Asheville Hot Air Balloons

where the winds take us! Homework! An Ashevillewelcomed as we navigate congested terrain in
hot air balloon pilot must spend a lot of timesearch of favorable landing options.
reviewing current and forecast winds and weather.What are these wind flow characteristics you may
The study of surface analysis charts, wind surfacewonder? Mountains will act as shield's changing the
charts and constant pressure charts helps us developdirection and speed of approaching winds. We'll use
a complete weather picture. Taking that weatherthese mountain shields to gain favorable direction
picture in our mind and applying it to an array ofbelow the ridge line. When we're ready for a push
different topographical maps sheds light on howdown or across the valley in a slightly different
winds might behave in and around the mountains. Alldirection we'll ascend above the ridge line to pick up
of this information accompanies us to the launch sitefaster moving winds traveling in a different direction.
the morning of the flight. From the launch site weOften we'll experience venturi winds as well.
release two sometimes three helium balloons in oneVenturi winds occur when wind is forced between
minute intervals and observe the angle of departuretwo objects like buildings or a cut away portion of a
and any changes in direction.ridge. These cut aways are generally to make way
We also time these helium balloons knowing thefor an interstate. Another great example of where
balloons are ascending at three hundred feet peryou will find venturi winds is in a gorge or a canyon.
minute that in three minutes time the observedVenturi winds are almost always, from day to day,
balloon is at nine hundred feet above ground level.traveling in the same direction. On a regular basis we'll
We then note the elapsed time of an observeddescend into a venturi wind and let that current of
direction change and know to fly to that altitude andwind push our direction laterally for a couple of
maintain level flight for as long as we want tominutes we then simply ascend out of it and resume
continue in that direction. Field observations areour original heading! As you gain experience flying in
generally supporting an already held belief of what isthe mountains and develop sensitivity to where
going on in the atmosphere that morning. Supportingventuri wind currents are and you learn to use them
our day to day research of weather conditions areto your advantage you can really steer one of those
understandings of the characteristics of wind andAsheville hot air balloons! But wait there are more
mountain.ways than just wind to steer a balloon.
As you might imagine the relationship of wind andSometimes we use the tree tops to get a little pull in
mountain create an interesting number of wind flowa new direction. It's simple really; just reach out grab
characteristics. Winds pertaining to or affected bysome leaves and pull and you'll get a little change in
mountains are referred to as orographic winds.direction. Trees change the flow of winds and
Asheville hot air balloons and ballooning are a differentcorrectly anticipating wind current characteristics at
from flatter parts of the country in that the windtree top level will help you that much more in your
characteristics in and above the valleys offer uspursuit of a nice big field to land in. Asheville hot air
steerage opportunities that may not exist in flatterballoons take advantage of all of mother natures
terrains. These steerage opportunities are mostgifts.