The Colorado Balloon Club

Promoting Ballooning Throughout Colorado

 

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A Guide to Crewing for Hot-Air Balloons

Welcome to the wonderful world of Ballooning!  If you are interested in becoming a part of the worlds first form of manned flight, this page will provide you the general resources necessary to understand being part of a chase crew.  The Colorado Balloon Club promotes safety and fun for chase crews, through education and regular flying events.

Being part of a chase crew is great fun and not a lot of hard work. That said, all ballooning crews can use the crew training instructions listed here.

Before you get started, please note the following:
•  Each balloon system is different
•  Different pilots use different techniques
•  Be sure to follow the pilot’s instructions
•  Don't forget to ask your pilot questions
 
General rules for balloon chase crew members:
•  Pilot is in charge (crew chief is when pilot is in air)
•  No smoking
•  Don't be late to launch field
•  No drinking until balloon is packed
•  Different pilots have different plans
•  Don’t step on the balloon
•  Only pull on the balloon by the thick load tapes
•  Lift with legs & don't straddle ropes
•  Wear Gloves

Please check out the links listed below for more information on chasing balloons.  If you have any questions or would like to become part of a chase crew, please contact us and we can help you get started.

Getting started in ballooning
What to wear
Assembly, inflation and launch
Chasing the balloon
Deflation and packup
Refueling information