This is the story of a challenging flight in
the unpredictable early spring winds.
Date: March 13, 1999
Launch site: south side of Battle Creek, MI
Weather:
(Terminal Aerodrome Forecast & Winds Aloft)
KAZO 130530Z 130606 00000KT P6SM SKC
BECMG 0911 08004KT SCT250
FM1200 08006KT P6SM SCT250
TEMPO 1216 SCT150 BKN250
FM1600 08008KT P6SM BKN150
TEMPO 1624 SCT150 BKN250
FM0000 06007KT P6SM SCT250
TEMPO 0006 SCT150 BKN250
BECMG 0103 05004KT
FT 3000 6000 9000
FWA 0822 0713-05 9900-07
MKG 0914 0807-07 9900-09
Distance: 12 miles
Crew: Tom, Jerry, Scott
Passenger(s): None
With
the increasing amount of daylight the alarm clock is getting earlier and
earlier. Fortunately, the team mascot assisted with a wet wake-up call.
Hopefully this flight was the last of flying in the snow for this winter. The
Jester is headed to the Lindstrand Factory in Hanover, Illinois on Tuesday for
some adjustments to the envelope. It should be returned in a week or two – just
in time for the approach of spring.
Prepared for another
bitterly cold winter flight The Jester Hot Air Balloon Team set out on an early
Saturday morning. With the tanks heated and very light winds from the east the
inflation was started. With a temperature of only 10°F the crew was anxiously
awaiting the “hot inflation.” After the balloon was brought upright, the first
signs of a difficult flight became apparent. No problems were really
encountered but it was obvious that this was not going to be an easy flight.
Due to the extremely cold ambient temperature the balloon was prepared to rise
at a temperature of only 116°F. Because not much heat is required to lift the
balloon, it is difficult to pack the balloon full enough with cold air. With
the tether line stretched tight the quick release was pulled and the balloon was
launched skyward. After stabilizing the temperature and volume of air in the
balloon The Jester had risen to about 1100 feet. With very light ground winds
and a good forecast the chase was surprised to find it difficult to keep up with
The Jester. Traveling at approximately 25 mph The Jester began to descend to
search for slower winds that would keep the balloon from heading towards the
Battle Creek / Kalamazoo International Airport. Traveling much faster than
expected the flight would have to be cut short in an effort to steer clear of
the restricted airspace. After leveling off at approximately 100 feet and only
20 minutes into the flight the distance traveled was about 10 miles. At this
low level, additional difficulties were experienced. With a significant
temperature inversion that was not dissipating, maintaining equilibrium while
contour flying became extremely difficult. Over the open field the balloon
could remain below the shear line. However, when flying over forests the
balloon would stretch up into the shear line causing the side of the balloon to
be pushed in and forcing hot air out of the throat. To compensate additional
heat must be applied to the remaining air inside the balloon, but the balloon is
not full. It sometimes can take several minutes for the temperature and
pressure inside the envelope to return to equilibrium. The search for a good
landing site began while battling this condition. After about 10 minutes a nice
open and snow covered field was spotted and an approach for landing was made.
However, due to windward power lines the field had to be approached from above
the shear line. This also made for a difficult and somewhat rough but safe and
successful landing.
Contrary to what many
people believe, hot air ballooning is not for the light hearted. Although it
can be the most peaceful and graceful experience on earth, it doesn’t always
work out that way. Having the opportunity to fly in various types of weather
conditions builds skill, experience and knowledge even if it’s not always as
enjoyable. It still is almost always better than staying on the ground.
Strength and
character are only built through challenge.
-The Pilot
Altitude Endeavors, Inc.
