What It Means to Crew for a Hot Air Balloon
Crewing for a hot air balloon means becoming part of a unique team that makes flight possible from the ground up. While passengers often get the spotlight during flight, none of it happens without the ground crew. These volunteers are essential to inflating, launching, chasing, and recovering the balloon. It’s rewarding, exciting, and more physical than many people expect.
In this article, we’ll explore what it means to crew for a hot air balloon. You’ll learn what the job involves, how much time it takes, and what kind of people tend to love it. If you've ever watched a balloon take off at sunrise and wondered who helps make that happen, we wrote this for you.
The Role of a Hot Air Balloon Crew Member
Hot air balloon crew members handle everything that happens before the balloon leaves the ground and after it lands. The pilot is responsible for the flight and oversees the setup, but the crew makes the flight possible. Everyone team member has a job or is looking towards the crew chief for direction. Tasks include laying out the balloon fabric (called the envelope), inflating the balloon, following the flight path on the ground, and helping with deflation and pack-up once the flight is over.
Most crew members start their day well before dawn. Depending on the time of year and the location, this might mean arriving on-site at 5:30 a.m. or earlier. Balloon launches typically occur within a short window after sunrise, when wind conditions are most stable. Crews need to be ready to move quickly and work as a unit to ensure a safe and smooth setup.
Pre-Flight Responsibilities of a Hot Air Balloon Crew
Pre-flight preparation is one of the most important parts of crewing for a hot air balloon. When the trailer or chase vehicle arrives at the launch site, the crew helps unload the balloon basket, burner, fuel tanks, and envelope. The pilot will determine the best launch direction based on wind conditions, and the crew will position the equipment accordingly.
Next, the envelope is stretched out flat on the ground. Crew members hold the mouth of the balloon open while large fans blow cold air into it. This process, called "cold inflation," allows the balloon to begin taking shape. Once it’s full enough, the pilot uses the burner to heat the air inside the envelope. The balloon slowly rises, and the crew stabilizes it while passengers load into the basket.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, "balloon launch procedures must be performed with precision and care to ensure a safe takeoff and stable flight"
Chasing the Balloon During Flight
Once the balloon is airborne, the crew shifts into chase mode. This is one of the most dynamic parts of the job. Crew members pile into the chase vehicle and begin tracking the balloon from the ground. Using GPS, radios, and visual contact, they stay close to the flight path, anticipating where the balloon might land based on wind direction and speed.
Driving the chase vehicle requires focus, a cool head, and flexibility. Roads don't always lead directly to where the balloon is heading, and landings can happen in fields, open lots, cul-de-sacs, or a parking lot. The crew must communicate constantly with the pilot to stay nearby, ready to assist with landing.
This portion of the job is often fast-paced and filled with quick decisions. Whether it’s navigating farm access roads or finding a suitable place to park, the chase crew plays a vital role in ensuring the pilot and passengers are picked up safely and efficiently.
What Happens After the Balloon Lands
After landing, the crew's job continues. Balloon deflation and pack-up is a team effort that requires strength, coordination, and attention to detail. First, the crew helps steady the basket and secure the balloon envelope as it cools and collapses. Once it's deflated, they help fold and roll the fabric so it fits back into its storage bag.
Lifting and packing the envelope can be physically demanding. The fabric is heavy and must be handled carefully to avoid damage. Many crews develop routines and systems to make this process go smoothly. After everything is packed up, the team loads the gear back into the trailer or truck.
This stage also includes post-flight traditions like champagne toasts, flight certificates, or group photos. For many balloon teams, these rituals are as important as the flight itself. They celebrate teamwork, shared experiences, and the unique nature of hot air ballooning.
Time Commitment for Hot Air Balloon Crew Members
Crewing for a hot air balloon can take several hours for a single flight. From arrival and setup through chase and recovery, the typical time commitment ranges from three to five hours. Morning flights often begin before sunrise, while evening flights may stretch past sunset. If you're participating in a balloon festival, the day can start even earlier and run much longer.
While some crews operate on a volunteer basis, others are paid or provided with perks like flight credits, event passes, or gear. Consistency is valued. Pilots appreciate reliable crew members who show up on time, communicate well, and know their roles. In return, crew members get to be part of a flying team and experience ballooning in a way most people never will.
What Kind of Person Makes a Good Balloon Crew Member?
Good hot air balloon crew members are dependable, safety-conscious, and willing to work hard. You don’t need prior experience. Most crews will train you. But a positive attitude and a strong back are always helpful. Ballooning requires lifting, walking, running, and sometimes climbing into trailers or ditches to recover equipment.
Teamwork is essential. No one person can launch or recover a balloon alone. You’ll need to take direction from the pilot, stay in communication with the team, and step in wherever help is needed. For people who enjoy physical activity, early mornings, and fast-moving logistics, crewing can be extremely rewarding.
The Joy of Being Part of the Ballooning Community
Beyond the work, crewing for a hot air balloon is about being part of a close-knit community. Teams often form friendships that last for years. Many crew members start by helping at a single event and find themselves returning season after season. Balloon pilots depend on their crews, and that mutual trust creates a strong bond.
Hot air ballooning is also a beautiful and inspiring experience. Watching a balloon take flight in the morning light, chasing it through the countryside, and sharing the joy of a successful landing never gets old. Whether you’re crewing for fun, adventure, or the thrill of the ride, there’s something special about knowing you helped make the magic happen.
Final Thoughts on Crewing for a Hot Air Balloon
Crewing for a hot air balloon in Colorado or anywhere else is more than a task list, it’s an experience. From the first gust of cold inflation to the last rope tied on the trailer, every flight is a new challenge. It’s a chance to be part of something unusual and unforgettable.
Interested in learning more about how to get involved? Contact Skip Howes at 719-330-6266 or Jesse Harden at 719-338-6125
