Below is a Glossary of commonly used terms when flying a lighter-than-air craft.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| AERODYNAMIC LIFT | The upward force generated by the airflow over the exterior of a streamlined ENVELOPE or HULL when it is propelled through the ATMOSPHERE. Applicable to power-driven AIRSHIPS. |
| AERONAUT | A person who operates or travels in an AEROSTAT. |
| AERONAUTICAL CHART | A map designed to assist in the navigation of an aircraft. It is a legal requirement for a PILOT to carry a chart on a flight. |
| AEROSTAT | A lighter-than-air, craft, including a TETHERED BALLOON. |
| AEROSTATIC LIFT | The upward force generated by the inherent BUOYANCY of less dense gases contained inside a GAS BAG or ENVELOPE when totally immersed in a denser medium i.e. an air bubble held under water. |
| AIRSHIP | A mechanically propelled lighter-than-air craft. Main types - RIGID, SEMI-RIGID, NON-RIGID, HOT AIR. |
| AIRSHIP CAR | The box suspended below an airship, to house the pilot and flying controls. Also known as the GONDOLA, or CONTROL CAR. |
| AIRSHIP SHED | A building suitable for housing airships. |
| ALTIMETER | A portable barometer measuring air pressure, graduated in feet or metres to indicate the ALTITUDE above sea level. |
| ALTITUDE | The vertical distance above a datum. |
| ANCHOR | See GRAPNEL. |
| ATMOSPHERE | The gases composing the mass of air which surrounds and rotates with the earth. |
| BAG | A large fabric container for the transportation of an ENVELOPE. |
| BALLAST | A GAS BALLOON term. It is used to control buoyancy, and therefore altitude, during flight. Ballast is usually sand or water, that is carried aboard the BALLOON and jettisoned to make the BALLOON lighter. Either to initiate a climb, or to arrest a descent. |
| BALLONET | One or more compartments inside the GASBAG of a SEMI-RIGID or NON-RIGID AIRSHIP that can be filled with air to maintain a constant internal pressure, and control pitch angle. |
| BALLOON | An AEROSTAT consisting of an ENVELOPE containing a lighter-than-air gas and having no mechanical means of propulsion. |
| BALLOON MEET | An organised gathering where multiple BALLOONS, may participate in COMPETITIONS. |
| BANANA RIP | An archaic deflation system, using DUTCH LACING to keep the RIP PANEL in place. So named because when used, the missing GORE of the ENVELOPE is banana shaped. See |
| BARRAGE BALLOON | An unmanned KITE BALLOON used in World WarsOne and Two, to keep invaders at a high level, and inhibit accurate bombing. A number ofbarrage balloons were frequently joined to each other by a wire curtain. To protect larger areas from enemy aircraft. |
| BASKET | That part of a BALLOON that carries the PILOT, PASSENGERS, Fuel, BALLAST and INSTRUMENTS. Usually constructed from wicker. |
| BASKET SUSPENSION CABLES | In HOT AIR BALLOONS, the basket is attached to the BURNER FRAME by stainless steel wires that make a semi-rigid construction running down beside the UPRIGHTS, through the side and floor of the BASKET, and back up to the BURNER FRAME. In GAS BALLOONS the BASKET is attached to the LOAD RING by rope. |
| BLAST VALVE | The valve on a HOT AIR BALLOON BURNER that controls the flow of PROPANE burned to produce heat and therefore lift. |
| BLIMP | An unpressurised NON-RIGID AIRSHIP. |
| BRIEFING | Instructions: 1) A talk given by the PILOT to GROUND CREW, FLIGHT CREW and PASSENGERS, before TAKE-OFF and LANDING. 2) A talk given by the organisers at the start of a competition at a BALLOON MEET, covering such subjects as, the rules, meteorology and airspace restrictions. |
| BUOYANCY | The net upward force exerted by the less dense contents of a GAS BAG or ENVELOPE which causes the totally immersed AEROSTATto float naturally in the surrounding ATMOSPHERE. |
