We're proud to announce that our new Vantage Pro has been named the official weather station of the 2001 Kodak Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. An annual spectacle of color and adventure, it's the most photographed event in the world. Now celebrating its thirtieth anniversary, this year's Fiesta will take place over nine days, from October 6 through 14.

Why so early in the morning? The air is typically the calmest in the morning and evening hours, when the sun is low in the sky. High winds can be dangerous--filling up the balloon is tough to do when winds are strong, and strong winds can also cause the balloon to drag the basket when landing. But it's not just the overall weather patterns that matter. According to Fiesta meteorologist Randy LeFevre, Albuquerque is a place of micro-meteorology. The weather is very terrain-driven, and there is wind flow off small hills, flat surfaces, and even the parking lot filled with cars. And this is where the Davis weather station comes in.

The Vantage Pro Integrated Sensor Suite will be located on the launch field, and wireless data packets will be sent to the console back inside the Pilot Command Center every 2.5 seconds. Pilots will be able to obtain real-time weather information just minutes before take-off. According to Randy, individual pilots make the decision to fly based on their own experience. Inexperienced pilots may be more intimidated by stronger winds than are seasoned vets, but all make decisions in real time.

Like all commercial and private aircraft, hot air balloons were grounded in the aftermath of the World Trade Center disaster. We hope that return to the skies will remind us all that the American spirit lives on.

To find out more about the Balloon Fiesta, or to sign up for e-mail updates about the event, visit http://www.balloonfiesta.com

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