How To Set Up A Hot Air Balloon

Airship Set-upward Process

"Sheet the winds in a dream come true..."

Join Helm-Crystal and her Flight Team

Below is one example of a process we follow for the INFLATION of the hot air balloon organisation. The balloon system is very adaptable to minor changes for the twenty-four hours's flight schedule. The actual set-upwards of the airship tin vary depending on atmospheric condition and launch site. As the Flight Team knows, the Airplane pilot-In-Command (PIC) is the one who will assess the conditions and choose the location of the launch site. The PIC will instruct each aggrandizement, if needed. Otherwise, the Flight Team Helm volition be in command of all ready-up procedures. However, all decisions are made past the Motion picture of each flight and may supercede that of the Flight Team Helm. After all, information technology is the PIC who ultimately is responsible to ensure the safety of all Flight Squad Members and Passengers. The overall set-up time also varies. This could be anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.

We start by pulling out the green TARP fabricated of polyurethane nylon This grayness envelope bag is stored in the nose of the trailer. Not all fields will be tarped. Only those with gravel, dirt, and droppings.

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If the grass is very damp, it is used to help allow the balloon envelope to aggrandize without dragging and weighing down on the wet surface.

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After the airship has launched, the tarp is stuffed back into the envelope bag with a tail left out. This makes it easier to pull it out the side by side time information technology is needed. DON'T TAKE THE Fourth dimension TO FOLD IT...save your energy.

The Airship Handbasket is pulled halfway from the back of the trailer and TILTED downwardly until the lesser corner touches the footing. It is counterbalanced in this position every bit another flight squad member drives the trailer forward approx. 7 feet and clear of the basket. Then the handbasket is gently ready on its lesser without scraping the border of the trailer. PLEASE Practice Not ATTEMPT TO LIFT THE Handbasket (as demonstrated above).

The basket should be facing downwind when pulled from the trailer. This means the red burn down extinguisher will exist on the commuter's side (stage left). If this is not the instance, the basket needs to be turned clockwise until information technology is facing the correct position.

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Next, the BURNERS and Blanket are pulled from the BASKET and set aside. Delight Notation: Special care must exist taken when handling the burners. This is because the burner valves are frail and easily bent. Identify burners continuing on their heads, with the attachment on top, and away from the UPRIGHT get together.

Next, bring the UPRIGHTS out from the trailer. Locate the numbered holder in the handbasket corners (you volition notice that they will match the numbered bottoms of the uprights). Carefully lift the uprights and place one pole into the respective holder located in each corner of the Handbasket.

Make sure the NUMBERS 1-2-3-iv on the bottom of the uprights correspond with the numbers 1-2-3-four on the corner of the basket. When placing the uprights into the basket slots, do not pull down on the leather uprights. This will pull the velcro autonomously. Instead, place your hands on the cantankerous bars and pull down. When the uprights are settled in their slots, put both PINS into the bottom of the uprights by pushing the push to release the catch, slide through the upright assemble, place the KEEPER onto the end, so release the button. (Be aware, there are 2 pins to each upright.)

Don't exist shy to ask for help. The uprights won't be able to be pinned if placed into the incorrect slots. When you take the job done, the uprights will stand straight and tall in their position, pinned, and ready for flight.

Now, what to do with that BLANKET? It is placed nether the handbasket and on top of the tarp. This will help protect the basket leather and keep debris out of the wicker. Easy enough. (Equally seen above, notice the placement of the grey burner bag...abroad from the basket system. This will also be the side the fan will be placed afterwards.)

The HOSES to the propane tanks are and so "wrenched" from the REFUELING ADAPTER past the PIC or Flying Squad CAPTAIN and velcroed adjacent to the closest upright. The threads utilize the "loftier pressure tight/low pressure loose" method. Make sure the stop of the hose does non touch on the ground. We don't want dirt and debris pushed into the burner system.

Now for the ENVELOPE Bag. Several team members are needed to carry this from the back of the trailer to the tarp. Identify it downwind from the basket approximately 15 feet.

The envelope bag is tied closed with a "DAISY CHAIN". Just pull the small-scale rope and the threads will untie themselves. Watch how the rope is intertwined with the handbag so yous can put it back the mode it was found.

The flap should be facing away from the basket or as we like to say DOWNWIND.If the flap is not facing downwind when the daisy chain is undone, have each team member catch a handle and walk CLOCKWISE until information technology is right.

