My coworker used to fly the chase plane for the Canadian Space Agency's balloons; they would call position and altitude for air traffic control and recover the instrument gondola. Lots of bushwhacking; one came down on an eagle's nest and mama wouldn't let them near the tree.
Being a balloon company means we get to launch pretty much every day, which is very fun :)
My coworker used to fly the chase plane for the Canadian Space Agency's balloons; they would call position and altitude for air traffic control and recover the instrument gondola. Lots of bushwhacking; one came down on an eagle's nest and mama wouldn't let them near the tree.