Balloon Pilot Preparation: Behind the Great Prosser Hot Air Balloon Rally
The Great Prosser Hot Air Balloon Rally is a visual spectacle, filling the sky with colorful balloons floating serenely over the picturesque Yakima Valley. While spectators marvel at the stunning sight of dozens of hot air balloons launching and flying overhead, the reality behind the scenes involves months of planning and preparation by hot air balloon pilots, ground crews, and commercial balloon companies like Seattle Ballooning. This article takes a closer look at what it takes to prepare for a flight at this iconic balloon festival, from the long-term planning to the early morning setup, and finally to the post-flight celebration.
Year-Long Planning for Pilots and Balloon Companies
Planning for the Great Prosser Hot Air Balloon Rally doesn’t just start a few weeks before the event. For both professional hot air balloon pilots and commercial operators, the planning process begins nearly a year in advance. With over 50 hot air balloon festivals held across the United States annually, and six in the Pacific Northwest alone, pilots must decide which events they will participate in. There are real financial costs to attending, and most balloon pilot select a few to attend each year. For many pilots, the opportunity to offer hot air balloon rides or take their friends and family flying in such a scenic setting is a strong draw.
The Great Prosser Balloon Rally, with its reputation for friendly landowners, open spaces, vineyards, and stunning views of the Yakima River, is a highly desirable event for hot air balloon pilots. Pilots like to attend not just for the beautiful flying conditions but also for the camaraderie with fellow pilots and hot air balloon enthusiasts. For commercial hot air balloon companies like Seattle Ballooning, this rally provides an opportunity to offer hot air balloon rides to festival-goers, making it one of the more interactive festivals in the region.
Pre-Dawn: Weather Checks and Preparing for A Flight At The Great Prosser Balloon Festival
The morning of the balloon festival begins long before the sun rises. Around 5 a.m., pilots begin their day by reviewing the weather forecast. Wind conditions play a critical role in hot air ballooning as there is no steering wheel or stick. Pilots assess both forecasted and real-time weather data to determine whether the day will be safe for flying.
To get an accurate understanding of the wind direction and wind speed, pilots use pibals (helium-filled balloons) that ascend into the sky at a rate of 350-400 feet per minute. These small balloons serve as a visual indicator for the pilot, who uses a compass to track their ascent and determine whether the real-time wind direction aligns with the forecasted conditions.
Understanding air currents is crucial in hot air ballooning because hot air balloons rely entirely on natural winds for navigation. While experienced pilots can navigate and steer by ascending or descending into different wind currents, they need to ensure the day’s winds will allow for safe and predictable flights. Most balloon festival pilots tend to fly under 2000 feet and stay in the general direction they want to end up. Commercial or experienced pilots use winds at many different altitudes to get to more specific locations.
Pilots also consider factors like air temperature, as the internal temperature of the hot air balloon envelope must be carefully managed to ensure the hot air balloon remains aloft. As the cool morning air provides ideal conditions for flying, pilots are keen to take off as close to dawn as possible, when the winds are calm, and the ambient temperature is optimal for maintaining stability.
Unpacking the Hot Air Balloon: The Setup Process
Once the weather is confirmed favorable, the ground crew begins unpacking the hot air balloon equipment. This process starts with unloading the hot air balloon envelope and hot air balloon basket from the trailer. The crew carefully rolls out the envelope—essentially, the fabric of the hot air balloon—across the launch field. Load tapes and vertical load tapes are checked along with the balloon fabric to ensure the hot air balloon’s integrity before inflation begins.
While the crew connects the hot air balloon envelop to the gondola, the pilot conducts a detailed safety briefing with the passengers. For commercial hot air balloon flights, such as those provided by Seattle Ballooning, this briefing includes ensuring that all passengers are physically fit to fly, no one is pregnant, and everyone can safely get in and out of the basket on their own. The pilot also explains key safety procedures, what to expect during the flight, and how the landing process works.
Two passengers are often asked to assist with the hot air balloon’s inflation by holding open the mouth of the hot air balloon, allowing the crew to direct the airflow from the gas-powered fans inside. This step is part of a process called cold packing, where the hot air balloon is first filled with cool air before the pilot activates the hot air balloon burner to heat the air inside, causing the hot air balloon to stand upright.
