Dealing with people you don't really know can be challenging. Then having to make safety decisions with these people can be stressful. This is what Safety Area Three is all about-making decisions when other people are "indirectly" involved in the ballooning operation. So, read on for some interesting information!

Landowners are the most important people indirectly involved in the ballooning operation. Over the years we have met a lot of landowners and because we know about behavioral tendencies, our landowner challenges are minimal. We strongly believe good landowner relations are very important from a safety standpoint. A landowner can put a pilot, passengers, and crew into a very bad position if the pilot doesn't assess the situation properly and take the right course of action. Landowner relations should be an essential part of balloon pilot instruction, not only for the pilot to practice, but also for the pilot to teach the crew.

Take the case where, on a previous landing, a landowner told the pilot not to land on his property again. Now, because of circumstances, the pilot finds himself in the area and has no other choice but to land there again. He sees the landowner coming, what should he do? In this instance we recommend three things: 1) The pilot must NOT be intimidated (there are lives at stake); 2) The pilot should assess the overall situation (fuel, landing sites downwind, weather, and his/her stress level) and then make a decision; 3) If the pilot makes the decision to fly on, leave the passengers there, even if it's inconvenient for them.

It's highly possible this type of decision wouldn't have been necessary if the pilot would have more effectively dealt with the landowner in the first place. When confronted with an unhappy landowner, expect the best, watch for clues of behavioral tendencies, and then do things the way the landowner would want you to. The question is, how can you be sure of what they may want?

Here are some suggestions. If the landowner seems bad tempered (High- D), the best thing to do is LISTEN. All inflation fans run out of gas if you just let them blow. Do not disagree, but you don't have to agree either. In most cases, you can apologize, recover your equipment, and get off the property without ill feelings. Don't promise never to return, because other pilots might fly in the area, and to the landowner, a balloon is a balloon. If the landowner is excited but looks friendly (High-I), offer a smile and a handshake. If the landowner is passive but seems insecure about the situation (High-S), reassure him you are being as careful as possible about everything you do. If the landowner seems stuffy, but not aggressive (High-C), be low-key, apologize, and ask what he feels you need to do to recover your equipment and leave.

Regardless of the landowner's behavior tendencies, listen to what he has to say because there are a lot of clues you can pick up by listening. This is a good time to remember why the Lord gave us two ears and only one mouth. Also, make a visible effort to keep spectators and excess crew off the property. You will gain respect from the landowner by doing this.

Other people indirectly involved in the ballooning operation is the FAA. Our approach to dealing with the FAA is understanding they have a job to do. On a Sunday morning multi-balloon flight, we were looking for a place to land. We heard over the radio the FAA was with one of the balloons that had just landed. We packed up and went back to see if we, as safety counselors, could help out. Good thing, because the pilot, having only flown for a few months (no excuse), flying a new balloon (no excuse), wasn't able to produce the documents the FAA inspector was asking for.

Without ever having met the FAA inspector, we realized he was a "by the book" person (High-C), so we didn't try to get involved, just let him "do his job.? The pilot was very naive, and the inspector wasn't familiar with the operation of a balloon, so when the documents were discovered in the pouch (where they were suppose to be), nothing was said about the log books not being current. Had anyone tried to interfere with this man, or said anything about his lack of balloon knowledge, the result would probably have produced a bad mark on the pilot's record. Best advice, let the FAA do their job and help without interfering.

Another person indirectly involved in the ballooning operation is a disgruntled bystander (such as an unhappy resident of a subdivision). Our approach toward them is the same as dealing with unhappy landowners. There's probably a reason they are unhappy about the balloons, or maybe they just don't understand. Disgruntled bystanders, from a safety standpoint, can cause you major problems, like get ordinances passed so balloons can't land. Therefore, don't overlook them and make every effort to please them. Their behavioral tendencies will be similar to landowners, but maybe not as aggressive. Use the same responses and remember about the "two ears and one mouth," listen to what they have to say.

One final thought about S-A-F-E-T-Y and human relations. The S stands for Self Image-people who know themselves best have a better self- image. The A stands for Attitudes-your attitude toward yourself and others controls your destiny. The F stands for Fundamentals-human behavior is the basis of safety standards, judgment, actions, and reactions. The E stands for Education-continued study of ballooning situations can provide safety insight to make changes in your behavior. The T stands for Teamwork-it's a matter of safely working together at all levels. And, the Y in safety is always YOU-without leaders, we are doomed to safety mediocrity ?

About that special something we promised at the end of Part 4. How would you like to find out what your ballooning behavioral profile is? You can find out what your personal D,I,S,C levels are, and at the same time get a better understanding of this behavioral safety series. This is how. Answer the question, "What are your thoughts about this ballooning safety series?? Just tell it like it is. Send your response postmarked by July 31, 1995, to Profiles of Safety, 429 Kimmeridge Drive, Baton Rouge LA 70815-6924, and you will receive a free "personalized Balloonist Profile.? How will we know what your profile is? Send in your answer and find out. Be sure to enclose your name and address.

Homework time! Get out Balloon Life, January 1995 (you should have this issue) and go to page 28, "The Crew Manual," an article written by Glen Moyer, a balloonist who has done more than his share for balloon safety with his articles. Naturally, reread the article. Then on page 29 there is a list "20 Steps to Responsible Crewing."

Picking up from last month-"20 Steps to Responsible Crewing"-which behavioral tendency is most likely to follow the crewing step, D,I,S,C? We did the first five steps last month, here are the rest. Again, keep in mind that all behavioral tendencies are good.
Step 6, "Never wrap ropes or cables around hands or other extremities.? The High-S (security oriented) will take the least risk.
Step 7, "Check launch and landing sites for foreign objects that could damage the balloon." The High-C (conscientious) is probably most concerned about protecting the equipment.
Step 8, "Keep spectators and children clear of the inflation fan." This should be your greatest concern during inflation; therefore, try to put someone with High-D (dominating) tendencies in charge of the fan.
Step 9, "Stay clear of the path of the balloon at launch and landing and be certain spectators do likewise.? High-S (security oriented).
Step 10, "Police the launch site after launch to be certain all equipment has been reloaded and that no litter is being left behind.? High-C.

For steps 11 - 20; Step 11, S or C; Step 12, C; Step 13, D; Step 14, C (especially if using an aircraft radio); Step 15, C; Step 16, C; Step 17, D; Step 18, C; Step 19, S; Step 20, C.

As you can see, the person with High-C tendencies is more rule oriented and concerned about the equipment. The person with High-S tendencies is a good team person and watches out for personal safety. The High-D person is the one who will take charge. The individuals with High-I (people oriented) tendencies, well, let's say they're the best when it comes to planning the post flight celebrations.