Launch Day

Schedule Your Launch

Temperatures correlate with lift! Set a date and time where there will be no precipitation and cooler temperatures (under 70 degrees). Temperatures are cooler in the morning. You will want to check the wind speeds too. Anything under 10 MPH is ideal.

Check out the ALP Launcher

Use the Sign Up Genius link below to check out the ALP Inflation Station Balloon Launcher:

http://www.signupgenius.com/index.cfm?go=s.signup&urlid=9040f49a5a923a64-hotair&view=calendar

You will need to make arrangements to pick it up and return it to Mt. Bethel Elementary School. It can fit into a car and is not very heavy.

Select a Launch Location

You will need a location that is open and free of Large trees, power lines, or traffic - such as a field or vacant bus lanes. You will also need to be aware of what direction the wind is blowing as this is where your balloons will float and land. If your balloons end up in a tree, they will eventually come down.

Invite Parent Volunteers

It is recommended to have 2-4 parent volunteers on hand to help with inflating the balloons and taking pictures. They can also chaperone your class while you are inflating.

Discuss Rules with Students

Students will sit as a class with their balloons until they are called on. They will bring their balloon to the launch area, and stand behind the cones surrounding the Balloon Launcher. They may chase and retrieve their balloon, but cannot touch other student's balloons. This will ensure that the balloon is kept in good shape and can be flown again if time permits. Students should do a thorough quality control check of all seams before the launch.