High Wind Landing

Objective

• To develop the student's skill in planning and making a high wind landing

Elements

• Selection of large landing area
• Use of Landing Checklist - BFAVS
• Selection of approach profile
• Use of burner and maneuvering vent
• Rapid deflation technique

Equipment

• Airworthy Balloon
• In-flight maneuver

Instructor’s Actions

• Pre-flight discussion of appropriate landing site (large, flat field), the use of shelter as wind break and the danger if only a small or limited landing area is available
• Pre-flight discussion for preparation of hard landing and use of landing checklist
• Pre-flight discussion about preferred flight profile to come down to within five feet above field in level flight before ripping out
• Pre-flight discussion on securing fuel system before touchdown and hazard of pilot lights causing a field fire or damage to envelope on drag landing
• Pre-flight discussion on how a pilot can access burner, pull red line and hold himself securely during a hard landing
• Pre-flight discussion on sudden impending power lines
• Pre-flight discussion of rapid deflation technique to include full deployment of vent line, spinnaker effect from wind and envelope mouth closure
• Pre-flight discussion of horizontal and vertical forces at ground contact to eliminate as much vertical force as possible

Student’s Actions

• Demonstrate knowledge of technique for high wind landings including landing site selection, use of landing checklist, special preparation for hard landing, high wind flight profile, holding on and rapid deflation techniques
  • Point to Ponder - Normally when the wind is blowing fast you can use this wind to travel a long way until you find a good landing spot.
  • Point to Ponder - When looking for a spot I normally get close above the obstacles and then drop in and rip out.
• Explain procedure to use if power lines are suddenly encountered
• Demonstrate high wind landing procedure with 8 knots or more at touchdown in dual flight

Completion Standards

• Student should explain the elements of a high wind landing and demonstrate a high wind landing if encountered during dual training

Common Student Errors:

• The instructor should anticipate the common student errors associated with high wind landings
• Incomplete passenger briefing
• Failure to determine surface wind conditions and hazards in the selected landing area
• Improper use of vent and burner controls
• Failure to deflate balloon in a timely manner after touchdown to minimize ground travel
• Failure to abort approach, if necessary, in a timely manner