What You Need To Know
* Hot air balloons fly early in the day or late in the day
* The heat observed from a balloon is propane igniting to keep the air inside the balloon envelope warmer than the air surrounding it
* A hot air balloon pilot uses wind to steer and navigate their balloon
Ideal weather for flight
Mike Wadley, a second-generation Hot Air Balloon Pilot out of St. Charles County, Mo, explains the weather’s role in this high-flying activity.
The weather conditions matter, and it’s not solely for capturing the best pictures from the treetops. There are many days the team will leave the balloon in the trailer and cancel the day’s flight.
“If there’s any chance for rain, we don’t fly.”
He says winds must be light as well and that includes winds higher in the sky. “We love to have weather about 5 mph of wind on the surface and 10 to 12 mph all the way up to about 2500 feet.” And that’s because they use the wind to steer the balloon.
Winds are light early in the morning, around sunrise, and then again around sunset. Wind is created by the uneven heating of the Earth’s surface by the sun. Without sunlight, the air is less mixed and there is less wind.
“Since we can’t steer the balloon, we find wind directions and different speeds at different altitudes. And then we have to fly very level and be precise and that will carry us off to where we want to go.” But faster winds don’t mean better flying conditions.
Science Experiment
“Hot air balloons and the way they operate is a big science experiment. It follows the laws of physics. For the balloon to fly, the air inside the balloon must be warmer than the surrounding air.
To achieve this, there’s a burner system connected to the basket and the balloon. Fueled by propane gas, the pilot uses a blast valve to adjust the rate of flow, keeping the balloon warmer than the air surrounding it.
They may also give intermittent blasts during the flight to ensure the air inside the balloon remains at this temperature.
Weather While Flying
“So we are constantly paying attention to the weather, and we are paying attention not only before as we are doing our flight planning but also while we are actually flying.”
They have instruments on board that tell them the direction and altitude they are flying. And it’s these parameters that assist them in landing. “We use the different wind speeds and directions at different altitudes to help us find the right target to land.”
Conclusions
In conclusion, hot air ballooning is a unique and fascinating activity that requires a deep understanding of the weather. Pilots must carefully plan their flights according to weather conditions, taking into account factors such as wind direction and speed, and temperature. By using the wind to steer the balloon and navigating by reference to the surrounding environment, hot air balloon pilots can create a thrilling and unforgettable experience for passengers.
FAQs
Q: Why do hot air balloons fly early in the day or late in the day?
A: Hot air balloons fly early in the day (around sunrise) or late in the day (around sunset) because the winds are typically lighter and more predictable, making it easier to navigate and steer the balloon.
Q: Why is the weather important for hot air ballooning?
A: Weather is crucial for hot air ballooning. Pilots must avoid flying in rain, strong winds, and other adverse weather conditions, which can make it difficult or impossible to navigate safely and enjoyably.
Q: How do hot air balloon pilots navigate their balloons?
A: Hot air balloon pilots use the wind to steer and navigate their balloons. They look at wind direction and speed at different altitudes to determine the best course to take to reach their destination.
