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Being part of a chase crew can be very rewarding; the first step begins by being assigned to a balloon pilot. Surprisingly, all the items needed for hot air ballooning, can fit in the back of a pick-up truck

Volunteer crews consist of 6 people & the balloon pilot. Each person is assigned a partner and all are given specific tasks to complete. Every process plays a vital role in preparation of getting the hot air balloon ready for lift-off.

Once the basket is uncovered the burners & fuel tanks can be set-up. Firing up the burners ensures ignition when the time is right.

The bag that holds the balloon is called the “button.” The button is stored in a waterproof bag to prevent damage to the balloon material.

Once the button is removed from it’s storage bag it takes 4 people to carry the balloon for lay-out so the basket can be attached.

Once the balloon is completely removed, all connecting lines are checked and attached to the balloon basket. The crown or vent at the top of the balloon is then fastened for proper ventilation.

At the base of the balloon, often called the skirt, volunteer’s set-up a gas powered commercial fan to fill the balloon with air.

The volunteers continue holding the skirt open while the balloon operator checks that the balloon is filling properly.

The 100,000 cubic feet hot air balloon is then inflated until it is 50% full of it’s total capacity.

The balloon pilot then prepares the burners for the initial blasts of hot air into the balloon. Short & Quick blasts of super heated air are continued to be shot into the cavity of the balloon. This method is used to prevent burning of the balloon material.

At the top end of the balloon, two people hold the crown line or anchor, to prevent the balloon from rolling side to side. Slowly as the balloon fills, the tension line is released.

The balloonist then shoots another blast of hot air into the cavity to continue the process of raising the balloon. When all conditions are right, the pilot will call for an all clear. This lets everyone know that the balloon is almost ready for anchoring.

The ground crew continues to hold the skirt to prevent roll over. The balloon pilot continues with short or rapid-fire blasts to bring the balloon at a tilt of about 25 degrees.

When the balloon raises to about a 45-degree angle, the crown or tension line is fully released. The pilot continues with the rapid-fire process to complete the raising of the hot air balloon.

Temperatures inside the balloon reach up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. When the balloon reaches an ambient temperature to balance the total weight of the basket, fuel tanks, pilot and passengers, the ground crew will continue anchoring the balloon until lift-off.

The balloon pilot is a skillful aviator who relies on modern day air trafficking equipment. A carefully mounted GPS monitor informs the pilot of wind speed, elevation, rate of descent and rate of ascension to enable him to fly the hot air balloon.

The pilot can carry about two passengers at a time. Often when the process is complete, the pilot will take the ground crew for a flight so that he or she can see the rewards of their hard work. The pilot will often “bump and bounce” the balloon, a term used to describe each flight taken by the passengers, about three times on the planned destination route. This wonderful experience can be enjoyed every first weekend in November.

This years regatta is held on November 2nd, 3rd & 4th. Contact (888) 261-7243