Every pilot and crewmember can build a mental database of  visual cues that report weather data. More important than pre- launch weather is inflight weather, which is further removed  in time from forecast conditions (electronic or briefings)  but can change just as fast and dramatically. Wind speed  or direction changes can signal developing rain or frontal  movement. Radar returns require human interpretation and  can miss developing conditions or provide false echoes off  birds or buildings. Weather-savvy pilots and crew gather  weather information from whatever source is available to  them anywhere, at any time. canceling the flight. Although the balloon may get airborne,  chances are that flying out of one’s comfort zone and having  to prepare for a very windy landing may impair concentration.  The distraction may hinder safe, enjoyable flying. Crewmembers, as well as the pilot, should be clothed for safety  and comfort. Cover or restrain long hair. Scarves, hanging  jewelry, or loose eyeglasses can interfere with smooth setup,  and can potentially be very dangerous, particularly near the  inflation fan. Long sleeves and long trousers made of cotton  instead of synthetic material are recommended. Try to wear  clothes in layers since temperatures can change quite a bit  from before sunrise to the recovery. Proper clothing protects  participants from burns, poison oak/ivy, and other harmful  plants. The good balloon pilot checks the balloon’s performance  charts, considering that day’s conditions, and comes to a  reasonable conclusion regarding the limitations of the balloon  for that particular flight. Prior to flight (and perhaps even prior  to layout), fuel gauges should be checked to ensure there is  sufficient fuel on board to conduct the planned flight.  All crewmembers should wear gloves, preferably smooth  leather, loose fitting, and easy to remove. Wear comfortable  and protective footwear. If it becomes necessary to walk or  hike from a landing site inaccessible by the chase vehicle,  proper clothing and footwear make the task easier and less  hazardous. Generally, there are two different areas of responsibility for  a crew: inflation/launch and chase/recovery. Both are usually  referred to as ground crew. Passengers often serve as inflation  crew, become passengers for the flight, and crew again after  the balloon has landed. Before the noise and activity make  discussion difficult, the pilot should give the crew briefing  and discuss any requirements before inflation. Knowing the function or purpose of a flight is important to  the crew, so they know the goals of the operation; possible  time aloft; probable direction(s) of flight; probable altitudes;  communications, if any, to be used; and useful maps or  charts. Balloon flights can be classified into several different  types: paid passenger, instruction, race, rally, advertising/ promotion, and fun. The number of crewmembers is a matter of individual  preference and depends upon the size of the balloon, purpose  of the flight, terrain, and other factors. When using a small  balloon for instruction, a crew of three people, including  the instructor, student, and one crew, may be sufficient.  For passenger flights in large balloons, a larger number  of crewmembers are generally required. Having too many  people in the chase vehicle may be a distraction for the driver.  The recommended minimum crew for the vehicle is two:  one person to drive and the other to navigate and serve as a  balloon “spotter.” This is perhaps the safest method.  Many commercial balloon pilots defray the cost of the sport  by offering paid passenger rides. The crew should know  that these passengers are paying for the privilege, and may  have been promised a certain type and length of flight.  Instructional flights require the crew follow the direction  of the instructor, so the student may see and participate as  much as possible. The crew should work closely with the  instructor and student and not take over any portion of the  operation, thus denying the student the opportunity to learn.  For competitions, crew responsibilities may be different.  The pilot may have only a single goal in mind and focus  on that goal. The crew’s job is always to help the pilot, but  in the case of the competition flight, the crew should try to  relieve the pilot of some of the routine tasks so he or she may  concentrate on the goals. Regardless of the type of flight, the  crew is there to support the pilot in conducting a safe and  successful flight operation.  The optimum size inflation crew for a sport balloon is four  people—the pilot operating the burner, two people holding the  mouth open, and one person on the crown line. Some pilots opt  to have a fifth person serve as a fan operator; this is a matter  of technique and personal preference. Many pilots prefer a  larger number of crewmembers; however, it is important to  be aware that too many crewmembers may often be working  against each other due to lack of coordination. In windy or  crowded situations, it is important to have a person holding  the crown line. If inflation requires more crew than usual,  due to the windy conditions, consideration should be given to  6-4 Number of Crewmembers Types of Flight The Chase Crew Performance Planning/Fuel Planning Clothing