The day begins after arriving at the shop. Here the passengers meet the pilot and the chase crew. The pilot then launches a PIBOL (a small helium filled balloon) in order to determine wind direction and speed. Based on this information she chooses one of a number of pre-arranged launch sites. The basket, envelope, instruments, pilot, crew, and passengers climb into the chase vehicle and drive to the launch site.

After arriving at the launch field the crew unloads the equipment and the pilot begins her pre-flight checks. Within a few minutes you will hear "I am about to make a big noise" followed by the roar of the burner.