How can changes in the direction of flight be made in a hot air balloon?

Making changes in the direction of flight in a hot air balloon primarily involves operating at different flight altitudes. This is because hot air balloons are subject to atmospheric winds that vary at different heights. By ascending or descending, the pilot can seek out winds that are blowing in the desired direction.

When a hot air balloon rises, it might encounter favorable winds aloft that allow it to travel horizontally toward its target. Conversely, if the balloon descends, it may find winds blowing in a different direction, which can also assist in navigating along a desired path. This technique relies on understanding wind patterns at various altitudes, which are influenced by factors such as temperature and geography.

While altering the weight of the occupants, adjusting the fuel mixture, or changing the shape of the envelope may influence the balloon's performance or lift, these methods do not directly aid in steering or changing the course of flight in the same manner that altitude changes do. Weight adjustment and fuel mixture primarily affect the ascent and descent rate, while the envelope's shape largely impacts the aerodynamic properties but does not readily facilitate directional control.