How do you direct a hot air balloon?

Answer 1

Hot air balloons can only be controlled in one axis, up and down. Balloons can only go where the wind takes them so balloon pilots control their direction of travel by changing altitude until they find a favorable wind which takes them the direction they wish to go.

It is important to note that there are usually many different levels where the wind may be blowing in different directions. 1000 feet up the wind may be going the exact opposite direction as it is on the ground.

Navigating a balloon is more about meteorology than anything else, and so it is an inexact science.

Answer 2

Hot air balloons cannot be directly controlled in terms of steering, as they are at the mercy of the wind's direction. However, pilots can ascend or descend to catch different wind currents by adjusting the temperature of the air inside the balloon. This allows them to navigate to some extent, but ultimately the direction of the balloon is determined by the wind.