Glossary of Terms
Aeronaut
These are the people who have flown in a balloon and who have volunteered as crew members.
Aerostat
A lighter-than-air craft. A hot-air balloon is an aerostat.
Balloonatic
Fanatical hot-air balloon enthusiasts. You'll see these folks with their homes, vehicles, and personages decorated with balloon accoutrement. They may even wish to engage you in a discussion about ballooning.
Basket or Gondola
Hung from the balloon (or envelope), the basket or gondola is what the hot-air balloon pilot and passengers ride in. True baskets are made of cane or rattan and are woven by specialized craftsmen. Metal wires and a frame structure add strength and safety for riders.
Burners
The burners are used by the pilot to warm the air within the envelope. They are fueled with propane and are controlled by an on/off valve. Burners are specially designed for hot-air ballooning and come in a variety of configurations that include power capabilities and safety considerations.
Chase Crew
The Pilot's Crew that chases after the balloon. Using radio communications, the chase crew tracks the balloon during flight and will retrieve the hot-air balloon, pilot and passengers.
Crew
Volunteers who may have been requested by a Pilot or Crew Chief for an event. They may have been scheduled to attend ahead of time, or they may have volunteered at an event.
Crew Chief
Typically the most-experienced crew member who has an established working relationship with the Pilot. The Crew Chief is responsible for organizing the Crews, getting the balloon ready for flight, and retrieval, as well as providing any direct support that the Pilot may need.
Envelope
The most recognizable part of the hot-air balloon is the envelope. It's the "balloon" portion of the aircraft. Constructed of fire-resistant materials, the envelope must pass FAA inspections for flight.
Glow
When balloonatics want to show off, they anchor their balloons using tethers. They light a special burner configuration when the sun has set, and the balloons "glow."
Passenger Briefing
Pilots and Crew Chiefs will provide passengers with a briefing on their "jobs," and rules of flight. This will include a summary on how the hot-air balloon works, how to get into the basket, where to hold on, sitting and standing, what to do during landing, and any other unique characteristics of the particular balloon. New passengers are sometimes encouraged to become a part of the crew.
Pilot
As with any other aircraft, or ship on the high seas, the Pilot is law on board. They are very specially trained and rarified individuals who are certified by the FAA. They are also artisans of wind current travel, mystics, and romance lovers.
Pilot Briefing
At ballooning events where there are a group of balloonatics gathering to take flight, organizers will brief the pilot and crew on weather, wind speed, direction, competition rules, safety instructions and any local concerns. Information may be updated as necessary during the flight.
Tether Line/Ropes
One of the most important pieces of a hot-air balloon's equipment. Used to anchor the balloon when necessary, these allow the balloon to ascend and descend vertically.
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