They normally prefer a wind speed of 5-10 miles per hour and definitely don't fly during thunderstorms. Often balloons will launch together, giving a spectator an awesome sight. The balloon pilot cannot steer the balloon like one does a car. The balloon goes where the wind takes it. However, the wind speed and direction change slightly at different altitudes, and a skilled pilot can use them to guide his balloon.
Balloon competition tests a pilot's skill by various contests such as dropping a flag on a marker.
The joy of riding in a hot air balloon is only part of the world of hot air balloons. Crewing, or helping to set up, chase, and put away the balloon, has a thrill all its own. We have been privileged to have had the opportunity to crew for a hot air balloon, and it has been an experience I will never forget.