envelope and directed into the aperture is provided with a hood coupled with the envelope adjacent the aperture. The hood extends part way round the aperture and is of scoop form extending outwardly from the aperture and partially around the heat generating device and serves to direct wind and hot air into the aperture to facilitate inflation when the scoop is directed windwardly.