Prior to a high-wind landing, the pilot in command should brief the passengers to prepare for the landing by

Prior to a high-wind landing, the pilot in command should brief the passengers to prepare for the landing by

• A. Crouching while hanging on in two places and remaining in the basket until advised otherwise
• B. Standing upright and shouting directions
• C. Unhooking harness and jumping out
• D. Facing backward to the wind

Answer: (A)

During a high-wind landing, the priority is to keep passengers stable and protected from a rough touchdown. The safest briefing is to crouch low, grip the basket at two secure points, and stay in the basket until the pilot signals it’s safe to move. Crouching lowers your center of gravity, which helps you absorb the bounce and reduces the chance of contact with the burner, basket edges, or ground obstacles. Gripping with two points gives a firm, secure hold so a gust or a sudden shift won’t throw you loose. Staying in the basket keeps you attached to the balloon and prevents being dragged or blown away before the landing is complete. Standing upright, shouting directions, unhooking safety gear, or turning to face the wind wouldn’t provide the same stability and could increase the risk of injury. The pilot will guide you when it’s safe to move.

During a high-wind landing, the priority is to keep passengers stable and protected from a rough touchdown. The safest briefing is to crouch low, grip the basket at two secure points, and stay in the basket until the pilot signals it’s safe to move. Crouching lowers your center of gravity, which helps you absorb the bounce and reduces the chance of contact with the burner, basket edges, or ground obstacles. Gripping with two points gives a firm, secure hold so a gust or a sudden shift won’t throw you loose. Staying in the basket keeps you attached to the balloon and prevents being dragged or blown away before the landing is complete. Standing upright, shouting directions, unhooking safety gear, or turning to face the wind wouldn’t provide the same stability and could increase the risk of injury. The pilot will guide you when it’s safe to move.