The Dawn Patrol is a group of selected balloons that launch prior to sunrise on the days of Mass Ascensions during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The Dawn Patrol began at Balloon Fiesta in 1978 when two California balloonists developed position lighting systems that allowed them to fly at night. Today, pilots take off in the dark and fly until sunrise, and other pilots watch them to see the wind conditions at different elevations. The Dawn Patrol is more than an airy choreographed display, it is an important part of the Balloon Fiesta as it helps to determine whether the conditions are safe for the other balloons to launch. The Dawn Patrol is a small group of around 10 balloons that launch shortly before sunrise.