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weather requirements for flights

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Weather Requirements for Balloon Flight

 
1. Wind - 5 mph or less on surface - 15 mph or less at 3000 feet at time of liftoff.
2.
 Temp/Dewpoint Spread - The spread cannot be less than 4 degrees.  Fog can develop if spread is less than 4 degrees.
3. Radar - No thunderstorms or rain showers within 75 miles of Lake Norman at time of liftoff.
4. Visibility and Ceiling - Must have 3 miles visibility and at least 1000 foot ceiling at time of liftoff.
5. Temperature - 85 degrees or less at time of liftoff.
 

Liftoff Times - Flights takeoff at sunrise and 1 1/2 hours before sunset only. These are the times of the day that the winds are the calmest and the air is the smoothest.

Weather Verfication - Balloons Over Charlotte uses the local FAA Flight Service Station and www.weather.com to verify all weather conditions before flight.

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ!!! - Ballooning is a weather dependant activity and it is not unusual to be rescheduled several times should conditions not be suitable for flight. Your safety is our top concern.