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Balloon Flying Menu > Preparing For Flight > Crew > Number
of Crewmembers
The crew consists of people
who help with the inflation, chase, and recovery. Some pilots
appoint a crew chief, normally the most experienced crewmember,
but this is a matter of preference. A crew chief is responsible
for other crewmembers, organizing the chase, and supervising
the recovery. Remember though, the responsibility for all aspects
of the flight, including ground operations, rests with you,
the pilot.
The number of crewmembers is a matter of individual
preference and depends upon the size of the balloon, purpose
of the flight, terrain, and other factors. When using a small
balloon for instruction, a crew of three people, including the
instructor, student, and one crew, is sufficient. For passenger
flights in large balloons, a larger number of crewmembers is
generally required. Some experienced chase crews prefer to chase
alone, some prefer someone along to read a map. Having too many
people in the chase vehicle can be a distraction for the driver,
who is concentrating on staying near the
balloon.
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