Light Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 35; Flight Crew Total 3650; Flight Crew Type 780
Situational Awareness
Conflict Airborne Conflict
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Aircraft
Upon departing DIJ; a non-towered airport; we were climbing at maximum rate because of surrounding terrain. We had departed VFR since; because of the surrounding mountains; we are not able to establish radio contact with ATC until 9;000 FT AGL where we obtain our IFR clearance. The nose of the aircraft was high because of the maximum rate of climb speed somewhat restricting visibility. My co-pilot spotted a balloon near the direction we were headed. I immediately made a 45 degree right turn and continued to climb. I saw the balloon off to the left during the turn about 2;000 FT below and around a mile away; perhaps a little less. If the occupants of the balloon saw us they might have been concerned. This was the first time we had encountered a balloon when departing DIJ. I usually give balloons a much wider berth and will be even more vigilant in the future to insure better separation.
Pilot departing DIJ airport reports of a balloon in conflict with his aircraft as he climbs out. Pilot turns and avoids balloon.