This is the story of winter flying at its
finest. Yes we really do fly all year round!
Date: March 7, 1999
Launch site: south side of Battle Creek, MI
Weather:
(Terminal Aerodrome Forecast & Winds Aloft)
KAZO 071730Z 071818 01004KT P6SM SKC
TEMPO 1822 FEW030
FM0000 VRB03KT P6SM SKC
BECMG 1012 SCT200
FM1500 13012KT P6SM BKN150
FT 3000 6000 9000
FWA 0508 3608-10 3320-14
MKG 9900 3305-12 3217-16
Distance: 16.5 miles
Crew: Brent, Tony
Passenger(s): Mike Shelton
Having bypassed the
beautiful but cold March morning, in favor of slightly warmer temperatures and
more crew, The Jester Hot Air Balloon Team assembled around 16:00. With
temperatures approaching 30°F, from a morning low of about 5°F, and 7 inches of
fresh snow on the ground the Team was prepared for an exciting flight. After
heating the fuel tanks, the equipment was moved to the field and the envelope
stretched out across the glistening snow. With light winds from the east the
inflation would be a smooth one. The balloon was cold packed with the inflation
fan and after the hot inflation the snow that had stuck to the burner frame and
the scoop began to melt and fall off. With slightly wet hair the checklist was
finished and the passenger invited to climb aboard.
The flight was
planned to be another record setting attempt for The Jester. With perfectly
clear skies and two hours before sunset The Jester was headed vertical! As the
balloon began to climb it headed west. However, after arriving at 4000 feet and
having traveled further vertical than westward the balloon slowly began to turn
towards the south. As the balloon continued to climb at about 400 to 500 feet
per minute our view continued to expand. There was a clear view of Kalamazoo,
Battle Creek, and several other surrounding towns as well as glimpses of Lake.
As The Jester passed through the previous team record of 8000 feet the winds
were now coming from the north. After approximately 30 minutes The Jester
finally reached the team record setting altitude of 10,600 feet (2 miles). At
this altitude supplemental oxygen is not required. Supplemental oxygen must be
used by the pilot if flying above 12,500 feet for more than 30 minutes or for
any length of time above 14,000 feet. All passengers must have supplemental
oxygen when flying above 15,000 feet. With such a spectacular view and winds of
only about 15 to 20 miles per hour the altitude was maintained for about 10
minutes before the gradual descent began.
As the balloon
descended from 5000 through 3000 feet the balloon again began to turn towards
the west. With 45 minutes remaining before sunset The Jester descended to a
safe altitude from which to choose a landing spot. Along the way Oliverda Lake
was approached from the east and, being the fun and adventurous team that The
Jester is, a bitterly cold splash & dash was conceived. With a landing spot
spied on the west side of the lake the balloon slowly glided down to the surface
of the ice. When contact was made with the surface the gondola passed right
through the thin 1/4 inch of ice and a few inches into the icy cold water!
Being prepared, as always, the pilot and passenger remained dry and the Jester
returned skyward leaving a square hole in the ice and a trail of dripping
water. The execution of a perfect splash & dash (crunch & dash?) and another
first for The Jester Hot Air Balloon Team.
After flying over the
tree line on the west side of the lake the balloon was gently brought to rest in
the soft snow that covered the frozen field. Packing up the balloon is always
the most disappointing part of balloon flying, but after finishing and with the
land-owner thanked, the team headed back to Battle Creek discussing the
completion of another successful and safe flight along the way.
A special thanks to
the crew that is willing to come out in the bitter cold and remain on the ground
– without their help ballooning would not be possible.
May life lift your spirits higher than any possible flight.
-The Pilot
Altitude Endeavors, Inc.
