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Authorized Dealer for Lindstrand
Balloons USA
Flying Colours Champagne
Sabers
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The Chase Crew
The following are some pointers for crewing with Flying Colours that will
make your crewing adventure safe and fun.
Being part of the balloon chase crew involves three major areas:
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Set-up, inflation, and launching the balloon.
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The chase.
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The landing, recovery, and pack-up of the balloon.
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The priorities of the Flying Colours Balloon Team are:
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Safety. Always.
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Protect the balloon and equipment.
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Have fun!
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General crew pointers:
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Remember you are acting as crew on an aircraft, and we are subject to
the rules and regulations of the F.A.A.
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Clothing suggestions: wear good sturdy shoes. Wear the gloves that are
provided. Dress appropriately for the season - wear layers if the
temperature will be cold. Don't wear nylon (it melts) if you're going to be
near the burner.
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No smoking anywhere near the balloon. Cigarette ashes melt holes in
balloon envelopes.
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During set-up, inflation, and launch:
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You will help unload equipment, assemble the basket, and layout the
envelope. Once we are ready to inflate you will be assigned a position, such
as the crown line, the throat of the balloon, or the inflator fan.
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Ask questions if you don't know. It's okay to stand around and wait for
the pilot to tell you what to do. We will let everyone know what to do, but
you need to wait your turn while we make assignments and explain to each
person their duties.
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Only handle the envelope by the load tapes. Do not grab or step on the
fabric.
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Do not wrap any ropes around either of your hands, your arms, or your
waist. Ever.
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During hot inflation be ready for the "weight on" command, and
listen for "weigh off" instructions, and "all clear"
command.
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Do not put your feet in the rope handles on the basket.
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| If Quick-Release is being used, stand clear when pilot pulls
the release - the carabiner at the end of the tie-off line will recoil to
the ground.
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At launch don't get in the path of the balloon.
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Before leaving the launch site, assist with loading the inflator fan
back in the trailer. Make sure gloves get back in the trailer or chase
vehicle.
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Be ready to go - get on the road as soon as possible.
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During the Chase:
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Maintain sense of urgency. Stay ahead of the balloon.
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Revolving safety light should be on. Headlights and 4-way flashers
should be on too, if appropriate.
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If the chase vehicle is stopped and you get out, be careful opening
doors and getting out on country roads. Be prepared to get back in the chase
vehicle quickly.
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The driver drives - keep eyes on the road not the balloon. The
passengers are responsible for tracking the balloon and keeping the driver
informed. The navigator should be ready with the map if necessary. Obey
traffic laws.
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Keep radio transmission to a minimum - important communications only
(example: location of powerlines and fences at landing). Be prepared to
repeat all transmissions - balloon burner may be on. Don't count on the
radios working (unfortunately). Remember the cell phone in the balloon can
only be used once the balloon is on the ground.
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Landing, recovery, and pack-up:
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If at all possible, obtain permission prior to landing. If landing is
made in a restricted area, forcing locks and cutting fences are strictly
against our code of ethics.
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Our priorities at landing are safety first, and convenience
second. Sometimes we will have to carry the equipment out.
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Crowd control is essential. If there is a crowd, we are responsible for
controlling them, NOT the landowner.
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In all probability, you will represent the landowner's first encounter
with the world of ballooning. We need to make our invasion a happy one. The
landowner may not be as excited about the balloon landing as we are. We need
their cooperation; we appreciate their support; and we invite their
involvement.
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We pack the equipment the same way every time - wait for instructions if
you aren't sure.
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Help make sure the landing site is clear of litter when we leave.
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Have a great time crewing!!!
Webmasters note: This and all
the pages, text, and images on this website are Copyright Flying Colours Hot Air
Balloons. People have been copying this page word-for-word without our
permission. Ask and you will probably receive permission, but do so
without our permission and we'll hunt you down like dogs.
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