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## Weather Brief 

As previously discussed, a weather brief must be obtained prior to flight; as a procedural matter, the information from the briefing sets the parameters for the flight (launch site, flight track, and potential landing areas). 

All electronic sites and briefings represent the starting point for how weather affects the flight. A balloon pilot should not make the mistake of gathering weather data, getting a forecast, deciding to fly, and then paying less attention to actual weather cues. Weather monitoring is an ongoing process that starts on the drive to the launch field and continues until the balloon is packed after landing. Continue gathering weather data for the flight until safely back on the ground. 

Despite using the most current and complete electronic weather data available to consider before driving out for the flight, each pilot must never lose sight of the fact that hot air balloons are visual flight rules (VFR) aircraft. Many pilots lose all access to unlimited or even selected electronic weather information en route to or at the launch site. Unless the launch site is a reporting station for any weather service, a pilot is required to visually interpret and evaluate weather data specific to the launch site. Local surface conditions— particularly winds below 500'–800'—show the greatest variability of both speed and direction. These winds are perhaps of greatest importance in determining the conditions and risks for launch and landing. A number of simple observations enable the balloon pilot to gather this data at the launch site, as well as during the flight. [Figure 6-2] 

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The balloon can sometimes provide valuable weather information provided the pilot knows what to look for. Fabrics on a laid-out envelope begin rippling around eight miles per hour (mph), while 10–12 mph sends small bubbles of air past a closed throat and up along the load tapes. Such information, perhaps unavailable or inaccurate elsewhere, can prove invaluable, especially during the initial phase of flight. 

Each pilot must sharpen his or her ability to read and interpret local surface conditions for one primary reason: up to 1 hour may elapse between gathering weather data online and laying out at the launch site. Weather patterns can change in far less time than this, and local conditions can change almost instantly. 

Some pilots choose to rely on a portable weather station or handheld wind meter to monitor local conditions at the launch site. Cost, size, portability, and features vary among brands, but each can provide useful information on wind speed/direction, maximum gusts, and other weather data. These can range from a small $100 handheld wind meter to a $500 weather station with 15" mast and dashboard data display. [Figure 6-3] 

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Perhaps the cheapest yet most valuable launch site weather aid is the pibal or pilot balloon, a 10–14" helium-filled balloon released at the launch site for visual weather cues and forecast confirmation. Some pibal actions clearly mean cancel the flight: rolling along the ground, not clearing obstacles, climbing then diving, or dramatic speed/direction changes (which indicate wind shears). To read and confirm winds at different altitudes, release several pibals at 10–20 second intervals. Fill the first with 100 percent helium, the second with mostly helium and a breath of air from your mouth, and the third with helium and two breaths. This creates different rates of ascent which helps gain a better perspective of the low level winds. Every pilot benefits from having pibals in their vehicle and using them before launch. Appendix D lists various rates of climb for different sizes of pibals; using this knowledge, the pilot can determine the altitudes at which the winds change. 

