Balloon Flying Menu > Preparing For Flight > Preflight Operations > Launch Site > Launch Site Surface

After determining the wind direction, the next condition that determines the details of the balloon layout is the actual launch site surface. Of course, all pilots wish they could always lay out their balloon on clean, dry, short, green grass. Most pilots are not that fortunate unless they have their own launch site and never fly from different places. Wise pilots modify their techniques to match available conditions, or they have more than one layout procedure to adapt to various launch sites.

Whether flying from a regular launch site, a brandnew location, or from an assigned square at a rally, check the ground for items that may damage or soil the balloon. Look for and remove nails, sharp rocks, twigs, branches, and other foreign objects. If there are patches of oil or other substances, cover them with pieces of carpet, floor mats from the chase vehicle, tarps, or the envelope bag. Some pilots cover the ground where they lay out their balloon with a large tarp every time they fly.

Unless flying at a known site, do not assume it is all right to drive the chase vehicle directly onto the launch area. There are some locations (a soft athletic field, for example) where it is necessary to carry the balloon onto the launch area. In any case, once the balloon and fan are unloaded, drive the chase vehicle out of the launch area so it is not an obstacle to your
balloon or other balloons.