The points of view of the CREW From under; from far; from behind! They are the first words that come to mind, but it is not always this way. The role of the ground crew it is very delicate and important, therefore the pilot very often brings the crew in flight with itself. It is not a case that the most greater part of the pilots have transited  for this fundamental role, and who pilot has not become it is an appreciated "observer". A good crew has to know how to follow the balloon in the various moves and to be himself on the place of the landing in time to help the pilot in the recovery of the hot-air balloon.  The "sherpa", as the crew members are jokingly defined, have to help the pilot in the planning of the flight, to assist him in the preparation of the hot-air balloon before the take-off, to constantly follow him to be ready in every moment to cover the contingent necessities of whom is in air (change cylinders, change passengers, information on the capability of the fields, etc.). The "Ground Crew" it also has to be experienced of "public relations", to never be himself in difficulty, to avoid road accidents and, above all it doesn't "have to lose himself". A turned to an easy flight makes comparison an earth pursuit rich in difficulty, stressful and adventurous even if effected a stonesthrow from house. In substance, to make the ground crew is the first and less expensive footstep to enter the world of the hot-air balloons. But as him it becomes "sherpa?" In theory it is simple. All it takes is asking to a pilot if he is prepared to pick up a new assistant. In practice it is not so simple, because the pilot has to understand if whoever proposes he has good intentions. That is you intends to participate really and not only for once for then "to scrounge" a flight. In fact the flight, is offered later generally only at least three recoveries. |