fuel valves on the fuel tanks, and vent the fuel system. Once  the fuel system has been shut off, and there is no risk of  fire, the vent line can be activated to start the deflation. The  crown line crewperson pulls on the crown line to assist in  the deflation process and to help lay the balloon out in the  desired direction. The pilot and crew should remember that  it is virtually impossible to lay a balloon down against the  wind. Other crewmembers may be stationed on the sides  to keep fabric from draping over trees, bushes, and assist  the balloon in coming down. Once the envelope is on its  side, the crown line crewmember may move to the top of  the balloon, and maintain slight tension on the load ring in  order to continue the deflation. This crewmember should be  reminded to leave gloves on, as the load ring is hot and may  take some time to cool.  At this point, the balloon is ready to be “walked out,” or  “squeezed,” meaning that the remaining air in the balloon  is removed in preparation for repacking the envelope in the  appropriate bag. The most common method is for the pilot or  a crewmember to gather the envelope together at the throat,  and, keeping their arms around the fabric, walk towards the  top of the envelope squeezing the air out as they go. There is  ample opportunity during this process to injure one’s back.  The person walking the envelope out should take care to not  put excessive strain on their lower back during this process.  There are some mechanical devices available to help in this  process, and some pilots elect to use one of these, rather than  put an individual’s well being at risk.  [Figure 8-10]  After the envelope is walked out and the crown line is  secured, either in a separate bag or by folding it in half  down the length of the envelope (which prevents tangling),  the envelope is ready to be packed in its bag. The envelope  $_{Figure 8-10.}$  Walking the balloon out with a “Squeeze-EZ.” Crewmembers should be stationed on opposite sides of the  bag at a 90° angle to the balloon. The pilot or designated  crewmember lifts a section of the balloon and, with the  crewmembers lifting the bag and bringing it to the envelope,  place it in the envelope bag. This process continues until the  envelope is almost completely packed and only the suspension  cables are out. The suspension system is removed from the  basket superstructure and secured, and placed in the envelope  bag. The bag is closed and loaded on the chase vehicle. Actions at this point are performed in the reverse order of the  layout procedure. Generally, the envelope is secured onto the  chase vehicle, the basket and burners are disassembled and  secured on the vehicle, and a final check of the landing site  is made to ensure that no loose items are left at the landing  $_{Figure 8-11.}$  Packing the balloon. This pilot has elected to position  the envelope bag near the basket and is bringing the balloon to the  bag, rather than picking up the bag each time to move it towards  the basket. Some pilots prefer this method, as it means less lifting  for the crew. bag, regardless of manufacturer, has a “flap” of fabric across  the top. Some pilots prefer to pack the envelope so the flap  is towards the balloon, while others prefer that the flap be  away from the balloon. At first glance, this appears to be a  random choice but there is sound reasoning behind it. If the  balloon is usually launched from grassy, smooth fields, then  it would be normal to have the flap away from the balloon.  If, however, the balloon is laid out for inflation in areas  with rocks, stubble, and other objects which may potentially  damage the envelope, it is an accepted practice to pack the  balloon with the envelope flap facing towards the balloon.  Then, when the balloon is laid out on the next flight, it passes  over the flap before contact with the ground and minimizes  the risk of damage.  [Figure 8-11]  8-12