Hot air balloon jobs and crew positions
Published by Balloons on November 30th, 2008 in Adventure Balloons, Balloon Crew, Balloon Flight Safety, Hot Air Balloon Flights, Hot Air Balloons
For anyone who has a fascination with hot air balloons, joining a balloon crew is one of the most fulfilling and exciting jobs and a great introduction to ballooning. Before joining a balloon crew, you should know about the different positions and tasks involved in launching and landing a hot air balloon.
The first of these positions is the crown line. The pilot will usually choose a strong individual for this task as they will act as an anchor and use a rope to stabilise the balloon as it is inflated. Once the balloon is inflated the rope is then connected to the balloon basket.
The throat consists of up to three of the balloon crew members holding the throat of the balloon open as it inflates. The balloon is first inflated with cool air and then the air is heated with the balloons burners. The crew members will hold the throat open till the balloon starts to come upright and then place their weight on the balloon basket as it stands.
Once the balloon is launched, the chase crew loads up the remaining items and follows the balloon. The chase crew will try to stay as close as they can to the hot air balloon so they can assist the pilot whilst landing.
The landing of the balloon will involve the whole balloon crew, with one of them trying to locate the landowner to ask permission to land. Once the all clear has been given and the balloon comes in to land the crew position themselves on each side of the balloon, adding additional weight to the balloon and stopping it. The balloon is then packed away and loaded onto the chase vehicles and another successful balloon flight is concluded with soft drinks, champagne and certificate presentations.
I would love to be a member of baloon crew.
How do I apply for it?
Please send me a form or info about it
Kind regards