Fan Operations

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A Guide to Crewing Hot Air Balloons

By Dean Carlton

Editing by Hank Norris, and Joe Vincent

Updated Wednesday, July 17, 2002

 

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Fan Operations

 

The fan is one of the most dangerous items on the launch field. It needs to be handled with great care.

The pilot will place and start the fan

Know where the kill switch and speed controls are

Tie back long hair and secure loose clothing, lanyards, or dangling items

Never  move the fan when it is running

Stand behind the fan with your feet firmly planted and both hands on the top rail

Never tip the fan back while running

If necessary to move the fan (for safety reasons, like basket flopping around), hit the kill switch first, then move it and restart (if directed by pilot)

When signaled by pilot, hit the kill switch, wait for blade to stop, then go to opposite side of the fan. Tilt the fan towards you with a foot on the base for balance. Move the fan out of the way and place up by the front tire of the chase vehicle.

Don't forget to load the fan before leaving the launch site

 

Fan Hand Signals

Different pilots may use a variety of hand signals for fan control. These are examples:

1/2 Speed: Football halftime signal (before hot inflation)

Full Speed: Thumb up (once top is set)

Slower: Thumb down

Stop Fan: Hand slicing throat

         

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Know where the off switch is

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  Keep your hair and loose items away from fan

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Improper handling can be dangerous

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Good fan position keeps the fan steady