The Modern Balloon

Balloon Size

The number of people a balloon can carry depends on its size. This varies from small one-man balloons to the larger balloons that can carry twenty passengers or more. Big balloons tend to be used by commercial operators to carry fare paying passengers while the more usual sport balloons will carry the pilot and a couple of friends in the basket and these often carry advertising for a sponsor which helps towards the operating costs.

The most popular size of balloon is described as a '77' because the envelope holds 77,000 cubic feet (2190 cubic metres) of air. The 77 can often carry four people (depending on their weight and the ambient temperature) which makes it ideal for family, club or syndicate use.

Balloon Inflation

To launch a balloon requires three or four people. When the envelope is laid out on the ground it is cold inflated with a powerful fan. 

Two crew members hold the mouth of the balloon open while the pilot operates the burner. The fourth crew member holds the crown line which is attached to the top of the balloon to prevent the envelope rocking from side to side or from moving into the vertical position too quickly.

When the balloon lifts off the retrieve crew follow by road and are usually in radio communication with the pilot so that they can be close by when the balloon lands. The retrieve crew get clearance from the landowner to enter the field and help to pack up the balloon ready for the next flight.