Balloon Life,September 2000

12

For the novice eyeing a participatory role in the sport of balloon-
ing the advice most often heard is, “volunteer to crew.” Fine, the
novice says, but what is crewing?
The purpose ofa balloonpilot’s groundcrew istoaidthe
pilotinsafelylaunching,chasing, landing,andrecoveringthe
balloon. In fifty words or less, that’s what the crewing experience
isallabout. Unfortunatelytherearenoorganizedschoolsthat
teachballooncrewing.Andwhiletherearegivenmethodsof
crewing,each pilot may add his orherown nuances as to howthey
desiretheir crewtowork.Thusabroadbaseof experiencein
crewing is best gained over time. However, more and more safety
seminarsare beginningtoaddress
crewissuesandtraining,andthe
Balloon Federation ofAmericadoes
offer a “crew handbook” so slowly
but surelycrew trainingis becom-
ing a bit more structured. Likewise
respectfortheimportanceofthe
role of the crewperson is on the rise
asevidencedbytheBFA’sCrew
Achievement Award Program.
Stilltheseareavenuesopen
usuallyonlytothosewhohave
somehow alreadypiercedthe veil
of“gettinginvolved.”Oneofthe
easiest ways for thenoviceto join is
tovolunteertocrewataballoon
rallyintheirarea.Usuallythese
rallyorganizerswill provide some
modicum of training, but I’ve seen
pilots pull spectators right out of the
crowd to anchor a crown line, oper-
ate a fan, or evendrive chase.
Thusthepurposehereisto
provideabasicunderstandingof
the workings andresponsibilities of the typical ballooncrew.

Preflight
Throughsome method, either planned or coincidental, you
have arrived at the launch site of a hot air balloon and are invited
tojoinin ascrew. What to do? Rule number one is always wait
for instructions from the pilot or crew chief. Each pilot has his/
her ownorder of doingthings. Likewise individual crew mem-
bersmayalreadybepre-assignedcertaintasks,sodoonlyas
instructed.

The general order of things will find the pilot and crew busy
unloading the balloon and equipmentfromthe chase vehicle or
trailer. Once the basket is unloaded and the uprights andburner
are mounted, you’re readytopositionthe balloonfor inflation.
Prior to this the pilot will normally have determined the wind
directionat the launch site. Thisisvital to properlypositioning
the balloonasballoon always take off downwind!
Firstthebasketispushedoverontoitsside.Thebasket
openingshouldbepointedinthedownwinddirection.The
inflation fan is positioned near the basket, usually to one side and
slightly forward of the middle of the basket. Some pilots have a
preference for which side the fan is
on,but agoodrule ofthumbisto
positionitsotheexhaustfumes
from the motor blow away from the
basket.
The envelope (still inits stor-
age bag) is placedabout15 feetin
frontofthebasketopening.Next
the bag is opened and the envelope
isattachedtothebasketwitha
seriesofropesorcables.Andfi-
nally, the envelope is pulled out of
its storage bag into a long, straight
line.Thisismosteasilyaccom-
plis hedbytwocrewmembers
merely walking the bag away from
thebasketallowingtheenvelope
fabric to spill out behind them. Now
the balloonisproperlypositioned
for the next step, cold inflation.

ColdInflation
Typicallya fullcrew comple-
mentfora balloonwillbea pilot
and four people. This is primarily determined bythe number of
crew positions to be filled for a safe cold inflation. One should be
on the balloon’s crown line (the long rope attachedtothe top of
the balloon envelope), one to operate the inflator fan, and two to
hold the mouth of the envelope open. Notice we say the mouth of
theenvelope becausethe balloonisactuallymadeupofthree
components,theenvelopeorfabricbag,thebasket,andthe
burnerandfuelsystem.Now,let’sexaminethepurposeand
responsibilities of the crew members at each of these positions.
The inflator fanis whatfillsthe balloonwith air to begin a

