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Balloon Flying Menu > Preparing For Flight > Crew > Pilot/Crew
Communications
Radio communication between
the balloon and the chase vehicle is fairly common. If you use
radios, obey all Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations.
Use call signs, proper language, and keep transmissions short.
Many balloonists prefer not to use radios to communicate with
their chase vehicle because it can be distracting to both pilot
and chase vehicle driver. In any case, it is a good idea to
agree on a common phone number before a flight in case the chase
crew loses the balloon.
The crew is the pilot’s ground representative
to spectators, passengers, police, landowners, press, and anyone
else who may have occasion to be interested in the balloon.
The crew should always act responsibly because their actions
reflect directly upon the pilot.
The pilot is responsible for all aspects of
the flight. Crewmembers should follow instructions even if they
have learned different techniques from other pilots. Do not
assume anything, because different pilots may expect different
things from their crew. Before the noise and momentum make discussion
difficult, you should give the crew briefing and any requirements
discussed with the pilot before inflation.
While it is desirable to have the chase crew
present at the landing, the crew should remember the balloon
pilot could land without assistance. The crew should not do
anything dangerous or inconsiderate in an attempt to assist
in the landing.
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