The Skirt or HOOP is and so unwound from the envelope pocketbook and held vertical to check the placement of the A BLOCKS. The A BLOCK is fastened to the brim past a pivot and concord the Flight WIRES or CABLES.

The two cable sets on the basis contain the Ruby LINE (reddish rope) and should exist on the vehicle 's driver side

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and WHITE Musical instrument Cablevision should be on the rider side. If the ruby-red line and musical instrument cablevision are not in their appropriate location on the ground, check to meet if the THROAT is twisted. If and so, untwist it by turning the skirt one consummate rotation. If this does non work, seek further assistance from the Flight Team Captain or Pic.

The bottom two cable sets (instrument and blood-red line) should be pinned onto the lesser UPRIGHT connections first. Remember to push the pin's blue button located on the A Block. This volition release the grab and allow the green KEEPER to be released. The A block is inserted into the top hole of the upright with the keeper brought around to the within and secured back onto the A block. The Cerise LINE volition line upward on the bottom driver's side. The instrument cablevision volition line up with the rider side on the lesser.

We like to place the bottom cables start because the weight of the BURNERS volition drive the uprights into the ground. This causes the flight team to have to elevator the uprights in gild to place the pin. And then, starting with the lesser cables here are the steps...

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Make sure the cables are non twisted. If they are, ask for assistance from the Flight Team Captain or Pic.
Push the blue push button on the pin caput and pull the A Block from the Skirt;
Place the A Block on either side of the top pigsty of the upright connexion;
Slide the pin through the A Cake and upright;
The safe cable will get to the inside of the upright allowing the keeper on the outside of the pivot

Now, release the blue button and repeat. Whew!

Delight Practice Non PUT THE PIN ON THE GROUND. They are difficult to see and expensive to replace.

Unzip the grey burner bag and gently elevator the BURNERS placing them into the upper holes of the UPRIGHTS as in the diagram higher up. The BURNERS are heavy, so ask for help in lifting them into place.

The large Crimson knob or WHISPER VALVE located at the bottom of the burners will be placed on the driver side, opposite the fan. These are besides pinned in place. Make sure both ends of the burner are placed at the same time. Never driblet 1 side or the other.

The PIC or Flight Team Captain should be the only fellow member to CONNECT the burners to the hoses. But 5 pounds of pressure is needed when "wrenching" the hose in place. That means the burners will move slightly when 5 pounds is applied using the wrench. Now that the handbasket is facing downwind, and the cables are connected to the basket, the burners and hoses are connected, the Safety TIE is connected from the upright to the vehicle, and the balloon envelope is ready to be pulled out of the envelope bag. (NOTE: We e'er use a safety necktie, fifty-fifty in the calmest of atmospheric condition atmospheric condition. This safety necktie is to be placed by either the Motion-picture show or Flight Team Helm.)

Accept 2 or 3 flight team members take hold of the handles on either side of the ENVELOPE BAG, lift slightly, and DRAG downwind. (Note: This is standard procedure, but there may be times when the PIC will have the envelope "BLOWN" from the bag with the INFLATOR FAN.)

This allows the envelope to release slowly from the envelope bag. At this time you volition notice the envelope is tied every 10 feet. Consult with the Flight Squad Captain or PIC to see what kind of inflation will exist used. Sometimes the ties will exist pulled off prior to the aggrandizement process and sometimes they will be left on and pulled gradually while the fan throws common cold air into the envelope.

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Afterward the envelope is "streamered out", pull the CROWN LINE from the purse and walk forward to the extent of the rope. A "SKI TOW" is then carabinered on the end of the crown line. This crown line will assist the stand up of the envelope when information technology is fully COLD PACKED and ready for HOT Aggrandizement. Make sure you fold the envelope pocketbook upwardly nicely and so no grass will get into the handbag and identify in the trailer.

Next, the skirt is pulled downwind under the airship envelope. This is easier with two team members.

Notation: Nosotros are nearly to proceed to the Pharynx OR MOUTH of the balloon system. Please remember gloves and long sleeves will be needed for these positions. Refrain from wearing nylon jackets or pants and sandles (especially the sideslip-on multifariousness).