The Crewing
Experience

by Glen Moyer

Balloon Life,September 2000

14

flight. Oncepositioned properly it should rarely need to be
moved and should never be moved while running. Before starting
the engine the crew person in charge of the fan should check the
general area for any loose debris that might be sucked in by the
fan or blown out by it. Always stand behind the fan and remain
constantly alert. The fan is the most dangerous piece of equip-
mentin ballooning and, in the case of an emergency, itsoperator
should always be ready to shut it downimmediately.Otherwise,
youshouldawaitinstructionsfromthe pilotbefore killingthe
engine. (This should be discussed with the pilot in a crew briefing
prior toactually inflating the balloon.)
The areaaroundtherearof the basketandnearthefanis
wheremost spectators will gather to watch the balloon, so be alert
tochildren who may try sticking something into the fan, includ-
ingtheir fingers. (Spectators shouldalwaysbe asked toremain
behind the basket or well clear to either side of the balloon.) Also
beware oflose clothing,drawstrings or other items that could foul
the fanblade.
The two crew members at the mouth of the balloon are there
toaidtheinflationoftheenvelope.Theirtaskistograspthe
envelope and hold the throat or mouth (the large hole) open so the
coldaircanfilltheenvelope.Nevergraspthe balloonfabric.
Always hold on to either oneof the cables or the load tapes (nylon
webbing which joins the fabric panels). Some models of balloons
areequippedwithhandlingropesforthispurpose.Againyou
shouldkeep spectatorsclear of this area.
As the cold air is filling the envelope the topof the balloon
willusuallybe sealed(orseated)inplaceatthistime. (Some
pilotsreseatthetopaftereachdeflationratherthanpriorto
inflation) This caneasilybe done bycrew members solong as
you have beenproperlyinstructed. Once the topis in, the crew
member assignedtothe crown line shouldbe in place.
The purpose of the crown line is to steady the balloon as it is
being filledand begins to rise. This is a very easy job ona calm
day and a very difficult one on a windy day. During cold inflation
the object istohold the envelope steady and notallow ittoroll
fromside toside as it will want to dogivenenough wind.

HotInflation
Once the pilot has checked and determined everything to be
inorder, a signalisusually givento begin hotinflation. This is
especially importantfor the crew member onthe crownline as
their tasknow is tosteady the balloon as it rises. As soonas the
pilot begins to apply heat to the air inside the balloon it will want
torise.Thetaskforthepersononthecrownlineistoapply
enough tension that the envelope rises slowly and steadily into an
uprightposition.Toolittletensionandtheenvelopewillrise
almostimmediately leaving abubble of hotair atthe topanda
collapsedthroatmakingitnearlyimpossibleforthepilotto
continue the hot inflation. Too much tension will cause the top to
pulllose and the balloon will begin to deflate.
Tension should be maintained on the line until the balloon is
completely upright and steady. Let go too soon and the envelope
will go all the way up to vertical and start to fall backwards before
rightingitself. Thisis called“rebounding” andisa no-nofor a
professional crew.
Meanwhile atthemouth,the crew memberswill continue
holding the throat open as the pilot applies the first few blasts of
heatfromtheburner.Theobjectistohelpcreatethewidest
possible opening of the throat, thereby eliminating the danger of
accidentally burning theballoon fabric. Oncethe balloon starts to
rise, these two crew members should move from the mouth to the
rear of the basket,andapply“weight on.” This isbestdone by
putting your folded arms over the edge of the basket.
At a pre-arranged signal from the pilot, the fan operator will
shutdowntheengine,move the fana few feet backandaway
(upwind)fromthebasketandthenjointheothersinadding
“weighton” to the basket.
Finally as the balloon settles into its natural upright position,
thecrownline willeitherbe lefttohangdownthesideof the
balloon or walked tothe basket tobe securedthere.

TheLaunch
Once the balloon is secure in anupright position, this is the
time to begin loading any passengers, and to double check that all
equipment, maps, strikers, radios, etc. are on board. A quick radio
checkbetweentheballoonandchasevehicleisalsoadvised.
Now is also the time to confirm that the designated chase driver

1.Checklaunchfieldforforeign
objects that could damage balloon.
2.Handleenvelopeonlybyload
tapes.
3. Keep spectators (especially
children) clear of inflator fan.
4. No Smoking!
5. Don’t pretend to understand
instructions, ask if you don’t
know.

1. Apply“weight on”tobasketas
balloon comes upright.
2.Conductfinalchecklist:radios
working, keys with driver, etc.
3. Remove weight as directed by
pilot; keep yourself and spectators
clear downwind of the balloon.
4. Load and secure all equipment.
5. Police the area.

Crew Tips
Inflation

Crew Tips
Launch

Balloon Life,September 2000

16

has the keys to the vehicle. Finally, assist the pilot in checking to
be sure the sky above is clear of other balloons. Even if a launch
director gives you a “go” sign, check anyway.
Atthe pilot’scommandof “weightoff”the crew willrelease
the basket and the balloon should drift gently upward. Again be
certain thatno one (spectator or crew)isin the downwindpathof
the balloon. Alsobe sure that the “weight off”command isclear
and is obeyed. More than once has a careless crew person been
lifted skyward unintentionally.

