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World Record Balloon Flight From Japan to North America

Meteorology

Actual 500 MB AnalysisA balloon's only means of propulsion is the wind. Balloonists can change their course by changing altitude, and catching winds going different directions.

Straight gas balloons change altitude by dropping sand or or water to go up, or venting helium to go down. This is what provides the challenge and adventure of long distance ballooning.

The key is to find a meteorologist that can forecast the winds accurately, making sure the balloon stays on course to the goal.

We have such a team:

Lou Billones, Meteorologist - Balloon Pilot

Lou BillonesChief Meteorologist for four around-the-world by balloon attempts, a successful crossing of the Pacific Ocean and three successful crossings of the Atlantic by balloons, exclusive weather forecasting support to over 75 internationally promulgated record breaking hot air and gas balloon distance, altitude, and duration flights; and consultations on balloon meteorology to National Geographic, ABC's Night Line, and the Discovery Channel. Lou Billones is also a hot air balloon pilot.

Don Day, Jr., Meteorologist - Balloon Pilot

Don Day Jr.Donald is a professional meteorologist, and owner of DayWeather, Inc. a professional weather forecasting and consulting firm. Don is also a private rated hot air balloon pilot. Don has been forecasting for balloon races, record setting attempts, national and international competitions such as the Gordon Bennett and America’s Challenge races. Donald has consulted on several balloon and fixed wing record attempts across the Atlantic and special balloon related projects in North and South America.

Meteorology of the Pacific Ocean

Winds and currents in the Pacific flow predominantly from East to West. Above the equator Pacific Ocean trade winds blow from the northeast. Below the equator they blow from the southeast. Weather patterns over the Pacific Ocean can be greatly influenced by fluctuations in water temperatures in the equatorial regions of the Pacific Ocean. In particular El Nino ( http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/tropic/real-time/westpac/winds/wgmswv.html ) and La Nina ( http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/tao/elnino/la-nina-story.html). The winter of 2007/2008 is being affected by a moderate La Nina event. This will pose many challenges to the weather team. As La Nina can produce very fast moving jet stream winds, but also intense storms and intense cold fronts which can pose weather problems along the flight path.