Privacy Policy

Last updated: 14 June 2026

Box the Wind ("the app") is a map and navigation tool for hot air balloon competition flying. This policy explains what the app does with your data. In short: your data stays on your device, the app has no accounts and no advertising, and we do not track you.

Location data

The app uses your device's precise location (GPS) to show your balloon on the map, compute navigation to competition targets, record your flight, and — only when you choose to go live — share your position with your crew. Location is used solely to provide these features. Background location is used so a flight keeps recording and broadcasting while the screen is off.

Where your data goes

Flight recordings are stored as GPX files on your device. You control them: replay, rename, share, or delete. When you tap "Go Live," your position is relayed transiently to your crew through a real-time messaging service (Ably) and is not stored by the app on any server. The relay channel is private, derived from a flight code and password that you set, so only people you share those with can see your position.

What we do not do

• No user accounts or sign-in.
• No analytics or usage tracking.
• No advertising and no advertising SDKs.
• No selling or sharing of personal data with third parties for their own use.

Third-party services

Live tracking uses Ably to relay messages between pilot and crew in real time. Map imagery is downloaded from public sources (OpenStreetMap and USDA NAIP) for offline use. These providers process network requests as needed to deliver the service.

Children

The app is not directed at children and does not knowingly collect data from them.

Changes

If this policy changes, the updated version will be posted on this page with a new "last updated" date.

Contact

Questions about privacy: [email protected].