After unrolling the balloons envelope a powerful gasoline powered fan is then turned on while the bottom of the hot air balloon is held open. 
 

Climbing into the basket the pilot then gives the first long burst of flame from the propane burner right down the center of the balloon. 
 

By about the fourth 20 second burst the balloon begins to rise up from its vertical position on the ground.
 

And then almost miraculously the balloon with little more than heated air in it not only aright's itself  but the basket attached to it as well. 
 

Once everything is in position the passengers then board, and after recieving a briefing on flight etiquet and ballooning safety they are now ready to take off. 
 

Giving a few short bursts on the propane burner the balloon begins gently rising.  I am told that it feels a lot like  floating on an air matress in a backyard pool.