Ballooning Jeopardy “Parts of a Whole” Balloon System Components Cloud Forms & Wind Speeds & Storm Fronts, Oh My! Only YOU Can Prevent a… Balloon Incident “Catch Me If You Can!” Crew/Pilot 101 “Make it Work!” Aircraft Performance

This is the colorful component of the balloon system that is filled with air.

Pulling this opens a vent in the top of the balloon, allowing hot air to escape and the balloon to descend.

The material used in the construction of most gondolas. It is an important factor in absorbing the shock from landing.

This is a secondary valve for burning. It creates a brighter (more orange), less intense flame and is often used when flying over livestock and other animals since it has a quieter noise.

The three documents that are required by the FAA to be in the balloon throughout every flight. These show that the balloon is safe and also list certain limitations and emergency procedures according to the balloon’s specific manufacturer.

This is the term that pilots use in regards to the measure of wind speed.

The name for this type of cloud.

These clouds indicate an oncoming thunderstorm and rain.

The temperature to which an air mass must be cooled to become saturated by the existing water vapor.

Streamers of precipitation trailing beneath clouds but evaporating before reaching the earth’s surface.

The type of fuel used in hot air ballooning. It is extremely flammable and makes smoking around balloons very dangerous because it could cause explosions.

Surprisingly one of the most dangerous pieces of equipment used in ballooning. Loose clothing items can get caught and wrapped up in this, or gravel can be picked up and shot out like little bullets possibly hurting someone.

A discussion that happens before and during the flight between pilot and passengers/crew, explaining safety procedures, instructions and step-by-step process of the flight.

A dangerous obstacle that pilots may encounter during flight or when trying to land. Sometimes hard to see, these are important to keep a safe distance from, in case of shifting winds. If a pilot is going to hit them, they have to “RIP IT OUT!!” in order to avoid severing the gondola.

This is the number one cause of ballooning incidents and accidents. **Hint: It is not mechanical error!!**

An important tool for any crew member, these protect from rope burn and frostbite (by propane). These also help protect the balloon fabric.

This is the age at which you are eligible to get your private pilot certificate.

This particular crew position is responsible for making sure that spectators are not stepping on the balloon, smoking nearby, or standing in the path of a moving balloon.

The place/people that a pilot can call for an outlook or standard briefing before they decide to fly.

This person has the final say on whether or not the balloon will fly. He or she takes on the ultimate responsibility for the safety of all involved.

A major factor in aircraft performance. Hotter = decreased performance Colder = increased performance

The term for the total weight of passengers, cargo and fuel.

An inaccurate sense of buoyancy created by wind blowing across the top of a balloon that is stationary.

Wind traveling in different directions close to the same level, causing a turbulent area between them. May distort the envelope during flight or inflation, making it important for the pilot to watch as he or she burns.

These occur on the lee side of a hill or mountain when stronger/faster winds are blowing over the hill. If the pilot is not careful, these winds will fly the balloon back into the side of the hill/mountain.