Pocket Drift
Wind forecasts, balloon drift planning and a bonus Cloud Tracker.
We’ve used our Drift program all ballooning season, so we’ve made a pocket-sized version for your phone. Pocket Drift lets you explore the winds above you, plan possible balloon drift routes and estimate winds at cloud base using your phone’s camera.
What it does
Wind forecasts
See forecast wind speed and direction at different heights. Switch between the table and visual profile, look ahead by hour and spot changes in speed and direction through the wind layers.
Balloon drift planning
Choose a launch point and a target, then explore how the forecast winds at different heights could take you from A to B. Adjust flight time, height limits and climb or descent rate, and compare possible height changes.
Bonus Cloud Tracker
Our speed camera for clouds. Enter or estimate the cloud-base height, follow the same cloud feature with your camera and mark it over time. Pocket Drift estimates the wind at cloud base so you can compare it with the forecast.
Forecasts and cloud-tracker readings are estimates. The drift planner does not account for terrain, airspace or landing suitability; always use your own met brief and pilot judgement.
Pocket Drift screenshots
Actual screens from Pocket Drift. Select an image to see it in full.
Winds at height
The visual wind profile shows speed with height, changes in drift direction and highlighted shear layers.
See where each height could take you
Compare the forecast drift tracks from your launch point at different heights, or choose a target for A→B planning.
Explore an A→B plan
Compare possible height changes and timings, with an estimated closest approach to your target.
Set up the Cloud Tracker
Enter temperature and dew point to estimate cloud base, or enter a cloud-base height directly.
A speed camera for clouds
Follow the same cloud feature with your phone’s camera and mark it over time to estimate the wind at cloud base.
Part of the Nexus Aero family
Pocket Drift is the pocket-sized companion to our Nexus Drift program: a simple way to check winds and explore balloon drift from your phone.
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