Earlier today, the physics department blew up.

No, the science wing did not explode–between 8:00 and 9:30 Tuesday morning, a hot air balloon was inflated in the AVHS main lot.

In class, some physics students are learning about buoyancy and Archimedes’ Principle. “We’re also building mini hot air balloons in class,” said Mrs. Larson, physics teacher.

Mrs. Larson knew the perfect way to show students how this lesson applied to the real world. Her friend Larry Konash owns the balloon, named Air America, and agreed to bring it to AVHS and show it off.

Air America is designed to carry the “pilot plus five,” said Konash. It has a 40-gallon propane tank, with each burner putting out 30 million BTUs of heat–compared to an average household furnace, which puts out around 60,000.

Konash seemed to care less about the physics part of it. “The north-easterly wind in the area, a 12,000 foot ceiling, light winds–cooler weather is better because we can lift more payload–passengers. Oh, it’s the perfect day to fly. If only it were a weekend.”

Konash also fondly told the crowd of students the story of how he fell in love with flying. In short, it involved a dry cleaning bag with cotton balls attached, lighter fluid, and a call to the fire department to extinguish an oak tree in flames.

As I stood listening in the parking lot, shivering in the 30º air, I couldn’t help but wonder: isn’t it cold up there? Actually, the hot air that inflates the balloon and the heat from the burners keep the basket toasty warm, Konash told me. In fact, in the summer, it gets to be sweltering in the balloon for the same reasons.

For many students, including myself, it is the first time seeing a hot air balloon up close. Konash was in high school when he first discovered his love for ballooning. Risk-taking, pursuing curiosity, and finding your passion is so important at our age. Take time to wonder about what you learn and see. After this unique experience, perhaps one curious student will be inspired to become the next Larry Konash.