Balloons fly best in cool weather with wind speeds less than seven knots. The best time for flights are up to three hours after sunrise and up to three house before sunset. Thermals, created when direct sunlight heats the ground causes the heat to rise quickly. During this condition, it creates tremendous turbulence, and is very dangerous. The envelope of the balloon is laid out downwind and flat on the ground.
Air is blown into the balloon with a gas-powered fan.
In 15 minutes, the balloon is inflated to the size of a small house. The burner is used to heat the temperature inside, causing it to rise. The flight burner is ignited when the balloon begins to reach full inflation. Made of stainless steel, the burner uses propane to produce 21 billion BTUs per hour. It is mounted atop the gondola and used to heat the air inside to a temperature higher than the outside, causing the envelope to rise.