While at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, we wanted to crew for a balloonist. But, mechanical failure, schedule and weather have prevented us from doing so. but, today we finally got a chance.
The pilot, Bob, decided not to launch from the field because of the direction of the surface winds. We drove the truck, carrying the balloon, to a neighborhood west and south of the launch field. After finding a nice, small grassy area, we launched the balloon.
Because the winds were very light, we were able to keep the balloon in sight. While we were driving we saw many other balloons just hovering over the launch field, nearly out of wind. The pilots choice of launch location was excellent and he and his passengers had a great flight!
As he was approaching his targeted landing spot, he directed the crew chief, Jim, to a particular intersection (see note below) and told him he would land to the right. Which is exactly what he did. He landed right on the spot he had pre-selected from the air!
It was a great time for everyone!
Note: I use the term road very lightly! Although there were street signs, these were unpaved, trail-like paths through the desert! Thank goodness for 4-wheel drive!
