We fly where the winds take us! Homework! An Asheville hot air balloon pilot must spend a lot of time reviewing current and forecast winds and weather. The study of surface analysis charts, wind surface charts and constant pressure charts helps us develop a complete weather picture. Taking that weather picture in our mind and applying it to an array of different topographical maps sheds light on how winds might behave in and around the mountains. All of this information accompanies us to the launch site the morning of the flight. From the launch site we release two sometimes three helium balloons in one minute intervals and observe the angle of departure and any changes in direction.

We also time these helium balloons knowing the balloons are ascending at three hundred feet per minute that in three minutes time the observed balloon is at nine hundred feet above ground level. We then note the elapsed time of an observed direction change and know to fly to that altitude and maintain level flight for as long as we want to continue in that direction. Field observations are generally supporting an already held belief of what is going on in the atmosphere that morning. Supporting our day to day research of weather conditions are understandings of the characteristics of wind and mountain.

As you might imagine the relationship of wind and mountain create an interesting number of wind flow characteristics. Winds pertaining to or affected by mountains are referred to as orographic winds. Asheville hot air balloons and ballooning are a different from flatter parts of the country in that the wind characteristics in and above the valleys offer us steerage opportunities that may not exist in flatter terrains. These steerage opportunities are most welcomed as we navigate congested terrain in search of favorable landing options.

What are these wind flow characteristics you may wonder? Mountains will act as shield's changing the direction and speed of approaching winds. We'll use these mountain shields to gain favorable direction below the ridge line. When we're ready for a push down or across the valley in a slightly different direction we'll ascend above the ridge line to pick up faster moving winds traveling in a different direction. Often we'll experience venturi winds as well.

Venturi winds occur when wind is forced between two objects like buildings or a cut away portion of a ridge. These cut aways are generally to make way for an interstate. Another great example of where you will find venturi winds is in a gorge or a canyon. Venturi winds are almost always, from day to day, traveling in the same direction. On a regular basis we'll descend into a venturi wind and let that current of wind push our direction laterally for a couple of minutes we then simply ascend out of it and resume our original heading! As you gain experience flying in the mountains and develop sensitivity to where venturi wind currents are and you learn to use them to your advantage you can really steer one of those Asheville hot air balloons! But wait there are more ways than just wind to steer a balloon.

Sometimes we use the tree tops to get a little pull in a new direction. It's simple really; just reach out grab some leaves and pull and you'll get a little change in direction. Trees change the flow of winds and correctly anticipating wind current characteristics at tree top level will help you that much more in your pursuit of a nice big field to land in. Asheville hot air balloons take advantage of all of mother natures gifts.