to the back of the basket to serve as a tie-off point for the  balloon’s quick-release system. This method minimizes the  amount of lifting and carrying of heavy components. When  used in reverse, it allows for the system to be packed up at  the end of the flight, and kept ready for a future flight. If the basket is disassembled for transport and handling, it  must be assembled in accordance with the flight manual prior  to layout. The pilot, using the checklist, should either perform  these functions or carefully supervise them. Once the basket is appropriately placed, it is necessary to  attach the uprights and burner frame (as appropriate). Each  brand of balloon is slightly different, and the balloon’s flight  manual should be checked for the specific procedures. Some  balloon baskets must be placed on their side to install the  uprights and burner, while some may be left standing upright.  Either way, after the components are installed, they should  be checked for installation, integrity, security, and general  condition. If not accomplished in the previous step, the burner(s) (or  heater) should be mounted and connected. Retaining pins,  as applicable, must be mounted, and fuel lines connected  between the burner and the tanks. The practice of using  an adjustable wrench on fuel line fittings is discouraged;  while convenient, these wrenches usually cause excessive  wear on the fittings over time, and may result in damage or  early replacement. It is usually better to use the correct size  open-end wrench. Fittings do not need to be heavily torqued  into place; this is a common error with newer pilots. A good  fitting usually seals with little more than finger-tight force.  Anything more may indicate corrosion or a damaged flange  seal in the fitting.  [Figure 6-9] good habit patterns. Each system has a specific procedure,  appropriate to that particular system, which is outlined in  the flight manual for that model of balloon. In general, each  burner, including the pilot light, is checked individually  for correct operation to ensure that the burner is working  properly. Each burner is checked using each fuel tank, and all  backup systems should also be checked for correct function  and operation. As an example, assume a single burner balloon with three  tanks connected into a common fuel line (tanks in parallel).  The pilot would first light the pilot lights and check for  correct operation. Then, one tank would be opened, and the  blast valve activated. The pilot checks for correct operation,  smooth blast valve movement, and for pressure in the fuel  system, as excessive loss of pressure may be indicative of a  fuel tank or line problem. This procedure should be repeated  for each tank, closing off the first tank when moving to the  second, and so on. After all tanks are checked, then the  backup system (Fire2$^{™}$, Whispervalve$^{™}$, Liquid Fire$^{™}$,  Metering Valve, etc.) should also be tested. Once all systems  are checked for functionality, then the tanks should be closed,  pressure released from the fuel system by burning off the fuel,  and the basket placed on its side in preparation for attaching  the envelope. (NOTE: At no time should all of the tanks in  a parallel-plumbed system be opened at once. In the event  It is appropriate to check for leaks in the fuel system at this  point; this should be a checklist item. The pilot opens the  fuel tank valves and checks each connection, at both tank and  burner, by using a “sniff test.” The odorant in propane, ethyl  mercaptan, has a very distinctive odor and is relatively easy  to detect. The burner should also be examined to ensure that  no fuel is leaking from fittings, pressure gauges, or interior  plumbing. Once satisfied that there are no leaks, the fuel may  be turned off and the pressure bled off. The basket should  then be placed in a vertical position to prepare for the next  function check. Most manufacturers require burner checks as a necessary  part of an equipment function check and are indicative of  6-9 Burner Check Burner and Fuel System Basket Assembly Figure 6-9.  Burner installation on a Lindstrand.