It would be difficult for any one person to write the “Bible of Balloon Crewing” since there are many different kinds of balloon systems and many different methods of performing each task associated with crewing for a balloon. Also, for every pilot out there flying, there is a different way to do things. The purpose of this series of articles is to lay the groundwork for a novice who wants to join in the sport of hot air ballooning as crew. The techniques described in this series of articles are the result of over 17 years of experience beginning as novice crew, and graduating to crew chief, pilot and finally commercial ride operator. Many of these techniques will be used by the pilot you crew for, however, some will not. This does not mean that he is wrong. Each pilot is an individual and has his or her own routine. Usually a pilot stays very close to what he learned as a student pilot. Instructors differ in their methods of teaching and they tend to teach what they learned. The techniques your pilot learned or has added since learning to fly are probably sound basic procedures. Some of the techniques that I will describe here could be an improvement on your current techniques and could help you to be a better crew person.
Over the years I have seen the Good, the Bad and the Ugly when it comes to flying and crewing. It has taken a lot of self control to keep from going up to a pilot or crew person and explaining what I thought was a better way to handle a task. I have learned, however, to restrain myself since there is no better way to make an enemy. Hopefully, through this series of articles, I can say many of the things that I wanted to say without losing any friends or losing out on the possibility of gaining any new friends.
If you have any suggestions or comments for improving any of the methods described, or if you disagree with any of these procedures, please contact me. If you still use snail mail I can be reached c/o Aero Balloonport, P. O. Box 830011, Richardson, Texas 75093-0011. If you are on the net you can reach me at aerobp@flash.net.
Safety
Safety is the one basic theme that I have tried to stress throughout this series of articles. Crewing can be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing, and even more dangerous if you do not do it carefully. Most pilots do a fine job of communicating their needs to their crew, however, some do not. Some of the equipment associated with ballooning can be dangerous if not maintained or handled properly. Most pilots maintain their equipment well, however, some do not.
A Few Words About Smoking
In today’s society there are two kinds of people — those who smoke and those who do not. If you are a smoker you can still enjoy ballooning, however, remember never smoke around a hot air balloon!!! Smoking around a balloon can lead to two things and both of them are bad. First, and least serious, is the ever present danger of dropping ashes or butts on the ground that will melt holes in balloon fabric. One cigarette butt on the ground under a balloon laid out for inflation can melt through several layers of fabric rendering the craft unairworthy. Repairs of this nature are currently running about $45 an hour plus fabric. The second, and most serious, is the fact that balloons are fueled with propane. Propane is a highly volatile liquid stored under pressure. Any small leak can cause a build up of vapor that is highly explosive. Most pilots do not allow smoking in their balloon. I carry my balloon in a van and I do not even allow smoking in the van. It just does not make sense to take a chance and endanger yourself and others by smoking around a hot air balloon.
As part of a balloon crew you will eventually be confronted by someone smoking near your balloon. Please approach them politely, explain the hazard and ask them to extinguish the cigarette or move to a safe distance away. About 100 yards should do it. If they choose to ignore you, do not get angry or just walk away. Inform your pilot as he or she may have an effective way of eliciting their cooperation.
I have laid out the articles as a series of courses for the University of Crew or Crew U. Each course lays the groundwork for the next and when you finish you should have a good basic understanding of hot air ballooning and crewing.
This series of article will run through 1997 and, when finsihed will comprise a book on crewing. Mr. Rose welcomes your comments and suggestions. Editor.