For a hot air balloon, the weather needs to be
perfect. Too hot, and the balloon won’t float.
Too windy, and it won’t inflate. Too raining,
it is just miserable for all. Too stormy, heck
any storm and it is a no go! Hot air balloons
can only function when weather conditions
are safe. Winds above 10mph, lightning,
precipitation, and developing weather are not
safe for hot air balloons. The Balloon meister
and pilots check within a 30 mile radius or
further depending on the weather conditions.
Early morning is the best time of the day
for flying as the sun is rising and winds are
calmer. The best time for tethered rides
is the early evening as the sun is setting
and the best time of the day for a balloon
glow is at dark for more than just the
amazing display of lighted balloons. It is the
atmosphere, the rising and setting of the sun,
the wind and the heat that the Balloon
meister and pilots watch carefully. If they
say it is not safe, then you can guarantee
that is fact--if they could, they would as
ballooning is their passion, sharing it with
others is their love.
At the Monroe Life Balloon Fiesta, the word,
“weather permitting,” is stated enough to
break a guinness world record. Sometimes a
balloon event is cancelled or events changed
due to weather conditions. This is for the
safety of the pilots, crew, passengers, and
spectators. When a gust of wind catches an
inflated balloon, it could damage the balloon
or vehicles, or injure people or worse.
MLBF Balloon Meister, Doug Robertson will
communicate with the pilots about 30 minutes
prior to the start of operations. The pilots
will check-in for the day, go over rules and
regulations, and discuss the weather. It is
the pilot briefing that sets the initial decision of
safe weather conditions. The balloon meister
will continue through the event to watch the
weather conditions and will communicate with
all to maintain safety during the event.
Stay up to date on the status of “weather
permitting” at the Monroe Life Balloon Fiesta
by following us on social media. For those
at the event, pilot briefings are held on the
stage and open to the public. Additionally,
Balloon meister, Doug Robertson will make
announcements from the stage to keep all
spectators updated.
Weather Permitting... it is going to be a
Spectacular Monroe Life Balloon
Fiesta benefitting Boys and
Girls Club of Monroe
County. See ya there...
Weather Permitting!
WEATHER PERMITTING
Weather
Permitting
You hear it, see it and even discuss it...that phrase, “Weather Permitting.” Which by dictionary
definition is “if the weather is good enough to allow it.” Of course, we are all aware that weather
controls things like mowing the yard or visiting the beach or playing an outdoor sport. Those that
enjoy boating or fishing have a keen understanding of watching the weather as to not get caught on the water
in a storm. We know that bad weather can change things rapidly and at times make things dangerous.
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By Cece Owens
22 FARRAGUT LIFE FALL 2019