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Balloon Flying Menu > Preparing For Flight > Chase > Direction
of Flight
The first element of the
flight the chase crew must know is the direction the balloon
is going. It is important to understand that the balloon’s
direction is very difficult to detect from a moving vehicle.
Many pilots recommend that the chase crew drive the chase vehicle
away from the launch site only far enough away to get the vehicle
out of the way of the balloon (and other balloons) and to get
clear of any possible spectator crowds. As soon as the crew
is sure they are clear of other traffic, they should park in
a suitable place, and with a good view of the balloon, determine
the balloon’s direction of flight. There is no point in
rushing after the balloon until you know where it is going.
The balloon changes direction shortly after launch if the winds
aloft are different from the surface winds.
After a while the crew should proceed to a
point estimated to be in the balloon’s path. In other
words, get in front of the balloon so it will fly over the chase
vehicle. If the balloon is moving at 5 knots, the chase crew
need only drive a short time to get in front of the balloon.
The direction of flight is much easier to determine if the balloon
is floating directly toward you rather than flying parallel
to the vehicle’s path. If a radio is not being used, as
the balloon flies over the chase vehicle, the pilot and crew
can communicate by voice or with hand signals. In this instance
the crew should be outside the vehicle with the engine turned
off.
Use of a navigator with an appropriate map
in the chase vehicle can be very helpful, especially during
the early stages of the chase. The balloon may be flying a straight
line, but the chase vehicle must follow roads. It is handy for
the driver to have someone tell him or her when and where to
turn.
Many pilots do not use radios because of the
noise and distraction a radio can cause in the basket. However,
in unfamiliar territory, where there are few roads, and near
towered airports, a radio may be useful or even necessary.
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