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Having the skill to predict the balloon’s track during the landing approach, touching down on the intended landing target, and stopping the balloon basket in the preferred place can be very satisfying. It requires a sharp eye trained to spot the indicators of wind direction on the ground. Dropping bits of tissue, observing other balloons, smoke, steam, dust, and tree movement are all ways to predict the balloon track on its way to the landing site. During the approach, one of the pilot’s most important observations is watching for power lines.
In ballooning, approaches can be practiced more often than landings. A good approach usually earns a good landing.Thermal Flight
The experience of being caught in a thermal can certainly occur at any altitude, but is more common during the landing phase of balloon flight. This is primarily due to the balloon’s proximity to the ground and being exposed to the conditions that cause thermals. [Figure 8-8]
There are indicators of thermal conditions that may be visible to the pilot, such as “dust devils” or small tornados visible from the ground. An uncommanded ascent, usually at a significant climb rate, may be experienced, or perhaps significant changes in direction. In the extreme, a balloon caught in a tight (compact) thermal may even create small horizontal circles in the sky.
There are two rules to thermal flight. First, the pilot must continue to fly the balloon. Many pilots are distracted by the thermal flight experience and may forget that the balloon is cooling at a faster than normal rate. The pilot should ensure that the temperature of the balloon’s envelope is kept at or above that required to maintain normal flight, and under no circumstance should the pilot allow the balloon to cool. The temperature noted at equilibrum should be a minimum temperature to maintain. Additionally, the pilot should not
8-9
vent in an effort to descend and land; if the balloon falls out of the thermal, the pilot may not have sufficient altitude to recover control.
The second rule of thermal flight is the axiom, “altitude is your friend.” Thermals are usually short-lived phenomena and dissipate after a brief period of time. If the pilot keeps the balloon at flight temperature, the thermal usually “spits” the balloon out at a higher altitude. When this happens, the balloon can again be controlled by the pilot and a safe landing may be executed.Landings
Landing Considerations
When selecting a landing site, three considerations in order of importance are: safety of passengers, as well as persons and property on the ground; landowner relations; and ease of recovery.
Some questions the pilot should ask when evaluating a landing site are:
• Is it a safe place for my passengers and the balloon?
• Would my landing create a hazard for any person or property on the ground?
• Will my presence create any problems (noise, startling animals, etc.) for the landowner?High-Wind Landing
When a high-wind landing is likely, the pilot should explain to the passengers that a high-wind landing follows. It is better to alert them than allow them to be too casual. Passengers should be briefed again on the correct posture and procedures for a high-wind landing, to include wearing gloves and helmets, if available or required. Some pilots with dual burner systems elect to leave one burner operational through the landing process, in the event that heat must be applied to climb out of a bad approach. This decision should be made with a view towards the intensity of the impact; a pilot must also be aware that, instinctively, he or she may grab the burner handle during a rough landing. This could result in burner activation, damaging the balloon fabric.
The pilot should fly at the lowest safe altitude to a large field and check that the deflation line is clear and ready. Obstacles should be avoided and the pilot should ideally make an approach to the near end of the field. When committed to the landing, brief passengers again, turn off fuel valves, drain fuel lines, and turn off pilot lights.
Depending on the landing speed and surface, open the deflation vent at the appropriate time to control ground travel. The passengers should be closely monitored to ensure they are properly positioned in the basket and holding on tightly.
Deflate the envelope and monitor it until all the air is exhausted. Be alert for fire, check the passengers, and prepare for recovery.
When faced with a high wind landing, the balloon pilot must remember that the distance covered during the balloon’s reaction time is markedly increased. This situation is somewhat analogous to the driver’s training maxim of “do not overdrive your headlights.” For example, a balloon traveling at 5 mph covers a distance of approximately 73 feet in the 10 seconds it takes for the balloon to respond to a burner input—a distance equal to a semi-truck and trailer on the road. However, at a speed of 15 mph, the balloon covers a distance of 220 feet, or a little more than two-thirds of a football field. A pilot who is not situationally aware and fails to recognize hazards and obstacles at an increased distance may be placed in a dangerous situation with rapidly dwindling options.Water Landings
　
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