Introduction

Becoming a crew member on a Hot Air Balloon Team can be very rewarding in so many ways. As a team member, you are an important part in which allows balloon flights to occur. Unlike other aircraft and flight preparations done almost exclusively by the pilot, ballooning requires a crew to assist in all aspects of the flight, from planning to completion.

Depending on the balloon, the pilot, and quite possibly the flight, each crew may perform differently, but all are obtaining the same goal; to have a fun and safe flight. Our team, like most, have specific jobs necessary to for each flight including Crown Line, Fan side Throat, Vent Line Throat, Fan Operator, and Crowd Control. There is even a place for media management with taking pictures, writing articles, and updating website/social media sites.

As Crew Members gain experience, they too rank up in status of sorts. A new member (Greenhorn) is just getting used to each position with supervision, understanding balloon and crew basics, and understanding the basics of flight.

Crew Members are comfortable in all positions with little to no supervision , can generally explain the setup and basic flight concepts, as well as increasing skills in passenger and land owner relations.

Crew Chief supervise the crew in all positions, works side by side with the pilot and can make accurate judgment calls and decisions when it comes to setting up and packing away. A Crew Chief also coordinates with the other crew members in flight preparations.

Although the Crew Chief can make calls and decisions, the Pilot has the final say and authority. The Pilot has the ultimate responsibility for the safety and we’ll being of the crew, passengers, and surrounding lands and people.

Crew Member Incentives

Although being a crew member can be physically demanding, some specific incentives are only fair.

• Crewing for 10 events/flights will garner 1 free flight or a single flight instruction.

• Possible weight and balance counter flight (totally separate and will not effect 10 flight status).

• Free event admission.

• Discounted room rates at some event outside of local area.

• Just having fun a meeting new folks.

There are many ways to Join the Crew. Join the Facebook Group. Contact us by email. Call us @ (731) 238-1852