Launching a Hot Air Balloon

Before a successful hot air balloon flight can begin, the pilot must first check the weather and find a suitable take-off point. The weather must have sufficient visibility for the pilot to see and wind speeds should not exceed 10mph to allow for safe take-off and landings. To check wind speeds at a given location the pilot will send up a balloon called a Met-balloon or Pibal, this gives instant information about what the wind is actually doing.

Next the balloon is unpacked and the burner and basket attached. The envelope (balloon) is then filled with cold air that partially inflates the balloon and gives it, its basic shape. Once the shape of the balloon has been established the burner is used to heat the air inside. When the balloon is upright, the pilot and passengers climb into the basket and the flight can begin by directing more heat into the envelope.