| BURN | A HOT AIR BALLOON term, meaning to activate the BLAST VALVE and produce a flame. |
| BURNER | A PROPANE fuelled device used to heat the air inside a HOT AIR BALLOON. See also COW BURNER. |
| BURNER FRAME | On a HOT AIR BALLOON, a metal frame whichcontains the BURNER. It is supported by the FLEXI-RIGID POLES that hold itabove the heads of the BASKET occupants and is attached to the ENVELOPE above, bythe FLYING WIRES. |
| CANOPY | Can be used to refer to the ENVELOPE of a balloon. |
| CAPTIVE BALLOON | A BALLOON that is TETHERED to the ground. Opposite of a FREE BALLOON. See also KITE BALLOON. |
| CARABINER | See KARABINER. |
| CERTIFICATE OF AIRWORTHINESS (CofA.) | A certificate allowing an AEROSTAT to fly. These are issued by the relevant CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY. Not all AEROSTATS require a CofA. |
| CHARLIERE | The original name for a GAS BALLOON. Named after the inventor Professor J A C Charles. |
| CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY (CAA) | The controlling authority in the United Kingdom that licenses pilots and certifies all aerial vehicles. See CERTIFICATE OF AIRWORTHINESS (CofA), COMMERCIAL PILOTS LICENCE (CPL), PRIVATE PILOTS LICENCE (PPL), REGISTRATION MARKS. |
| CLASSIFICATION | Different types of AEROSTAT are known by their F.A.I designation. Which is also subdivided by size (volume of the ENVELOPE). FREE BALLOONS: Type AA, are GAS BALLOONS. Type AM, are ROZIERE BALLOONS. Type AX are HOT AIR BALLOONS. |
| CLOUDHOPPER | See ONE PERSON BALLOON. |
| COLD INFLATION | The act of forcing cold air into the ENVELOPE, of a HOT AIR BALLOON prior to INFLATION to allow inspection. |
| COMMERCIAL PILOTS LICENCE (CPL) | A Licence issued by the CAA to allow commercial work to be undertaken by a pilot. Flying for ?hire or reward? i.e.carrying fare paying passengers, or advertising for a SPONSOR. |
| COMPETITIONS | These usually take place at a BALLOON MEET. See TASK and MARKER. |
| CONSTRUCTION NUMBER (C/N) | The number allocated by the AEROSTAT manufacturer, to a particular AEROSTAT. The aircraft REGISTRATION may change, but the construction number remains constant. |
| CONSTRUCTION PLATE | A fireproof plate that must be carried on or in each AEROSTAT. It usually is engraved with ? aircraft REGISTRATION,CONSTRUCTION NUMBER, TYPE and owner. |
| CONTROL CAR | See AIRSHIP CAR. |
| COW BURNER | A small subsidiary HOT AIR BALLOONBURNER. Useful when flying over animals that might be alarmed by the noise from a large BURNER. Also known as a SILENT BURNER or WHISPER BURNER. |
| CREMATION CHARLIE | An archaic term. Used to denote the GROUND CREW that entered the HOT AIR BALLOON ENVELOPE after COLD INFLATION to hold the MOUTH open. With the advent of INFLATION FANS this position is rarely used. |
| CREW | The team that operates a BALLOON or AIRSHIP. These can be FLIGHT CREW and GROUND CREW. |
| CROWN LINE | A HANDLING LINE that is attached to the CROWN RING. It is used by the GROUND CREW to arrest the desire of the top of the HOT AIR BALLOON to rise before the ENVELOPE is fully inflated. |
| CROWN RING | A metal ring at the crown (top) of a HOT AIR BALLOON, where all the vertical LOAD TAPES meet. |
| CYLINDER | See TANKS. |
| DEFLATION | The act of controllably emptying an ENVELOPE. See RIP PANEL. |
| DIRIGIBLE | A steerable AEROSTAT. |
| DRAG | If a BALLOON BASKET is toppled over on landing and then pulled by a partially deflated BALLOON it is called a DRAG.The distance depends upon the wind speed. |
| DRAG LINE | See TRAILROPE. |
| DROP LINE | A lightweight cord, kept within the BALLOON BASKET, that can bedeployed by the PILOT, allowing the GROUND CREWto manoeuvre a BALLOON and reposition it prior to DEFLATION. |
