We’re now ready to launch. At this point, no one should be on the downwind side of the balloon basket. During takeoff (and landing), you can be struck or crushed if you are in front (downwind) of the basket.

After the pilot heats the air to neutral buoyancy, he will release the tether line. The balloon is now free to rise and fly. The pilot will then direct “hands off” or “weight off” and lift off will occur.

Sometimes, it may be necessary to move the inflated balloon away from the assembly/inflation site prior to takeoff. This could be due to wind changes, crowd considerations, crowded launch area, etc. The pilot also might want to turn the balloon so that one side is facing in a certain direction (photo or crowd considerations). In either case, the pilot will try to maintain neutral buoyancy and ask the crew to walk the basket or to turn it around.

The balloon is heavy and doesn’t move fast. Let the envelope catch up with whatever you’ve done to the basket. Slow movement works best. Again, do not get in front of the balloon as serious injury can occur.

If your feet leave the ground - LET GO - the balloon has taken off!