Yes you go full leave empty but trust me it is worth it. and to answer the other question you could fly that low at any rally. Cold + no heat on the tanks= standing on the ground watching. Red Rock is a rally every pilot should fly at least once.
The pros: Best dang place to fly in the world, long flights, cool weather, great people, great organizers, did I mention great flying, no where else can you "place" your balloon into cracks in the rocks without damaging it, and man the pictures look…
Lets see....The pros are that it is pretty much one of the greatest places to fly a balloon. Kind of like getting a chance to fly on another planet. It is just incredible! The cons are.....well let me get back to you......no wait!......no I thought…
I started ballooning by way of a mean trick. I was crewing for a guy and had no interest in going up, off the ground, in the sky, dangling, by ropes and cables, being held up by nothing but....air! (Strong fear of heights) But alas a call to "help" tighten a tank in the basket, lead to "hey Jeff I think the van is parked in a bad place". I looked up over the edge of the basket to see....no more van! White knuckled for the entire hour, hugging the upright, I did get the feeling of the wonderful amazement that only LTA flight can bring. It took four flights before I could let go with at least one hand. Thanks Bob!!
Now I am a commercial pilot flying over wine country everyday the weather allows. With about 600 hours I have have the pleasure of flying in: (2)Cameron 77; (2)Cameron 84; (2)Lindstrand 90; Cameron 133; (2)Cameron 140; Cameron 180; and a lot of time in a Cameron 210. I have owned a O-84; V-77; and a Lindstrand 90a. I would love to some day be able to afford a new balloon, but have had some great times in the well loved systems I have had. My last balloon is now enjoying international flight in South America.
I have flown in Abq Fiesta, The Great Reno Balloon Race, and the local Sonoma County Balloon Classic.
My strongest ballooning code: "I'd rather be on the ground wishing I was in the air, than in the air praying I was on the ground."
My goals in ballooning are to get another used balloon soon, to fly more beautiful places, and to work towards getting a repairman's license. www.morning-mischief.com