History of the Dawn Patrol
The Dawn Patrol began at Balloon Fiesta in 1978, when two California balloonists developed position lighting systems that allowed them to fly at night. Dawn Patrol pilots take off before sunrise and fly until it is light enough to see landing sites.Fellow balloonists appreciate the Dawn Patrol because they can watch the balloons and get an early idea of wind speeds and directions for different altitudes. AND, with a tip of the hat to those who really did it first... courtesy of: The 194th Aerostat Squadron Dawn Patrol Bringing a special magic to the Reno sky an hour before dawn on both Saturday and Sunday is the exciting 194th Aerostat Squadron Dawn Patrol.

Pioneered and founded by Ron Thornton and Ken O’Connor in their own balloons and Gene Kendrick in the Lockheed Balloon Club aircraft, The Dawn Patrol debuted in 1978 at Albuquerque.  But it was the people attending The Great Reno Balloon Race that really took The Dawn Patrol to heart.  Nowhere else that this famous group flies provides the wonderful aura that permeates the experience in Reno.
 
The Dawn Patrol is choreographed so that the balloons inflate at the same time, and then after a brief pause to become stable and get up to temperature, they take off in sequence.  Usually Reno wind conditions allow the ballooners to maneuver as a group and stay near the launch field at Rancho San Rafael.  Radio collaboration with
Ron Smith, the voice of GRBR, allows the crowd to anticipate and even call for simultaneous burns that light up the Truckee Valley sky before dawn.  The Dawn Patrol has flown at The Great Reno Balloon Race since its inception and especially appreciates the warm reception of the Reno audience.
 
The Dawn Patrol special glow effect is due to the use of the “Fire Two” system originally designed as a safety backup burner capability.  Because it burns propane that is not preheated, the flame is more yellow and bright, though less hot and less noisy.  The hotter regular burner is usually used for controlling the altitude of the balloon, as it is more efficient.  However, Fire Two can be used in special circumstances.  For example when flying near animals that might be spooked by the noise of the regular burner, a pilot often uses Fire Two.  Or, if controlling a
slow descent, the pilot may prefer Fire Two.
 
Flying The Dawn Patrol involves:
  
• Special attention to the details of pre-flight preparation, including inspection of all equipment, fuel supply, rigging, radios, and Fire Two burner.
 
• Obtaining weather and flight condition at the FAA briefing
  
• Briefing crew members
 
• Coordination of inflation activities with the other pilots
 
• Coordination of launches
 
• Special planning to maintain close but safe proximity to each other in the air
 
• Ability to provide coordinated burns for visible effects while maintaining relationships with other balloons
 
• Attention to altitude above hazards (in the dark!)
 
• Selection of safe landing sites as soon as there is light
 
• Retrieval and refueling to prepare for participation in the mass ascension
 
Members of The Dawn Patrol are skilled pilots who dedicate their time and energy to providing an awe inspiring experience for lucky crowds of ballooning enthusiast.  The Great Reno Balloon Race would like to express our gratitude to The Dawn Patrol for their many years of participation and is proud to show case them in the coming years.