Throat
Operation
The
throat crew's job is to hold the mouth of the
balloon open so the fan can fill it with cold
air. Clear any debris between the fan and the
envelope. The pilot will position you at your
station. Place one foot inside the throat
pulling to the outside so the bottom part of
the throat is tight and flat on the ground.
Try to keep any air from getting underneath
the envelope. On the right side is a small
white electrical wire that should not be
stepped on. Hold the envelope by the ropes
(with your gloves on) up in the air to allow
the air to fill the balloon. This will get
easier as the balloon inflates.
If
it is a little breezy, the balloon may want to
roll from side to side. Do your best to hang
on, but if you need to change hands to a
lower/higher rope, don't just "let
go". Ease off of one while pulling on the
other so the balloon doesn't roll as easily.
Be sure to have your feet on the outside of
the ropes to eliminate getting tied up.
When
the balloon is "cold-packed" and the
pilot is ready for hot inflation, he will
signal you to gently release the throat, move around the basket, and
put weight on the back of the basket. The pilot will
then fire the burners and heat the air,
causing the balloon to rise. As it rises,
watch your feet and let the basket come up
with the balloon. Keep your full weight on the
basket while always keeping one foot on the
ground at all times.
|
