(laterals) are attached to the vertical bridles.  [Figure 7-12] The six-line system is preferable in windier  conditions, as  it allows the balloon to move within the  framework created  by the bridles and laterals, but keeps the ba lloon upright  and confined to a relatively small area. The  specific setup  required is dependent on the intent of the tether and whether  rides are being offered.  In almost all cases, the manufacturer’s flight ma nual specifies  procedures and techniques for tethering the  balloon, and  the prudent pilot is aware of these instructions and possible  limitations prior to conducting a tether. Tether safety often depends more on flight  team skills and  preparation than anything else. The following te thering safety  tips are drawn from the book,  Hot Air Ba lloon Crewing  Essentials,  by Gordon Schwontkowski, and  is an excellent  reference text for balloon pilots as well as crew. spectators and participants according to your needs  and their safety rather than chatting with them. •  Note and adjust for weather changes. Weather places  great unnatural stresses on tethered balloons. Be  prepared to suspend or cancel a tether at any moment  due to changing weather. Allow extra time for packing  lines and other tether equipment when considering  whether to shut down.  •  Plan for any one line to fail or come untied with no  notice. Create a backup plan you can implement  immediately to maintain control and safety. •  Watch for spectators and children who want to hang  onto tether lines and ride them off the ground. Keep  all noncrew away from lines; suddenly tight or rising  lines pose risks for all concerned. At NO TIME should  any crew member ever leave the ground (riding or  hanging on the basket, holding ropes, etc.). •  Devote one crew member exclusively to organizing  passengers in a line far back from the balloon and  tether lines. Select groups by number, weight, age,  or an appropriate combination of factors. •  Adding weight is necessary on landing and during  passenger switches, giving many opportunities for  someone’s toes or a foot to slip beneath a fully loaded  basket. Keep everyone similarly clear of lines running  to the basket or lower envelope. •  Inspect lines frequently to ensure they are attached  securely at both ends, particularly under heavy loads  or in stronger wind conditions. •  Whether you use a commercially av ailable tether  system or your own quality ropes  matters less than  how well and how thoroughly you  prepare. Securely  attach two or three tether lines minimu m to load rings,  envelope carabiners, or other brand  specific point on  your equipment.  •  Triangulated wind protection is the  goal. Attach  tether lines to secure objects such as  parked vehicles  so that two lines always distribute  wind loads. This  protects you on all sides from turbulenc e and potential  downdrafts from buildings. •  Focus! Constantly watch weather  conditions and line  tensions for changes or needed  adjustments. Listen  to the crew for feedback and instru ction. Direct  $_{Figure 7-12}$  A six-line tether. 7-14