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Hot Air Balloon Chase Crew
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At the Launch site the Chase Crew
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- Removes Balloon System from truck.
- Assembles the Balloon System.
- Lays out the balloon for inflation.
- Steadys balloon during inflation
- Turns off inflator fan
- Holds down the Balloon until Pilot is ready for Lift Off
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After Lift Off, the Chase Crew
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- Packs up the inflation Fan.
- Cleans up the launch site.
- Safely follow the balloon in the chase vehicle
- Navigation ~ Keeps Pilot informed of their location
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At the Landing Site, Chase Crew
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- Obtains Landowner Permission to land Balloon.
- Obtains Landowner Permission to enter property.
- Obtains Landowner directions of how to reach Balloon.
- Deflate Balloon System
- Pack-up the Balloon System
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| The DO's and
DON'Ts of a Balloon Crew |
| DON'T |
wrap a rope, etc. around your hand, fist, arm, or any
other part of your body. |
| DON'T |
let the balloon lift you off the ground -- let go first.
The balloon can be repaired fairly easily -- human beings are a little more difficult to fix. |
|
DO |
always wear gloves when working with a balloon.
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| DON'T |
alcohol before or during crewing. |
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DO |
handle the envelope fabric by the load tapes.
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DO |
keep an eye out for spectators and others not watching
where they're going
DON'T let them get tangled in the lines.
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| DON'T |
get in front of a moving basket or one straining to hold
its resting position. |
| DON'T |
wear nylon clothing when crewing. Nylon causes static
electricity that can ignite propane. |
|
DO |
keep an eye out for the pilot and/or crew chief at all
times; be prepared for things to change. |
| DON'T |
let anybody help you on the crown - one person's weight is
usually enough and another person usually means tangled feet. |
| DON'T |
smoke or light a match, lighter, etc. around a balloon.
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DO |
wait for the pilot or crew chief to tell you what they
want you to do.
DON'T take it upon yourself to make that
decision. |
|
DO |
be aware that your clothing, hair, camera - you name it -
can get sucked into the fan, which won't stop until someone SHUTS IT OFF. |
| DON'T |
tilt or move the fan when its running, unless told
otherwise by the pilot or crew chief. |
| DON'T |
let the balloon lift you off the ground -- let go first.
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| DON'T |
let anyone walk on the balloon fabric.
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| DON'T |
let anyone mess with the Red Line. |
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DO |
stay away from the TIE-OFF line. Keep others away from it
as well. |
| DON'T |
get out of the balloon, if you get to fly, before the
pilot asks you to do so. |
|
DO |
make sure someone staying on the ground has the keys to
the chase vehicle BEFORE the balloon lifts off. |
| DON'T |
drive onto private property without first getting
permission from the landowner/tenant. |
| DON'T |
cut fences to gain access to a balloon.
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DO |
have a good time. |
