The Chase Crew

The following are some pointers for crewing with The Wild Thing Balloon Team that will help make your crewing adventure safe and fun.

Being part of the balloon chase crew involves three major areas:

Set-up, inflation, and launching the balloon.
The chase.
The landing, recovery, and pack-up of the balloon.

The priorities of the Wild Thing Balloon Balloon Team are:

Safety. Always. Protect the Passengers.
Protect the balloon and equipment.
Have fun!

General crew pointers:

Remember you are acting as crew of an aircraft, and we are subject to and abide by Federal Aviation Regulations.
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.
No smoking anywhere near the balloon. Cigarette ashes melt holes in balloon envelopes.

During set-up, inflation, and launch:

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.
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.
Only handle the envelope by the load tapes. Do not grab or step on the fabric.
Do not wrap any ropes around either of your hands, your arms, or your waist. Ever.
During hot inflation be ready for the "weight on" command, and listen for additional instructions and "all clear - hands off" command.
Do not put your feet in the rope handles of the basket. Ever.
If a Quick-Release is being used, stand clear when pilot pulls the release - the carabiner at the end of the tie-off line will recoil.
At launch don't get in the path of the balloon.
Before leaving the launch site, assist with attaching the inflator fan back on the front of the van. Make sure gloves get back in the trailer or chase vehicle.
Be ready to go - get on the road as soon as possible.

During the Chase:

Maintain sense of urgency. Stay ahead of the balloon.
Headlights and 4-way flashers should be on too, if appropriate.
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.
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.
Keep chase crew to balloon communication to a minimum - important communications only (example: location of powerlines and fences at landing). Be prepared to repeat all communications - the balloon burner may be on.

Landing, recovery, and pack-up:

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.
Our priorities at landing are safety first, and convenience second. Sometimes we will have to carry the equipment out.
Crowd control is essential. If there is a crowd, we are responsible for controlling them, NOT the landowner.
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.
We pack the equipment the same way every time - wait for instructions if you aren't sure.
Help make sure the landing site is clear of litter when we leave.

Have a great time crewing!!!

The Chase Crew

The following are some pointers for crewing with The Wild Thing Balloon Team that will help make your crewing adventure safe and fun.

Being part of the balloon chase crew involves three major areas:

Set-up, inflation, and launching the balloon.

The chase.

The landing, recovery, and pack-up of the balloon.

The priorities of the Wild Thing Balloon Balloon Team are:

Safety. Always. Protect the Passengers.

Protect the balloon and equipment.

Have fun!

General crew pointers:

Remember you are acting as crew of an aircraft, and we are subject to and abide by Federal Aviation Regulations.

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.

No smoking anywhere near the balloon. Cigarette ashes melt holes in balloon envelopes.

During set-up, inflation, and launch:

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.

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.

Only handle the envelope by the load tapes. Do not grab or step on the fabric.

Do not wrap any ropes around either of your hands, your arms, or your waist. Ever.

During hot inflation be ready for the "weight on" command, and listen for additional instructions and "all clear - hands off" command.

Do not put your feet in the rope handles of the basket. Ever.

If a Quick-Release is being used, stand clear when pilot pulls the release - the carabiner at the end of the tie-off line will recoil.

At launch don't get in the path of the balloon.

Before leaving the launch site, assist with attaching the inflator fan back on the front of the van. Make sure gloves get back in the trailer or chase vehicle.

Be ready to go - get on the road as soon as possible.

During the Chase:

Maintain sense of urgency. Stay ahead of the balloon.

Headlights and 4-way flashers should be on too, if appropriate.

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.

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.

Keep chase crew to balloon communication to a minimum - important communications only (example: location of powerlines and fences at landing). Be prepared to repeat all communications - the balloon burner may be on.

Landing, recovery, and pack-up:

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.

Our priorities at landing are safety first, and convenience second. Sometimes we will have to carry the equipment out.

Crowd control is essential. If there is a crowd, we are responsible for controlling them, NOT the landowner.

We pack the equipment the same way every time - wait for instructions if you aren't sure.

Help make sure the landing site is clear of litter when we leave.

Have a great time crewing!!!