It is also important to insure that all personnel involved with  the inflation, whether pilot, crew or spectator, be aware of  the dangers of a safety restraint. The quick release rates  with the inflation fans as one of the most hazardous pieces  of equipment on the launch field. Early release under load,  or breaking of the safety restraint may cause serious injury.  All personnel involved should be briefed and made aware  of the potential hazards.  can attack the composition of the balloon’s fabric and  render it unairworthy).  Safety restraints, referred to as “quick releases” or “safety  tie downs,” are used in balloon inflations. They are designed  to restrain the balloon from movement in breezy or windy  conditions. There are several different types of safety restraints available,  but none are part of the aircraft certification process. This  lack of aircraft certification has led to controversy over the  use of safety restraints among ballooning enthusiasts. Since  event participation often requires their use for safety reasons,  the use of safety restraints is now recommended for balloon  launches. Each type of restraint has its own advantages and  disadvantages which a pilot can learn via observation and  discussion with an instructor and/or other balloon pilots.  When a pilot decides to utilize a safety restraint, it is important  to follow the balloon manufacturer’s recommendations on  how to attach it to the balloon superstructure. Many balloons  have been seriously damaged by using an improperly attached  restraint in excessive winds.  2-10 • First aid kit—the location and contents of first aid kits  vary. Some pilots keep a small first aid kit in their  balloon; some keep one in the chase vehicle. A frequent  topic at Safety Seminars, the contents of the kit often  depend on the area of the country in which the balloon  is flown.  • Fire extinguisher—most balloons now come equipped  with small fire extinguishers affixed to the basket. If  one is present, it will be inspected during the annual  inspection. These fire extinguishers are often too small  to extinguish grass fires or serious basket fires caused  by a propane leak. In the case of a propane-leak fire,  turning off a valve usually extinguishes the fire. This  is a better use of pilot time than fumbling for a fire  extinguisher that might not extinguish the fire.  • Compass—compasses are used to track pibals, check  map orientations, and navigate the balloon. While  almost any good quality compass will do, the best  kind to use is probably the sighting compass.  • Fueling adapter—adapters are required to connect  the balloon fuel tanks to the propane source. Pilots  should carry their own adapters to ensure the adapters  are clean and not worn. Dirty and worn adapters may  damage a fuel system.  • Igniters—most manufacturers provide at least two  sources of ignition on board. The best igniter is the  simple welding striker. Nearly all balloons have built- in piezo ignition systems.  • Vehicle suitability—terrain, vehicle road clearance,  and number of chase crew members are factors that  determine the suitability of a transport/chase vehicle.  • Radios—most pilots use some kind of two-way radio  for air to ground communication. There are many  choices available, ranging from Family Radio Service  (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)  radios, which are relatively low cost, to the more  sophisticated FM business band systems, which can  be expensive.  The GMRS and FM radios require licensing by  the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).  FRS radios do not. Using cell phones for air-ground  communications is a violation of FCC rules.  Miscellaneous Items $_{Figure 2-13.}$  This is an example of a transport vehicle which carries  a small balloon, three adults, a 20-inch inflation fan, and all other  necessary equipment. Quick/Safety Release 