What is the most important thing needed in Ballooning?
Look at the bottom of the blog for the answer... sheesh!
The ( put your answer here )
Lets look at that list of names I gave you..
Crown. The crown is the top most panel on a Hot Air Balloon and is normally a vent for hot air.
Throat. This is the bottom most part of the Balloon envelope which is attached to the basket.
Skirt. One type of fabric band between the envelope and the upper part of the burner frame to protect the burner from being blown out and for directing the air upward.
Scoop. Another type of fabric band between the envelope and the upper part of the burner frame to direct air upward. This usually only covers half the bottom of the balloon throat. ( more later )
Kevlar lines. These can be twisted wire or Kevlar rope. These lines go from the bottom of the envelope at the load tapes to the top of the burner frame ( on most type balloons ) to attach the envelope to the basket.
Drop Line. This is a line that can be dropped to the crew from the basket if the become calmed over a non landing area. Never catch a drop line and never yank a drop line. Follow the instructions of your Pilot or Crew Chief ( Pilot on the ground ).
Fan. The fan is used to cold inflate the Balloon envelope prior to hot inflating it. Fans are very dangerous and we will talk about that later.
Red Line. This is the line in most balloons that opens the "crown vent" Sometimes red.. sometimes candy striped.
Green Line. Some balloons come with side turning vents. This allows the Pilot to rotate the balloon in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction.
Black Line. Same as the green line but different direction. Some balloons have two side vent lines.
Step. This is the hole in the side of the basket that allows the passengers to enter and exit the basket easier. Not easy.. easier.
Tether. This is the line that attaches from the balloon to a strong attachment point on your vehicle to stop the balloon from being thrown into the air prematurely. Never attach to a trailer. Ever.
Crown Line. This line is attached to the top of the "crown" ring and is used by the crew to control the envelope during cold inflation.
Handle. These you will find inside and outside of the basket. Inside for you to hold onto during bumpy landings and outside to move the basket.
Fan. Again.. didn't we talk about this already? Okay... Fan needs to be on the list twice as it is the most dangerous part of ballooning. never move a fan while its running, never have loose clothing near the fan, never stand in front of a fan. It will eat your lunch.
I will continue on the names in tomorrows blog.
Velcro Tab.
Spring Top.
Drop Line.
Chase Vehicle.
Instruments.
Radios.
Vent or Vents.
Adding a few...
Envelope Bag.
Crew Chief.
Burner.
Uprights.
Wicker.
Propane Tank.
Hoses.
Upright Covers.
Load Tapes.
More to come....
Wooo Hooo...
THE CREW!!!!! SHEESH!