Two squad members volition be stationed at the THROAT or MOUTH. On the passenger or FAN SIDE (cold side), position your left foot on the cable close to the SKIRT. Exercise Not STEP ON THE FABRIC OR THE WHITE Musical instrument LINE. As seen above, have the Handling LINE over your left shoulder and hold the cables with your correct hand palm facing up. This allows for a quick detangle. Do this mirrored or opposite for the commuter's side pharynx position.

Dorsum to Height

The INFLATOR FAN is brought from the trailer. This should exist a 2 member job so that no one receives back strain. Make sure the fan is never tipped on its dorsum or front end. The continuing position as seen above is the only way the fan should be transported or stood.

The INFLATOR FAN is faced abroad from the balloon organisation, started, and run upward to speed for a test. Then it is shut off and gear up facing DOWNWIND, facing the envelope, and next to the handbasket on the rider side. Practice not bend over the fan with a scarf or open jacket that can be "sucked" in past the blades. The fan should never exist moved while operating (rotating). If you have long hair, make sure it is tied back.

The INFLATOR FAN is positioned on the LEFT or rider side of the handbasket. The CAGE does not extend beyond the black leather acme of the basket. The flight team fellow member has both hands on the fan and long hair is pulled dorsum. Bring earplugs for extra protection. The fan is the MOST Dangerous office of the aggrandizement and should always exist kept in an upright mode.

Now the INFLATION Process begins. We have two flight team members on the THROAT of the envelope. Gloves, long sleeves, and natural fabrics should be worn when on the throat. Notice the hand positions. Ever use an underhand grip on the "flying wires" or CABLES. The other paw holds the HANDLING LINE which is never wrapped around the hand. Once again, the fan can be noisy, and so we recommend bringing along earplugs for actress protection. If wearing a baseball game cap, consider wearing the cap backwards to keep information technology from blowing into the envelope.

The fan will begin in a lower speed. Those at the throat or oral fissure must remember to footstep on the clips, not on material or cables. At the same fourth dimension, flight team members will be contrary the fan at the crown (tiptop of the balloon) attaching the velcro to the parachute top.

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Once attached, the fan speed will be increased to allow for a total "COLD PACK" of the envelope.

A "THUMBS Upward" sign will be given to the FAN operator when total speed should be applied. The CROWN LINE will exist held taunt past a flight team member. The SKI TOW fastened to the end of the crown line will maintain control of the envelope during Common cold INFLATION, too as HOT INFLATION. The crown line volition keep the envelope from rolling or rising too speedily during the HOT Inflation. (Withal, do not exist surprised if the PIC or Flight Squad Helm requests the envelope exist "rolled" to and fro during the cold inflation to assistance the inflation process.) With the fan on total it doesn't take much time for the envelope to COLD PACK

When the lines at the THROAT grow taunt, gently pull the Brim out from under the envelope and into the open position. Now we are ready to add together rut. You lot will exist able to simply agree onto the HANDLING LINES (the little white ropes) to go on the Throat open. Your feet will not have to stand up on cables or the skirt. The fan volition be turned down to half speed past the fan operator. This is the bespeak the "hot inflation" volition commense. Make sure you go on eyes on the PIC during the hot aggrandizement for any emergency instructions.

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We are set to begin HOT INFLATION. Be enlightened once the hot inflation begins, there volition exist noise and heat from the burners. If yous are posititioned on the THROAT, practise non drib the HANDLING LINES (as pictured above). Brand sure your long sleeves are pulled over your wrist before the rut is applied to the envelope and lookout man the PIC for additional instructions during the hot inflation.

The flight team member at the FAN will be instructed in advance past the PIC or Flight Team Captain of the signals to subtract speed and shut-off fan while HOT INFLATING. Remember: The driver'southward side is the Cold SIDE and the passenger side is the HOT SIDE.

During the HOT Inflation, the balloon will gently rise when the hot air is applied to the cold pack. Every bit the envelope rises, the basket may move so watch your toes. One time the balloon is upright the Moving picture volition request for "WEIGHT ON". At this fourth dimension, ahold of the HANDLING LINES, "abdomen up to the bar" (or lean onto the handbasket), and use your weight to the basket.

At present, nosotros are prepare to board passengers. Please, wait for the PIC to secure the aircraft and instruct you when to get a "leg up" into the basket. Foot steps are located on both sides of the handbasket. NO ONE IS TO RELEASE THE SAFETY Necktie-OFF UNLESS INSTRUCTED BY PIC.

And at present it is Up, UP, and away.
Soft landing. CC