How Do You Steer a Hot Air Balloon?

A hot air balloon can be controlled very precisely in altitude. It rises and descends using the temperature in the balloon envelope, and an experienced balloon pilot can maintain a balloon within just 1 meter of altitude difference for extended periods. However, the balloon’s flight direction is controlled solely by the wind direction at the balloon’s flight altitude. Therefore, during the planning of a balloon flight, it’s very important to know the wind direction and thus the balloon’s flight path. This is why it’s only possible for a balloon pilot to decide on a launch site once they know the wind conditions on the flight day. At different altitudes, there are usually variations in both wind direction and speed. The balloon pilot can use this by changing the balloon’s flight altitude and thereby influence the flight path. But it’s largely impossible to ‘turn around’ and fly home. Simply put, the balloon’s flight direction can be controlled with altitude…