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Crown Line Operation
The crown line position is a key element to a successful inflation. The pilot will assign one or perhaps two persons to perform this task. The crown line person must act as "anchor" for the rising balloon, so a large, strong person is usually selected. On windy days this can be a physically taxing position, so be sure to inform your pilot if you are not up to the task.
A preferred inflation technique is inflating out of the bag. Check with your pilot if he/she uses a different method. In the "inflating out of the bag" method, the crown line person and at least one helper will slowly carry the envelope bag away from the basket as the fan inflates the balloon. Once the entire envelope is out, the crown line person (with pilot's help) will retrieve the crown line rope and extend it in a straight line away from the basket. Be careful not to pull fast on ropes that are in contact with the balloon fabric as it can cause the friction to "burn" the balloon. The helper must take the envelope bag back to the chase vehicle.
After the crown line is straightened, the pilot will "set the top" by fastening Velcro tabs in place. The crown line person is usually in position at the end of the rope, but does not pull on the crown line yet. After all the tabs are set, the pilot will give a signal to the crown line person to pull on the line, which usually has a ski rope handle on the end.
Key Crown Line Points:
- Don't put the rope around any part of you.
- Make sure you have gloves on.
- Pull with your weight- knees bent - pull hard and steady.
- Act as an anchor, don't try to counter the roll of the balloon.
- Keep pressure on the balloon as it rises until the pilot tells you to come in.
- When signaled by pilot, disconnect the ski rope and hand the crown line to the pilot for connecting to frame.
- Then put weight on the basket.
Reprinted from Ca-Zoo Hot Air Balloon Team - Crew Training 101
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