Crewmember Information Page (last updated on March 02, 2008)
.JPG)
Hot
Air Balloons rely on volunteers to help set-up, inflate, chase after the balloon
in flight, and pack it up after it lands. It takes a
minimum of 4 people plus the pilot to get a Hot Air Balloon ready for flight and
the more the better for packing it back up after landing. Without the help of crewmembers
we are not able to fly our balloons. People with all abilities are needed, even
people that just want to watch and offer support.
This page contains information and entertainment for people that are interested in becoming an
active part of our Hot Air Balloon Crew or are interested in becoming
an FAA certified Hot Air Balloon Pilot.
Crew Volunteers perform the following tasks:
- Un pack the Hot Air Balloon components form the vehicle
- Assemble the basket and envelope
- Assist the pilot inflating the balloon envelope and preparing it for flight
- Follow the Hot Air Balloon in a chase vehicle
- Assist the pilot after landing
- Deflate and pack up the balloon components back in the chase vehicle
- Assist the passengers and pilot in a post flight celebration.
Some of these crew duties may involve:
- Lifting heavy objects
- Operating a gasoline powered fan
- Tying rope knots
- Driving a vehicle with a trailer
- Reading a road map
- Talking on a two-way radio
- Walking in fields and wooded areas
Travel - Most of our flying is in the central and eastern part of
Connecticut, however we do travel to festivals in Massachusetts, Vermont, New
Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, New Mexico and internationally to festivals
in Canada and Mexico. Crewmembers are always welcome to
attend with us..JPG)
Crewmember Training
"Crew Training 101" is a site
created by the "Ca-Zoo"
Hot Air Balloon Team in Danville, IL. They have put together a very
informative web training course for anyone interested in crewing for a Hot Air
Balloon. We send everyone interested in crewing for us to this site, they've
done a great job.
Becoming an FAA Certified Pilot
If you are interested in becoming a Hot Air Balloon Pilot, learning the duties of all the crewmember positions is the first step. Pilot candidates must be familiar with all crewmember duties first before moving on to pilot training. See our Becoming a Pilot link for more information on how to become a Hot Air Balloon Pilot.
.JPG)
Getting Involved
If you would like to volunteer to be part of our Hot Air Balloon Crew or are interested in becoming a pilot please contact me.
Daryl Smith
e-mail: Daryl@CTHotAir.Com
Cell Phone - 860-428-6769