Without willing and able and fun crew there would be no ballooning. Using Pilots for crew is just asking for trouble! Dont doubt me on that.
Highperactive is a Lindstrand X-69 Racer. She has two turning vents placed n her left side so that the green and black vent lines are on the right side with the crown vent line. All terms you know by heart! Right!
Okay.. words of the day.. Names that you should know...
Velcro Tab. These are the tabs made of velcro that hold the crown in the top of the envelope during cold and hot inflation. They are Ripped out just prior to launching.
Spring Top. Some balloons ( Aerostar ) sometimes have butterfly springs in the top to hold a portion of the crown in. These type balloons have a para-vent in them. Another name/word to know.
Chase Vehicle. The chase vehicle is also called a recovery vehicle. The crew follow the balloon while it flies until the balloon is ready to land. The crew will park near where ( good joke here ) the Pilot says he is going to land and prepare to assist the Pilot. Chase Crews may even be in more than one vehicle which helps with tracking down the balloon.
Instruments. Every balloon has to have instruments ( now ) to let the Pilot know what temperature the inside of the envelope is, the ambient temperature and the speed and direction the balloon is going up or down and altitude... almost forgot altitude.....
Radios. Though not required they are a good idea to have to talk to your Chase Crew. The little 2 and 3 mile radios are usually just fine for this. Some use hand held Ham Radios. We are required to carry a radio to contact Airports in the area.
Vent or Vents. We talked about these with the green and black lines. They are "holes" in the side of the balloon envelope to let you exhaust hot air out to spin the balloon around in the air.
Envelope Bag. This is the bag the balloon goes in to protect it while it is being transported. They usually have a plastic bottom but always remember not to drag the envelope along the ground. Even though its stronger fabric you can rub holes in it and then that will cause damage to the envelope. Everyone enjoys jumping on the envelope bag after its packed up to get the air out ( Except Tucker!)
Crew Chief. The Awsomeist, coolest, Totally RAD dude who stays on the ground. Sometimes know as the PILOT on the ground. He controls the setting up and putting down of the balloon. He oversees everything going on to help the Pilot and make sure everything and everyone stays safe. He is the LAST WORD and you should always listen to him/her.
A fisheye shot of Highperactive.. Burners ( dual ) on top left. Instrument package ( Flytecs ) on bottom right. You see the burner frame and the crown line coming down the center of the picture.
An over the side shot. You can see the Bloster and the bottom left and the outside red handles on the lower right. See all the pretty balloons down there... they are what we call... SLOW!
We can do the remaining Names/Words tomorrow...
Burner.
Uprights.
Wicker.
Propane Tank.
Hoses.
Upright Covers.
Load Tapes.
Flat Top Basket.
Bolster.
Weight On.
Hands Only.
Para-vent
Some links so you can go check out some other manufacturers of balloons.
http://www.cameronballoons.co.uk/cgi-bin/open.cgi
http://www.kubicekballoons.cz/
http://www.fantasyballoonsinc.com/main.html
And my favorite...
http://lindstrand.com/
Read up and we can get back tomorrow...
And think about this.... How much does propane weigh...... Hmmmm... Damn questions.
Caio!
