Check This
This is used to test wind direction and speed.
What is a Pibal? (Pilot Balloon)
These things can become dangerous if tangled in the fan.
What is long hair, loose/dangling clothing/jewelry, fingers, ropes/lines?
A frosty tank valve or fuel line connection indicates this.
What is a Propane leak? (Also smells like Propane)
These “hand”y items should always be used while crewing.
What are gloves?
Useful when the balloon is becalmed or very slow.
What is a Drop Line?
Used by pilot/crew not to forget things.
What are checklists?
The quickest way to stop the fan.
What is the “kill switch”? (Red dial-turn to OFF)
You should know the location of these in case of emergencies.
What are fire extinguishers and first aid kits?
Crew members should keep these on the ground at all times!
What are feet?
This is the name for the part of the balloon that goes into the bag.
What is the “envelope”?
A _____ check is done to ensure communication between the balloon and crew after launch.
What is a “radio check”?
Check for these things before starting fan.
What is gas, people too close, dangling clothing/jewelry, fingers, etc?
Where crew should never be when the balloon is landing.
What is the landing side of the balloon? (Behind and sides only)
This should always be “short & sweet” and only when necessary.
What is radio use?
This is the name of the rope that prevents the balloon from flying away too early or being dragged if too windy.
What is the “tie off” rope?
These are things to check for at the landing sight if and when possible.
What is landowner approval, animals/livestock, power lines, wind condition (check flags if any present) other obstacles/objects in landing area.
This can remain hot to the touch on a fan even after turning it off.
What is the exhaust?
This person should avoid any distractions during the “chase”.
Who is the driver? (Let others navigate using eyes and/or Glimpse)
This is what not to do with the Drop Line if thrown.
What is try to catch it and/or pull down. (Pull to move the balloon horizontally as directed. Pilot will control up and down)
This is the rope used to steady the envelope during cold and hot inflation.
What is the “top line”?
Check to make sure Crew have these items with them at landing spot.
What is the radio, key fob to chase car (if in area where a lot of people are around) gloves!
Times when it’s ok to turn off the fan if that’s your assignment.
What is any perceived emergency during inflation (give examples) and when the pilot tells you to after hot inflation.
Part of your body you should use to lift the basket, balloon or anything heavy.
What are your legs? (Not back)
Who should try to stay with or ahead of the balloon if possible.
Who are the crew? (Think of yourself as the “retrieve” crew instead of “chase” crew)
These should be used anytime you need to slow down or pull to the side of the road while in the chase vehicle.
What are the “flashers/blinkers”?