The Chase
Withthe balloon driftingserenelyskyward thecrew’s atten-
tionshiftsto the chase. First,reload all equipment ontothe chase
vehicle. Fans and envelope bags get lonely when left in a field!
Alsobe sure to police the area for anylitter. Leave thelaunch site
in better conditionthan when you arrived. Next get all crew and
passengers on board. Everyone should ride inside the vehicle if
at all possible. Anyone riding outside (likein the back of a pick-
up truck)should be seated on the floor and keep their arms and
legs inside.
There are no great secrets to driving chase, just common
sense. Here rule number one is for the driver to watch the road.
Let someone else follow the balloon and give directions. Chasing
a balloon does not grant permission to disobey trafficlaws,
including speed limits, stopsigns ortrafficsignals.Useof
emergency flashers while parked is a good idea, but not while
driving as these defeat turn signals on most vehicles and could
contribute to an accident.
Drive parallel tothe balloon’sflightpath and usemainroads
as much as possible; secondary or residential streets often take
more time. Plan ahead, but don’t get too far ahead. For example,
you might drive to the last cross street which will give you an
opportunity to turn right or left then wait for the balloon before
crossing a bridge that will commit you to the opposite side of a
river. Keep radio traffic to a minimum of necessary communica-
tions.Except in extreme situations, let the pilotinitiatetransmis-
sions.

1.The driver drives! Others can watch
the balloon.
2. Keep to main roads until landing
and obeyall trafficlaws.
3. Maintain visual contact with the
balloon, keep radio talk to a mini-
mum.

The Landing
As soon as the pilot has indicated an intention to land you
shouldbegin to close the gap between the balloonand the chase
crew. Again try to stay just ahead of the balloon so as to advise
the pilot of fences, locked gates, standing water, powerlines or
other hazards. Remember that thecrew does not have to be
waiting at themoment of touchdown. Thepilot’s certificate
implies that he or she can land the balloon without assistance.
And even if the entire crew is made up of 300-pound gorillas, they
will be unable to stop the inertia of the balloon.
Always attempt to get permissionfrom the landowner prior
to landing if possible. Stay with the chase vehicle until the pilot
is committed to a landing.
In the event of a high wind landing or other circumstance
where thecrew’s presence is needed inthe landingfield, parkthe
vehicle on a road or driveway and go to the balloon on foot.
Rememberthis is someoneelse’s property and you want to
disturb as little as possible. If you go driving across a field a
bystander might do the same. Besides,while walking to the
balloon you can check the vehicle’s path for any unseen ob-
stacles.

1.Advisepilotofanyhazards at
indicatedlandingsite(lockedgates,
fences,powerlines,livestock, etc.).
2.Obtainlanding and recoveryper-
mission from the landowner.
3. Assistpilotas necessarywith
droplineor high wind landing.

The Recovery
With the balloon landed safely deflation takes only minutes.
One crew member should take the crown line and pull it in a
down wind direction. At the same time, the pilot will pull open the
deflation port allowing the air inside the balloon to escape. The
remaining crew should already have cleared the ground of any
sharp objectsand if necessary can helphold the collapsingfabric
away from tree limbs, fences, etc. Once deflated, it’s time to
repack for the next flight. This isone exercise where you can get
everyone involved, including passengers or bystanders, if you
wish.
The recovery isa two-part task;securing the basket and re-
packing theenvelope. To securethe basketbe certaintobleedand
shutdown the fuel system. All electrical equipment should also
be shut off. The burner and uprights should be dismantled and
stored properly. While some pilots will leave the uprights and
occasionally the burner(s)mounted, this is notrecommended as

Crew Tips
Chase

Crew Tips
Landing

17

Balloon Life,September 2000

1.Respectandprotect
landowner’s property. Keep spec-
tatorsout, donotcutfencesor
locks.
2. Check landingsite for foreign
objects that could damageenve-
lopebefore deflation.
3. Repack envelope same way
every time.
4. Reload and secure all equip-
ment and police the area.
5. Thank the landowner.
6. Save postflight celebrations
for appropriate locations (not
private property).

thevibrationoftravelingevenshortdistancescouldcreate
unwanted damage.As this is being done the envelope should be
detachedfromthebasketandthefabric gatheredintoalong,
straight line. This is done by “milking” or squeezing the remain-
ing air our of the balloon. While doing this be sure to again watch
for sticks, glass, wire, etc. that could snag or tear the fabric. And
remember, handle the envelope onlyby the loadtapes.
The envelope is thenrepackedintoits storage bag.Thisis
normally done bytwo people carrying the bagtothe rest of the
crew who are holding the envelope fabric at about 3-foot inter-
vals. The balloonshouldgo backintothe bagexactly the same
way every time. A popular method is to position the storage bag
withits flap“tothe back” or “away” from the basket.
Only now are you readytobring the chase vehicle onto the
field to recover the balloon. Drive only one vehicle in if possible.
Drive on the edge of the field as much as possible and then follow
thepathwalkedbythecrewearliersoastolimitpotential
damage.
Loadandsecureallequipment. Police the landingsite for
any litter thenreturnto public property(driving out the field the
samewayyoucamein)assoonaspossible.Ceremoniesand
partiesshouldbe saved for appropriate places.
Aboveallbecourteoustoandconsiderateofothersyou
come in contact with. Remember that you are a representative of
the sport of ballooning and just possibly the only contact a person
may have with this sport. Your cooperation and attitude can have
a bigimpacton the future of ballooning.

Crew Tips
Recovery