has two choices: (1) go back up to a legal altitude and try again, or (2) stay low in the wind that the balloon pilot is sure
will carry the balloon to a good site and try to make the second landing site.
In making the first choice, the pilot could be accused of intentionally flying too low. However, with the second choice, they
fly lower for a longer period of time, which might appear to be a blatant violation of the minimum altitude regulation. This
is not an argument in favor of either technique. Many pilots prefer the second choice on the “once the pilot goes down to
land, they had better land” theory. [Figure 8-7]
Figure 8-7. A good landing is something to watch.
Practice Approaches
Approaching from a relatively high altitude with a high descent rate down to a soft landing is a very good maneuver
to practice periodically, regardless of the experience level of the pilot. This is used when landing over an obstacle and
maneuvering to the selected field is possible only from a higher than desired altitude. This maneuver can also be used
when, due to inattention or distractions, the pilot is at a relatively high altitude approaching the last appropriate landing site.
Practicing this type of approach should take place in an uninhabited area and the obstacle should be a simulated obstacle.
A drop-in landing or steep approach to landing is another good maneuver to practice. Being able to perform this maneuver
can get the balloon into that perfect field that is just beyond the trees or just the other side of the orchard. A pilot that is
able to drop quickly, but softly, into the fallow field between crops is more neighborly than making a low approach over
the orchard. Being able to avoid frightening cattle or other animals during an approach is a valuable skill.
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]
Figure 8-8. Anatomy of a thermal. A thermal is created by the uneven heating of the surface of the Earth by solar radiation
(insolation). As the sun heats the ground, the ground in turn warms the air above it. Warmer air is less dense, and therefore rises;
as it rises, it cools due to expansion. This heating/cooling pattern sets up a cycle, whereby a downward flow is created outside the
thermal column one the air has cooled to a temperature equal to that of the surrounding air. This can create a hazardous situation for
a balloon pilot; the best action is to maintain buoyancy, and wait for the column to dissipate.
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 cli mb 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 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?
Ground Assistance
While the pilot should plan on landing unassisted, ground crew assistance can prove a valuable yet often-overlooked
resource before, during, and after landing. Observations and options ground crew can provide may include:
• Confirming/reporting surface wind speed/direction
• Identifying hidden obstacles: power lines, livestock, etc.
• Handling a drop line at slow speeds
• Adding weight to slow, stop, or stabilize the basket
• Walking the inflated balloon to a secondary site for deflation
Many factors including proximity, timing, and inexperience may limit ground crew’s availability and inputs. Keep in mind
the need for verbal instruction can also vary widely . That said, ground crew assistance can offer the pilot an advantage in
managing routine or challenging landings.
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, they 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
Landing in water requires modification to the passenger briefing. In a ditching, make sure the passengers get clear of the
basket in case it inverts due to fuel tank placement. Advise the passengers to keep a strong grip on the basket because it
becomes a flotation device. Predicting the final disposition of the basket in water is difficult. If the envelope is deflated, the
pilot and passengers can expect the envelope to sink, as it is heavier than water. Fuel tanks float because they are lighter
than water, even when full. If the envelope retains air, and depending on fuel-tank configuration, the balloon basket may
come to rest, at least for a while, on its side.
If the water landing is done on a river, the balloon may be dragged down river in the current. Generally, staying with the
basket is the best course of action unless the balloon has landed close to the bank and those aboard are strong swimmers.
Passenger Briefings & Management
Prior to landing, the pilot should explain correct posture and procedure to the passengers. Many balloon landings are
gentle, stand-up landings. However, the pilot should always prepare passengers for the possibility of a firm impact. The
prelanding briefing should instruct passengers to do the following:
• Stand in the appropriate area of the basket.
• Face the direction of travel.
• Place feet and knees together, with knees bent.
• “Hold on tight” in two places.
• Stay in the basket.
Stand in the Appropriate Area of the Basket
Passengers and the pilot normally position themselves toward the rear of the basket. [Figure 8-9] This accomplishes three
things.
Figure 8-9. Landing with passengers.
1. The leading edge of the basket is lifted as the floor tilts from the occupant weight shift, so the basket is less likely
to dig into the ground and tip over prematurely.
