Ballooning Terminology

Glossary - Ballooning Terminology

(Underlined words are linked to their definition here in the glossary.)

Balloon System - The entire assembly or all the parts of the hot air balloon
(generally just called the balloon for short)

Balloon Team - The collection of all crew members and the pilot

Basket - The wicker vessel in which the passengers and pilot ride (a part of the balloon system)

Burner - The fuel-burning device where a flame is produced which is used to heat up the air in the envelope (a part of the balloon system)

Burning - The process of igniting the propane fuel by use of the burner to heat the air inside the envelope

Cables - The metal cords fastened to the mouth of the envelope which are used to attach it to the basket (a part of the balloon system)

Carabineer - An oblong metal ring with one spring-hinged side that is used as a connector and to hold a rope; used to tie-down the balloon after inflation, but before launching

Chase - To follow the balloon during a flight so the crew can be available when the balloon lands to help stabilize the balloon, help pack-up, and finally give everyone a ride back to their vehicles

Chase Vehicle - The van or truck, possibly towing a trailer, used to transport the crew as they chase the balloon

Cold Inflation - The filling up of air by use of the inflator fan

Crew - The people who help with the setup, chase, and packing up of the balloon system; the most important people in ballooning

Crown Line - The rope tied to the top of the envelope that is used during inflation to help steady the balloon and after landing to help take down the balloon

Envelope - Often referred to as the balloon; it is the large colorful nylon bag that is filled with air when inflated

Envelope Bag - The large canvas bag used to store the envelope when not in use

Hoses - The rubber tubes that carry the propane from the tanks to the burner (a part of the balloon system)

Inflation - The adding of air to the envelope; cold inflation is done by use of the inflator fan and the hot inflation occurs when the burner is used to heat the air inside

Inflator Fan - The large fan used to blow the air into the envelope during the cold inflation process

Launch - The initial take-off of the hot air balloon's flight

Launch Site - The location from which the balloon takes off and begins the flight

Load Tapes - The narrow bands of heavy white fabric are sewn to the envelope

Mouth - The opening at the bottom of the envelope (also referred to as the throat)

Pi-Ball - The regular helium balloon used to determine wind direction and speed before the setup and launch (short for pilot balloon)

Pilot - The FAA certified and trained person who flies the balloon

Pins - The thin metal rods that are inserted through holes in the upright supports which fasten the supports to the basket

Propane - The liquid chemical used for fuel with hot air balloons; stored in the tanks

Skirt - The fabric above the mouth of the envelope

Tanks - The aluminum containers in the basket which hold the propane (a part of the balloon system)

Throat - another term for the mouth of the envelope

Uprights - The metal poles fastened to the basket with pins to which the envelope cables are attached (a part of the balloon system)

To schedule your flight, go to our flight request form or email us at Fly@MagicBallooning.com.

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