Flying in New Territory Equipment 3-12 $_{Figure 3-16.}$  It is important to check that all equipment is in proper  working condition prior to flight. Figure 3-15.  Equipment set-up with a ground crew. When planning a flight in a new or unfamiliar area, it is  important to insure that balloonists are welcome. If possible,  talk to local balloonists who may be familiar with the area,  and who may be able to point out local no-fly areas, potential  launch and landing sites, and potential landowner problem  areas. To locate local balloonists: •  Call the nearest Flight Standards District Office  (FSDO) and ask for the name of a balloon pilot  examiner or FAA Safety team member. •  Look in the local telephone book under “Balloons— Manned.” •  Check for local balloon clubs in the area. •  Check the BFA membership roster online at www.bfa. net. •  At least one crew member should be familiar with  the balloon, the pilot’s flight planning and routines,  emergency procedures, vehicle operations (liftgate  operations, trailer backing, etc.) and the local area. If  out of town, a local person who knows the area and  roads can prove to be invaluable. •  A crew chief should be designated early in the preflight  planning process to avoid conflicts or communications  breakdowns later. This person oversees all ground  operations, under the direction of the pilot, directs  other crew members, and speaks on behalf of the pilot  when meeting landowners. •  The crew should be free of major disabilities  (pre-existing back conditions, severe allergies/ respiratory conditions), capable of lifting/moving  heavy equipment, and in good physical shape. •  A meeting place should be designated well in advance  of the launch time. It is prudent to err on the early  side, as being late causes all other facets of the flight  process to be rushed, increasing the potential for risks.  If the meeting site is to serve also as the launch site,  there should be a secondary location available in case  of relocation. •  Crew members who are healthy, rested, and focused  perform best. Minimize conditions or distractions that  compromise these items. If there are no balloonists in the local area, talk to other aircraft  pilots or local law enforcement offices. Let them know that a  balloon flight is being planned and ask for advice.  Pack all equipment; have it ready and double checked the  night before a flight. New pilots should create and follow a  checklist that covers all of the home station preparations for the  chase vehicle and equipment. Simple tasks, such as ensuring  that radios and cell phones are properly charged, can easily  be overlooked. Check to see that the balloon, fan, and vehicle  are fueled; vehicle tires are inflated; required documentation  is in the balloon; and all necessary maps, radios, and other  equipment are loaded in the chase vehicle.  [Figure 3-16]  While most crew members participate in ballooning for the  fun and friendship it offers, it is essential they are committed  to their ongoing role in flight safety. Preflight planning  requires that a pilot consider how crew will help each flight  unfold safely.