Preparing for Takeoff: Final Checks and Passenger Boarding
With the hot air balloon now upright, the pilot conducts final checks on the propane burners, fuel tanks, and the hot air balloon basket. Safety is paramount, and all systems are double-checked to ensure a smooth and secure flight. The ground crew prepares to assist with the takeoff and final preparations, including the pilot sending a GPS tracker to the chase crew, which will follow the hot air balloon’s flight path from the ground.
As the hot air balloon rises into the air, the passengers, usually filled with excitement, are treated to the stunning views of the festival below. This is when the journey truly begins. With the help of air currents at different altitudes, the pilot adjusts the hot air balloon’s rate of ascent and descent to steer the flight in the desired direction. Typically, at lower altitudes, the hot air balloon drifts eastward toward the Yakima River, but higher winds can push it south.
In Flight: Steering the Hot Air Balloon and Navigating the Winds At The Great Prosser Balloon Rally
During flight, the hot air balloon pilot uses the differing wind speeds at various altitudes to steer the hot air balloon. Since hot air balloons do not have engines or directional controls, the pilot relies on their understanding of air currents to guide the hot air balloon. Ascending into different layers of air allows the pilot to change the direction of flight, offering passengers breathtaking views of the Prosser landscape, vineyards, and surrounding areas.
The key to effective hot air balloon navigation lies in the pilot’s ability to manage the hot air balloon’s internal temperature using the propane burners. By heating the air inside the hot air balloon, the pilot can cause the hot air balloon to rise, while allowing it to cool lowers the hot air balloon back down into different wind streams. This ability to control the rate of ascent and descent gives pilots the flexibility to adjust their flight path according to the conditions of the day.
The smooth and tranquil nature of the flight is what makes hot air ballooning such a unique and peaceful experience. Passengers can enjoy panoramic views of the Yakima River, rolling vineyards, and the open skies above Prosser, creating an unforgettable experience in the heart of Washington’s wine country.
Landing At The Great Prosser Balloon Rally: Coordination Between Pilot and Ground Crew
As the flight progresses, the pilot begins scouting for suitable landing sites. The goal is for the hot air balloon to land in an open, safe area, ideally a large field or vineyard. The chase crew, using the GPS tracker, coordinates with the pilot to ensure they are at the landing site just before the hot air balloon touches down.
In Prosser, it’s common for local landowners to welcome hot air balloons onto their property. Pilots are always courteous and seek permission before landing, ensuring the land is suitable and accessible for retrieving the hot air balloon. Some landings may occur in more unexpected places, such as neighborhood streets, wineries, or large front yards, adding a bit of excitement and unpredictability to the end of the flight.
Once the hot air balloon touches down, the crew assists passengers out of the hot air balloon basket and begins the process of deflating and packing up the hot air balloon. The hot air balloon envelope is carefully folded, and all equipment is stored away for the next flight.
Prosser Balloon Rally Post-Flight Celebration: The Hot Air Balloonist’s Tradition
A cherished tradition in hot air ballooning is the post-flight celebration, where the pilot and crew share a glass of Champagne and chocolate with the passengers. This tradition dates back to the early days of hot air ballooning and is often accompanied by the recitation of the Hot Air Balloonist’s Prayer:
“The winds have welcomed you with softness,
The sun has blessed you with his warm hands.
You have flown so high and so well,
That God has joined you in your laughter,
And set you gently back again into the loving arms of Mother Earth.”
After the toast, the pilot often spends time explaining the history of hot air ballooning, sharing fascinating stories about how the sport evolved from the first hot air balloon flights in the 18th century to the modern-day hot air ballooning that we know today.
The crew continues packing up the hot air balloon and equipment, a process that typically takes about 20 minutes. Once everything is packed, the passengers, pilot, and crew return to the launch site, bringing the entire journey full circle.
The Art and Science of Hot Air Ballooning at the Great Prosser Hot Air Balloon Rally
The preparation that goes into each flight at the Great Prosser Hot Air Balloon Rally is a delicate balance of skill, teamwork, and respect for the elements. From year-long planning and early morning weather checks to navigating the winds and sharing post-flight traditions, every step is a part of the rich ballooning experience.
The rally is not just a beautiful sight to see—it’s a reflection of the passion and dedication of hot air balloon pilots and their crews. For passengers, it offers an unforgettable experience, blending adventure with awesomeness.
