vent in an effort to descend and land; if the balloon falls out of the thermal, the pilot may not have sufficient altitude to recover control. 

The second rule of thermal flight is the axiom, “altitude is your friend.” Thermals are usually short-lived phenomena and dissipate after a brief period of time. If the pilot keeps the balloon at flight temperature, the thermal usually “spits” the balloon out at a higher altitude. When this happens, the balloon can again be controlled by the pilot and a safe landing may be executed. 

## Landings 

## Landing Considerations 

When selecting a landing site, three considerations in order of importance are: safety of passengers, as well as persons and property on the ground; landowner relations; and ease of recovery. 

Some questions the pilot should ask when evaluating a landing site are: 

• Is it a safe place for my passengers and the balloon? 

• Would my landing create a hazard for any person or property on the ground? 

• Will my presence create any problems (noise, startling animals, etc.) for the landowner? 

## High-Wind Landing 

When a high-wind landing is likely, the pilot should explain to the passengers that a high-wind landing follows. It is better to alert them than allow them to be too casual. Passengers should be briefed again on the correct posture and procedures for a high-wind landing, to include wearing gloves and helmets, if available or required. Some pilots with dual burner systems elect to leave one burner operational through the landing process, in the event that heat must be applied to climb out of a bad approach. This decision should be made with a view towards the intensity of the impact; a pilot must also be aware that, instinctively, he or she may grab the burner handle during a rough landing. This could result in burner activation, damaging the balloon fabric. 

The pilot should fly at the lowest safe altitude to a large field and check that the deflation line is clear and ready. Obstacles should be avoided and the pilot should ideally make an approach to the near end of the field. When committed to the landing, brief passengers again, turn off fuel valves, drain fuel lines, and turn off pilot lights. 

Depending on the landing speed and surface, open the deflation vent at the appropriate time to control ground travel. The passengers should be closely monitored to ensure they are properly positioned in the basket and holding on tightly. 

Deflate the envelope and monitor it until all the air is exhausted. Be alert for fire, check the passengers, and prepare for recovery. 

When faced with a high wind landing, the balloon pilot must remember that the distance covered during the balloon’s reaction time is markedly increased. This situation is somewhat analogous to the driver’s training maxim of “do not overdrive your headlights.” For example, a balloon traveling at 5 mph covers a distance of approximately 73 feet in the 10 seconds it takes for the balloon to respond to a burner input—a distance equal to a semi-truck and trailer on the road. However, at a speed of 15 mph, the balloon covers a distance of 220 feet, or a little more than two-thirds of a football field. A pilot who is not situationally aware and fails to recognize hazards and obstacles at an increased distance may be placed in a dangerous situation with rapidly dwindling options. 

## Water Landings 

Landing in water requires modification to the passenger briefing. In a ditching, make sure the passengers get clear of the basket in case it inverts due to fuel tank placement. Advise the passengers to keep a strong grip on the basket because it becomes a flotation device. Predicting the final disposition of the basket in water is difficult. If the envelope is deflated, the pilot and passengers can expect the envelope to sink, as it is heavier than water. Fuel tanks float because they are lighter than water, even when full. If the envelope retains air, and depending on fuel-tank configuration, the balloon basket may come to rest, at least for a while, on its side. 

If the water landing is done on a river, the balloon may be dragged down river in the current. Generally, staying with the basket is the best course of action unless the balloon has landed close to the bank and those aboard are strong swimmers. 

