misconception that tether operations are conducted under  the provisions of 14 CFR Part 101, Applicability; this is an  incorrect assumption. Tether operations must be conducted by  a certificated pilot, and may not, under any circumstances, be  performed by an individual not in possession of an airman’s  certificate. hand around the fitting and “snuffing” out the flame before  it can spread further. Because of the variety of systems, valve types, and differences  in operations, a pilot should review the flight manual for his  or her particular balloon system, and be familiar with and  regularly practice the emergency procedures. The previously  listed information is general in nature, and is not specific to  any particular type of balloon, nor should it be taken as a  specific procedure to be followed in the event of an in-flight  emergency. In all cases, the information contained in the  manufacturer’s flight manual should be followed. In all emergencies, it is imperative that the pilot maintain  control of the balloon. Many minor problems can quickly  become major problems if the pilot fails to continue to fly  the balloon. Additionally, the use of a checklist for in-flight  emergencies is not appropriate. First, the pilot must resolve  the situation, and then refer to an appropriate checklist or the  balloon’s flight manual to verify the appropriate action.  Laying out the balloon for a properly executed tether operation  requires a little more preparation than a normal launch layout.  Initial planning needs to take into consideration the winds,  both current and forecast, for the period of time the tether is  to be conducted. The tether site should be at least twice, and  preferably three times, the size of a normal launch area for that  particular balloon. It may be surrounded by trees, buildings,  and other obstacles. Under certain circumstances, this may  work to the pilot’s advantage, as these may block low-level,  lower velocity winds. Higher winds may create turbulence  that significantly affects the balloon.  [Figure 7-11] There are two primary methods of tethering, the three-line  method and the six-line method. In the three-line method,  lateral lines are attached at the top of the basket, generally  to the suspension of the balloon, to transfer stress loads from  the balloon directly to the lateral lines, and not through the  basket’s superstructure. In the six-line method, three vertical  “bridle” lines are connected from the top of the balloon to the  top of the basket’s superstructure and three additional lines  Tethering a hot air balloon, despite its apparent simplicity,  is perhaps the most demanding and stressful operation in  ballooning, both in terms of equipment and the pilot. Balloons  are designed to be free flown, not tied to the ground, and  tethering incurs forces on a balloon that can, under certain  circumstances, exceed design limits. The pilot conducting  a tether is often called upon to conduct two or three hours  of precise, “finesse” flying, which many times he or she is  not prepared for. The crew must endure 2 to 3 hours of non- stop handling to manage this complex and often exhausting  operation. Safe conditions fall within narrow ranges and a  safe tether often demands more attention and management  than flying in marginal conditions. Every tether situation is unique enough to require tailoring  the operation to specific needs and equipment. However,  the idea of a “simple” tether should not lure the pilot into  underestimating the very real demands and risks that come  with it. A skilled and knowledgeable crew allows a pilot to  take advantage of the many benefits tethering offers. Under  suitable conditions, a well planned multi-hour commercial  tether can last for hours, reach a media audience of millions,  and offer several hundred people their first brief balloon  ride. Regardless of the reasons for tethering a balloon, all  forms of tethering require the same basic preparations and  guidelines for safety. The balloon pilot contemplating a tether operation should  remember that the requirements of 14 CFR Part 91, General  Operating and Flight Rules, apply to all operations conducted  with a type-certified hot air balloon. There is a popular  $_{Figure 7-11}$  Layout schematic for a balloon tether. Tethering/Mooring Wind direction 7-13