1 of 10

Vitense briefs students on balloon safety before Thursday morning tether rides. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Students watch as a hot air balloon floats above the soccer fields near Natchez Middle School. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Laura Newkirk helps inflate the balloon. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Pilot Kurt Vitense gives directions to crew during a hot air balloon tether ride with Natchez Middle School students on Thursday morning. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Jasmine Ashcraft, a Natchez Middle School 7th-grader, climbs into the hot air balloon basket. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

(Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

(Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Students watch as a hot air balloon floats above the soccer fields near Natchez Middle School. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Students watch as a hot air balloon floats above the soccer fields near Natchez Middle School. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Students watch as a hot air balloon floats above the soccer fields near Natchez Middle School. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

NATCHEZ — Approximately 40 Natchez middle schoolers had their aviation class in the air on Thursday morning with hot air balloon tether rides.

The students in Elizabeth Greer’s class are in a special engineering program called “Project Lead the Way.” This month, they’re studying aviation.

The class began with Pilot Kurt Vitense testing students’ knowledge of what they’ve learned so far about hot air balloons. His crew started to inflate the balloon envelope by blowing cold air from a high-powered fan through it.

When he heats up that air using the burners, it starts to float, Vitense explained.

“Who remembers why that is?” he asked the class.

Several students chimed in with the answer.

“Density,” they said.

Last year, Vitense inflated his balloon at Robert Lewis Middle School to demonstrate how hot air is less dense than the air outside the balloon. This year, the students were able to fly in a tethered balloon ride. This was optional to the students, of course.

“I’m afraid of heights,” said Brandon McDowell, one of the students.

“So am I, and I’m a pilot,” Vitense said.

Other students were on the tips of their toes and smiling at the chance to ride a hot air balloon.

“I’m so excited,” said Jasmine Ashcraft before climbing into the basket.

More News

Natchez native Ollie Reed Jr. dies at 76 after a half-century of journalism excellence

Daisy Street shooting victim said he does not know who shot him

Mayor re-dedicates City Hall on its 100th birthday

Operation Safe Neighborhoods: Suspect arrested, charged with Daisy Street attempted murder