How to Land a Hot Air Balloon
Landing a hot air balloon is as challenging as flying the balloon. An expert crew, a perfect ride and clear weather are of the utmost importance. This part of the balloon ride is fun in itself as it shows a pilot's mastery of the peculiar technique.
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Things You'll Need
- Wind and temperature monitoring device
- Contact device
- Hand gloves and eye goggles
Instructions
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During the journey, have an ongoing pilot and crew conference about landing. Discuss possible landing options and look out for large vacant areas to land safely.
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Open the parachute valve slowly and at regular speed to lower the pressure inside the hot air balloon, helping in its descent.
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Maneuver the balloon in the current wind speed. Keep the ground crew up to date on any new direction the balloon is taking. Decide upon a perfect place for the balloon to land.
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Drop down the ropes of the hot air balloon once it nears the ground. Help the ground crew fasten the ropes to small poles in the ground. Attach one end of a cable to the balloon and the other end to a vehicle to keep the balloon steady.
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Remove all traces of air in the balloon using the parachute valve. Deflate and store the balloon in a dry place for the next use.
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Tips & Warnings
Brief passengers on the landing procedure to ensure their safety.
Before landing, communicate at regular intervals with the ground crew.
Follow the wind direction for landing.
Never be too hasty in descent.
Comments
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jabberwok
Dec 25, 2010
"Open the parachute valve slowly and at regular speed to lower the pressure inside the hot air balloon, helping in its descent." Hot air balloons rise when the pressure inside them is lower than the surrounding air (lower pressure = less dense). They descend when the pressure inside is greater than the surrounding air (more pressure = more dense). So I think the sentence should say ".Open the parachute valve slowly and at regular speed to *raise* the pressure inside the hot air balloon, helping in its descent."
