Glossary of Ballooning Terms

A Glossary
of
Ballooning Terms

This glossary is not intended to be all-inclusive, but it will enable you to sound like you know what you're talking about if you should ever book a flight, go to a rally, or be a spectator at a launch or landing site.

aeronaut - a balloon pilot

aerostat - another term for a lighter-than-air craft

altimeter - an instrument which measures the altitude at which the balloon is flying

balloon - a lighter-than-air aircraft fuelled by either propane or helium. Unlike a blimp or dirigible, a balloon is not motorized.

basket, carriage, or gondola - the suspended portion of the balloon which carries pilot or passengers.

blast (or trigger) valve - the high-pressure fuel valve used to introduce heat into the envelope.

burner - the balloon's "engine", consisting of heating coils, propane jets, and pilot light.

chase vehicle - usually a pickup truck or four-wheel drive vehicle with attached trailer that follows the path of the balloon during flight and transports pilot, passengers & equipment

crew chief - individual designated by the pilot who is responsible for coordinating the duties of other crew members. He/she is the pilot's representative on the ground during flight, and also frequently handles crowd control, landowner relations, and questions from spectators.

crown-line(s) - one or more handling lines that are attached to a ring at the top of the envelope. These are used to control the balloon during inflation, and are generally tied-off to one of the uprights during flight.

envelope - the fabric portion of the balloon.

inflator - the fan which is used during cold-air inflation.

mouth - the open end of the envelope.

pyrometer - an instrument which measures the temperature of the balloon at the top (also referred to as the temperature gauge). Balloon fabrics have varying "never-exceed" temperatures ranging from 250 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

rip-line - a line which runs from the parachute top or valve, down the inside of the envelope which, when pulled, releases hot air and initiates a descent. It is most often colored red, hence the term "red-line".

skirt - frequently made of Nomex, the skirt is a detachable extension of the envelope which serves to shelter the burner and helps channel air into the balloon during inflation and in flight.

throat - the area of the envelope immediately above the mouth and skirt.

valve or vent - opening in the top (or, in some models, sides) of the balloon through which hot air can be released to initiate a descent or a landing.

variometer - the instrument which measures the rate of ascent or descent of the balloon.

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