2. With the occupants in the rear of the basket and the floor tilted, the basket is more likely to slide along the ground
and lose some speed before tipping.
3. The passengers are less likely to fall out of the front of the basket.
In a high-wind landing, passengers should stand in the front of the basket because if the basket makes surface contact and
tips over, passengers fall a shorter distance within the basket and are not pitched forward. They are more likely to remain
in the basket, minimizing the risk of injury.
Face the Direction of Travel
Feet, hips, and shoulders should be perpendicular to the direction of flight. Impact with the ground while facing the side
puts a sideways strain on the knees and hips, which do not naturally bend that way. Facing the opposite direction is more
appropriate under certain conditions. Recall the discussion on passenger briefings on page 6-12.
Place Feet and Knees Together, with Knees Bent
To some people this may not seem to be a natural ready position; however, it is very appropriate in ballooning. The feet and
knees together stance allows maximum flexibility. With the knees bent, one can use the legs as springs or shock absorbers
in all four directions. With the feet apart, sideways flexibility is limited and knees do not bend to the side. With legs apart
fore and aft, one foot in front of the other, there is the possibility of “doing the splits” and a likelihood of locking the front
knee. Avoid using the word brace as in “brace yourselves,” as that gives the impression that knees should be locked or
muscles tensed. Legs should be flexible and springy at landing impact.
“Hold On Tight” in Two Places
This is probably the least followed of the landing instructions. Up to this point, the typical balloon flight has been relatively
gentle, and most passengers are not mentally prepared for the shock that can occur when a 7,000 pound balloon contacts the
ground. Passengers should be reminded to hold on tight. The pilot should advise the passengers of correct places to hold,
whether they are factory-built passenger handles or places in the balloon’s basket the pilot considers appropriate. The pilot
should obey their own directions and also hold on firmly.
Stay in the Basket
Some passengers, believing the flight is over as soon as the basket makes contact with the ground, start to get out. Even a
small amount of wind may cause the basket to bounce and slide after initial touchdown. If a 200-pound passenger decides
to exit the basket at this point, the balloon immediately begins to ascend. All passengers should stay in the basket until
individually told by the pilot to exit.
Monitoring of passengers is important because, after the balloon first touches down, passengers may forget everything they
have been told. A typical response is for the passenger to place one foot in front of the other and lock the knee. This is a
very bad position as the locked knee is unstable and subject to damage. Pilots should observe their passengers and order
“feet together,” “front (back) of the basket,” “knees bent,” “hold on tight,” and “do not get out until I tell you.” The pilot
should be a good example to passengers by assuming the correct landing position. Otherwise, passengers may think, “If
the pilot does not do it, why should we.”
It is very important that the passenger briefing be reinforced more than once. Some balloon ride companies send an
agreement to their passengers in advance which includes the landing instructions. Passengers are asked to sign a statement
that they have reviewed, read, and understand the landing procedure. Many pilots give passengers a briefing and landing
stance demonstration on the ground before the flight. This briefing should be given again as soon as the pilot has decided
to land.
The pilot is very busy during the landing—watching the passenger’s actions and reactions, closing fuel valves, draining
fuel lines, cooling the burners, and deflating the envelope. The better the passengers understand the importance of the
landing procedure, the better the pilot performs these duties and makes a safe landing.
Recovery
Landowner Relations
The greatest threat to the continued growth of ballooning is poor landowner relations. The emphasis should be to create and
maintain good relations with those who own and work the land that balloonists fly over and land on. Balloon pilots must
never forget that, at most landing sites, they are unexpected visitors. Balloonist may think the uninvited visit of a balloon
is a great gift to individuals on the ground. The balloon pilot may not know the difference between a valuable farm crop
and uncultivated land. A balloonist may not notice grazing cattle. A chase vehicle driver may drive fast down a dirt road,
raising unnecessary dust. A crewmember may trample a valuable crop.
There are several situations where a balloon pilot or crew may anger the public. When people are angered, they demand
action from the local police, county sheriff, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), or an attorney. The FAA does not
initiate an investigation without a complaint. The balloonist is the one who initiates a landowner relations problem.