Crewing 
What is 'Crewing'?
The ground crew helps put together and set up the balloon, chases while the pilot and passengers fly and help pack everything away once the day is done.
Crewing for a hot-air balloon is allot like playing a team sport, in fact most pilots and crew might agree that ballooning is a team sport. All balloons need crew, and no pilot, no matter how independent or proficient, could get by without their crew.
They are the unsung hero's of the ballooning world, but they have their own dirty little secret: crewing is fun!
Crewing for a hot-air balloon may sound like a lot of work to you, but if you enjoy the company of good friends, the thrill of the chase, using GPS or a compass and map to find your way, and/or just being involved there is nothing like crewing. Many pilots once started as crew, and many crew are actually pilots themselves, retired pilots, or even student pilots...no one is left out. One thing that they all agree on however, is that once you start crewing, you'll never stop; you just get hooked.
That sounds like fun! How do I get involved?
So you've decided that crewing sounds like fun, now how can you become a 'crew member'? It's very simplej, really; find a local pilot and volunteer your services as crew. Most pilots are constantly looking for new crew members. If you don't know any local pilots, or how to get in contact with them, that's were we can help. Please feel free to contact us here at the Heart of Dixie Balloon Club, we'll get you in touch with someone.
If your still not sure, many cities and towns around the country have small balloon rally's each year, and at nearly all of those rally's they are always looking for willing crew members. But What do you need to know before you start crewing?
Crewing Basics
All balloons and pilots are differnt, so providing a step by step manual of the things involved in crewing for a hot-air balloon is a little pointless. However, there are some basics each and every balloon crew will need to know listed below are some of these general helpful tips:
- Every balloon and pilot is differnt; the pilot or other experinced crew will instruct you on how they do things.
- The pilot is in charge and the final word on any and all questons.
- Be Prepared - Not just a good rule for Boy Scouts, anything can happen out there so be ready!
- Have fun, don't be afraid to ask questions or expalin that your new and don't know what's going on.
- No smoking near the balloon or trailer, EVER. Balloons use liqued propane for fuel...it's highly flammable.
- No drinking, pilots and crew save that till well after the flight is over.
- Be minful of ropes or cables, don't straddle them or tie them to your body.
- Wear gloves, rope burns can do a number on the hands.
- Dress in layers, you can shed them as it gets warmer (or apply as it gets cooler).
- Bring gloves if you have them, pilots usually bring enough, but just in case...
- Long Pants, balloons sometimes land in thick grass which usaully includes briers.
- If you have bad allergies, bring your medicaton along; just in case.