The balloon has lifted off and you are ready to leave the field for the actual chase, but before you leave you should take a look around to make sure that nothing has been left behind. You wouldn't believe some of the things I've seen left behind at the launch site. If you think the pilot feels kind of silly flying away with the keys to the chase vehicle in his/her pocket, think of how you will feel when you drive away and leave behind the fan. Even worse is driving away and leaving someone's child in the field. I've seen this happen and I'd much rather take the heat for flying away with the chase vehicle keys in my pocket than be the driver and have to deal with leaving someone's child behind at the launch site.
You ask, "How can you leave a child behind?" I have seen this happen twice in the past 16 years. The first time I saw this happen it was the child of the pilot. The crew chief/driver and the rest of the crew were just not paying attention when they drove away. Another time was when a passenger brought a child out to watch the launch and expected the child to ride in the chase. The pilot did not tell the crew about the arrangements and did not tell the driver about the child. The chase vehicle left the field with the child running after the truck. Another way this could happen is when the pilot makes a last minute change in passengers. Suppose the regular passengers do not show up and a crew person is given a chance to fly at the last second. In the excitement of being asked to fly and climbing into the basket the crew person forgot about the guest or child that was tagging along. If I know of an unexpected passenger riding in the chase van, or if I have a last minute change in passengers, I make sure the crew chief and driver know about any additional passengers riding in the chase vehicle. Also, as a commercial ride operator I try real hard to avoid saddling my crew with a baby-sitting job. If a passenger wants to bring along children or other family members to observe I require them to provide their own transportation if they want to chase. They can simply follow the chase in their own vehicle.
Where I fly we seldom fly alone. When the weather is good there are usually several other balloons at the launch site. If you happen to be launching with a group of balloons it is a good idea to communicate with other crews and pilots before leaving the launch site. Someone might be in need of assistance. I personally believe that ballooning is a very unique sport when it comes to camaraderie. This is a sport with many extroverts and many huge egos. You just cannot fly one of those huge colorful bags of hot air and be an introvert. Well, those egos often clash and sometimes you might not be the best of friends with the guy in the next launch site. If, however, either of you is in trouble or needs help it is usually that person who is in first in line to assist. Do not hesitate to help other crews if they are having trouble. It may take a few minutes of your time and a little sweat, but it will come back tenfold. Also, when the favor is returned it is often when you least expect it, but need it the most.
If you do stop to help another ground crew do not forget that your primary responsibility is to your balloon and pilot. Unless it is absolutely necessary, do not delay your chase long enough to lose your balloon. Here in Texas where I fly it is so flat you can watch your dog run away for 3 days. There is not much chance of losing sight of your balloon, but it is possible and could be a problem if some unfortunate mishap should occur.
Landowner relations can also come into play as you leave the launch site. If you are using someone's land and they are standing out there watching the launch it would be common courtesy to drive by the landowner and thank him for the use of the land as you leave. Never ever pass up a chance to say thank you to a landowner. If you show respect and courtesy you will certainly be invited back again.
I know I keep saying this, but please be aware of your surroundings at both the launch and landing sites. We always to a walk around before laying out the balloon for inflation to make sure there is no debris that could damage the fabric of the envelope. It is also a good idea to do a walk around after the inflation and launch to pick up anything that might have been inadvertently left on the ground after the launch. Usually a balloon does not leave any debris in a field at launch time, but we frequently end up picking up trash that was there when we drove into the site. It is good landowner relations to leave the field in better shape than it was when you got there. Remember, leave nothing behind but footprints, and very few of those.
Another important thing to remember as you leave the launch site is the other balloons inflating on the field. If other balloons are inflating as you leave do not drive your vehicle downwind of them. Always drive the vehicle on the up wind side. Doing so will keep you from driving across someone's crown line and possibly intruding on the launch of another balloon.
One last thing that is kind of a pet peeve of mine. The chase vehicle is usually the second (and sometimes the first) most expensive investment for the plot. Please treat it as you would your own. If you must drive over a curb to get out of a field PLEASE DRIVE OVER THE CURB AT AN ANGLE. If you go straight off the curb you will probably bottom out the vehicle and do damage to whatever is right behind the rear wheels. In my case it is the gas tank. You would not believe the gas tank on my van. It is so dented in that it now carries only about 16 gallons instead of 22 gallons and the gauge is no longer functional.
Thinking about the launch for this article I have decided to put together a check list for the driver. I already provide a list of emergency phone numbers to call should an emergency occur, but I believe a check list for the driver would be very helpful in avoiding an embarrassing moment. If your pilot does not make a check list go ahead and make your own. It certainly can't hurt and it may come in very helpful in the future.
As always, please forward comments or suggestions to me at P. O. Box 830011, Richardson, Texas 75083 or e-mail: balloon@flash.net. (New E-mail address.)