drag in a high wind landing. If the envelope is allowed to  ride free, it rides up and bows in the wind, forming a scoop  that catches much more wind and increases the length of the  drag along the ground. air ballooning, in gas, rip-out landings are the norm. Up to  the final moment, ascent rate is controlled by actuating the  valve (or parachute) to release small amounts of lifting gas.  As in hot air ballooning, both pilots should be positioned  for landing. Typically at about five feet AGL, the deflation  port line (usually red) is pulled to open the port and release  a large quantity of gas immediately. Some systems may  have multiple deflation ports. Once the deflation port is  activated, the flight is terminated with a rapid descent, so it  is important to be close to the ground before activation. The  height of activation can occasionally be as high as thirty to  fifty feet in for emergency reasons, but a very hard landing  is sure to ensue. At this point, the descent is initiated and one or more potential  landing sites should be identified. If the descent continues  as expected and an adequate landing site is attainable, the  descent rate should be tailored toward that site. A last check  should be made for powerlines and other obstructions on  the path to the landing site. The area downwind of the site  should also be checked in case landing runs long. Only then,  at a height above ground equal to the length of the trail rope  (usually about 150 feet), and only if there are no intervening  obstacles between the balloon and the landing site, will the  trail rope be deployed.  [Figure 11-11] On the newer German (Wörner) balloons with sealing  parachute tops, it is possible to reseat the parachute after  a deep activation of several seconds, but gas equivalent to  many bags of ballast has been lost. Shorter, shallower vents  are used on these systems for maneuvering, but deflation is  achieved with a deep constant pull on the parachute line. Once the balloon has come to a stop and is no longer buoyant,  the pilots exit and attempt to contact the chase. Any medical  concerns should be dealt with immediately. Landowners  should be located, if possible, and an inventory of the contents  of the gondola should be done to check to see if anything  bounced out during the landing. If darkness is near and no  houses are in sight, flashlights, a compass, and GPS should  be located immediately to ensure that bearings are not lost  in the dark. On a long flight, it may be several hours until  the chase crew arrives, but when they do, pack-up proceeds  in reverse of assembly. The 2006 America’s Challenge gas balloon competition is  considered by many in the gas balloon community to be  one of the most exciting and controversial flights in recent  years. It is presented here as an illustration of the skills and  decision-making processes necessary for a successful gas  balloon flight. In July 2006, two gas balloon pilots from Georgia, Andy  Cayton and Danni Suskin, were to participate in the Gordon  Bennett challenge competition in Belgium. Upon preparation  for launch, it was discovered that the balloon to be used had  some mechanical problems that kept the Cayton-Suskin team  from flying. Cayton came back to the United States with every  intention of winning the America’s Challenge in the hope of  having the opportunity to pursue a victory in the following  year’s Gordon Bennett. As Suskin was unable to participate  in the event, Cayton selected Kevin Knapp of North Carolina  as his co-pilot for the America’s Challenge.  As with a hot air balloon, if a fast layer has been encountered  during the descent, it may be advisable to level off at an  altitude below the fast layer to burn off some momentum.  However, if this jeopardizes hitting the only likely landing  site, a high wind landing is the better option. The final phase of the landing is ground contact, and just  as in piloting a hot air balloon, a decision must be made to  perform either a rip-out or standup landing. Contrary to hot  The America’s Challenge Race, 2006 11-12 $_{Figure 11-11.}$  A successful gas balloon landing.