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Number of Crewmembers
The number of crewmembers is a matter of individual preference and depends upon the size of the balloon, purpose of the flight, terrain, and other factors. When using a small balloon for instruction, a crew of three people, including the instructor, student, and one crew, may be sufficient. For passenger flights in large balloons, a larger number of crewmembers are generally required. Having too many people in the chase vehicle may be a distraction for the driver. The recommended minimum crew for the vehicle is two: one person to drive and the other to navigate and serve as a balloon “spotter.” This is perhaps the safest method.
The optimum size inflation crew for a sport balloon is four people—the pilot operating the burner, two people holding the mouth open, and one person on the crown line. Some pilots opt to have a fifth person serve as a fan operator; this is a matter of technique and personal preference. Many pilots prefer a larger number of crewmembers; however, it is important to be aware that too many crewmembers may often be working against each other due to lack of coordination. In windy or crowded situations, it is important to have a person holding the crown line. If inflation requires more crew than usual, due to the windy conditions, consideration should be given to canceling the flight. Although the balloon may get airborne, chances are that flying out of one’s comfort zone and having to prepare for a very windy landing may impair concentration. The distraction may hinder safe, enjoyable flying.Clothing
Crewmembers, as well as the pilot, should be clothed for safety and comfort. Cover or restrain long hair. Scarves, hanging jewelry, or loose eyeglasses can interfere with smooth setup, and can potentially be very dangerous, particularly near the inflation fan. Long sleeves and long trousers made of cotton instead of synthetic material are recommended. Try to wear clothes in layers since temperatures can change quite a bit from before sunrise to the recovery. Proper clothing protects participants from burns, poison oak/ivy, and other harmful plants.
All crewmembers should wear gloves, preferably smooth leather, loose fitting, and easy to remove. Wear comfortable and protective footwear. If it becomes necessary to walk or hike from a landing site inaccessible by the chase vehicle, proper clothing and footwear make the task easier and less hazardous.Types of Flight
Knowing the function or purpose of a flight is important to the crew, so they know the goals of the operation; possible time aloft; probable direction(s) of flight; probable altitudes; communications, if any, to be used; and useful maps or charts. Balloon flights can be classified into several different types: paid passenger, instruction, race, rally, advertising/promotion, and fun.
Many commercial balloon pilots defray the cost of the sport by offering paid passenger rides. The crew should know that these passengers are paying for the privilege, and may have been promised a certain type and length of flight. Instructional flights require the crew follow the direction of the instructor, so the student may see and participate as much as possible. The crew should work closely with the instructor and student and not take over any portion of the operation, thus denying the student the opportunity to learn. For competitions, crew responsibilities may be different. The pilot may have only a single goal in mind and focus on that goal. The crew’s job is always to help the pilot, but in the case of the competition flight, the crew should try to relieve the pilot of some of the routine tasks so he or she may concentrate on the goals. Regardless of the type of flight, the crew is there to support the pilot in conducting a safe and successful flight operation.
6-5
Figure 6-4. Crew briefing.
Direction of Flight
The first element of the flight the chase crew must know is the direction the balloon is going. It is important to understand that the balloon’s direction is very difficult to detect from a moving vehicle. Many pilots recommend the chase crew drive the chase vehicle away from the launch site only far enough to get the vehicle out of the way of the balloon (and other balloons) and to be clear of any possible spectator crowds. As soon as the crew is sure they are clear of other traffic, they should park in a suitable place with a good view of the balloon, and determine the balloon’s direction of flight. There is no point in rushing after the balloon until the direction it is going is known. The balloon changes direction shortly after launch if the winds aloft are different from the surface winds.
After a while, the crew should proceed to a point estimated to be in the balloon’s path. In other words, get in front of the balloon so it flies over the chase vehicle. If the balloon is moving at five knots, the chase crew need drive only a short time to get in front of the balloon. The direction of flight is much easier to determine if the balloon is floating directly toward the vehicle rather than flying parallel to the vehicle’s path. If a radio is not being used, as the balloon flies over the chase vehicle, the pilot and crew can communicate by voice or with hand signals. In this instance, the crew should be outside the vehicle with the engine turned off.
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Balloon Flying Handbook(74)
