Prelaunch Check Launch After the balloon is inflated and upright, the pilot should  perform a pre-launch check. Ensure that loose equipment  is properly stowed and secured. For balloons using multiple  tanks, it may be appropriate to shut off the tank that was used  for inflation, and open the tank that will be used first for  flight. Some pilots make another quick check of the burner  to ensure that there are no leaks or deficiencies present. The  top cap should be activated to release the tabs (as necessary),  and ensure that the mechanism is functioning properly. The  altimeter, if not previously set, should be set to the proper  barometric pressure or field elevation, and the temperature  indicating system should be checked for a proper reading.  If used, radios should be turned on and secured. The pilot  should note the time of inflation, and quickly check the fuel  level in each tank to ensure that there is sufficient fuel for  the planned flight. This pre-launch check should be brief and  verified through the use of a pre-launch checklist.  If carrying passengers, now is the time to invite them in the  basket. Immediately compensate for the additional weight  with sufficient heat to regain equilibrium. The passengers  have already been briefed on the correct landing procedure.  Brief them again on behavior in the basket. Advise passengers  not to touch any control lines, take care of their possessions,  stay within the confines of the basket, and, above all, to obey  the PIC. At least one crewmember should remain near the basket in  case the pilot or passengers need assistance. This is a good  time to give the crew a final briefing regarding the expected  distance and length of the flight, radio channels, and other last  minute instructions. If other balloons are launching from the  same area, ask a crewmember to step back from the balloon  to check that it is clear above. fast ascent rate, the pilot should set up for the lift off by having  the ground crew put their weight on the basket by hanging  their arms over the side, not holding on. The pilot should  then heat the balloon to a temperature beyond that needed for  equilibrium; 20° above the neutral buoyancy point may be a  good starting point. After getting a check of possible traffic  above the balloon, the pilot instructs the crew, “weight off,”  and the crew responds by removing their weight from the  basket. It is imperative that the crew clears the basket, and  that no crewmembers are left hanging outside. The balloon  then rises at a fairly rapid ascent rate. The pilot must be aware  that the balloon is marginally under control at this point,  and that too excessive a climb rate may result in a condition  known as “floating the top.” This is a scenario where the air  pressure created by the climb may push the top cap of the  balloon down, causing an out-of-control descent. Maximum  climb rates are specified in the operating limitations section  of the balloon’s flight manual. Two or three standard burns in a row from equilibrium  usually provide a slow departure from the ground. If there  are no nearby, downwind obstacles to clear, a slow ascent  rate is preferred to test wind direction and detect subtle wind  changes. Climbing at a slow rate is the best way to avoid  running into balloons above. There is an unwritten rule in  ballooning (not regulatory) that the balloon below has the  right of way (due to lack of visibility above). Although  the balloon below has the right of way, the higher balloon  needs time to climb out of the way, if necessary. Pilots must  maintain awareness of other balloons operating near them,  particularly in crowded or rally situations.  [Figure 6-15] A fast ascent rate from launch is only to avoid ground  obstacles or to pass quickly through an adverse wind, and  only when it is clear above. Should circumstances require a  It is very easy to be distracted during launch and make an  unintentional descent. Make sure all ground business is taken  care of, such as instructing the chase crew and stowing all  equipment correctly, before leaving the ground.  6-14 $_{Figure6-15.}$  The balloon below has the right of way while ascending. The pilot of the higher balloon should, as a courtesy and in the  interest of safety, yield the right of way to the ascending balloon,  as that pilot is probably unable to see the balloon above.