What action should be taken with the burner heat as the balloon nears altitude for level flight?

• A. Reduce the amount of heat gradually as the balloon is approaching altitude
• B. Maintain heat at maximum
• C. Cut off heat completely
• D. Increase heat to launch a new ascent

Answer: (A)

As you get close to the target altitude, the goal is to hold the balloon at or near that height with minimal vertical motion. The burner directly controls buoyancy: more heat makes the air inside the envelope lighter and the balloon rise, while less heat makes the air denser and the balloon sink. To level off, you should reduce heat gradually as you approach the desired altitude so you can smoothly cancel the ascent and maintain a stable altitude. If you keep the heat at maximum, you’ll continue to rise and overshoot; if you cut it off completely, you’ll start descending; a gradual reduction gives you control to settle at the right height.