| DUMP | See VENT. |
| DUTCH LACING | Anarchaic system of interlocking rope loops that hold together panels of a RIP PANEL. See BANANA RIP. |
| ELEVATOR | Moveable horizontal planes, usually attached to an AIRSHIP?s tail fin structure, used to control ascent or descent. |
| ENVELOPE | The FABRIC bag that contains the lifting gas, it is made up of PANELS.See also GAS BAG. Sometimes called the CANOPY of a balloon or HULL of an AIRSHIP. |
| EQUATOR | The widest diameter of the ENVELOPE. |
| EQUILIBRIUM | The balance point at which LIFT equals gravity, and the AEROSTATfloats at a constant ALTITUDE without either rising or falling. |
| F.A.I. | Federation Aeronautique Internationale (The World Air Sports Federation), based in Switzerland. They issue International Sporting Licencesand oversee RECORDS & COMPETITIONS. |
| FABRIC | The outer covering of an AEROSTAT. |
| FABRIC TESTER | A machine used to test the tensile strength, tear strength and POROSITY of the FABRIC of an ENVELOPE, when applying for a CERTIFICATE OF AIRWORTHINESS. |
| FINS | Small vertical and horizontalwinglets, attached to an AIRSHIP to give it aerodynamic stability and facilitate flight control. Usually fitted to the HULL tail end, they provide attachment points for moveable control surfaces ? See ELEVATORS. |
| FLEXI-RIGID POLES | See UPRIGHTS. |
| FLIGHT CREW | Those members of the BALLOON or AIRSHIP CREW involved in the flight operations. |
| FLYING WIRES | Metal cables, also known as SUSPENSION WIRES that in a HOT AIR BALLOON attach the ENVELOPE to the BURNER FRAME. They are joined at both ends by KARABINAS. In a GAS BALLOON these cables are made of rope and attach the BASKET to the ENVELOPE via the LOAD RING. In a NON-RIGID AIRSHIP, they attach the HULL directly to the GONDOLA and in a SEMI RIGID AIRSHIP they do so via a rigid KEEL. |
| FREE BALLOON | A BALLOON that is not attached to the ground. |
| FUEL HOSES | Reinforced rubber hoses that in a HOT AIR BALLOON transfer the fuel from the TANKS to the BURNER. |
| FUSIBLE LINK | A metal link that is affixed to the inside of a HOT AIR BALLOON. When overheated it melts allowing a small HEAT PARACHUTE to descend inside the BALLOON. This warns the PILOT that the top of the BALLOON is too hot.In modern HOT AIR BALLOONS usually superseded by a HEAT SENSOR,an INSTRUMENT in the BASKET. |
| GAS BAG | A gas containing unit of an AIRSHIP. In a GAS BALLOON, another word for ENVELOPE. |
| GAS BALLOON | A BALLOON filled with a light-weight gas to provide LIFT. |
| GAS VALVE | 1) Manual. In a GAS BALLOON positioned at the crown and operated by a line into the BASKET that allows the PILOT to initiate and control a descent. Used for the same purpose in AIRSHIPS where they are usually positioned along the EQUATOR. 2) Automatic. Also known as a PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE. Used in SEMI-RIGID and NON-RIGID AIRSHIPS, to vent gas without the PILOT's assistance at a set pressure to prevent accidental over pressurisation of the ENVELOPE. |
| GAUGE | An INSTRUMENT that measures and gives a visual indication of the amount, level, or contents of something. In a HOT AIR BALLOON, gauges show the PILOT the amount of fuel in each TANK. |
| GIMBAL | A mechanical device that holds the BURNER within the BURNER FRAME, thus allowing it to pivot. Particularly during INFLATION this helps the PILOT to direct the flame into the MOUTH of the HOT AIR BALLOON, avoiding damage to the ENVELOPE. |
| GLOW | Inflation and TETHER of a HOT AIR BALLOON in the evening or after dark. The BURNER lights up the inside of the ENVELOPE, causing it to glow. |
| GONDOLA | See AIRSHIP CAR, and BASKET. |
| GORE | A vertical section of fabric, bounded by vertical LOAD TAPES. It may also have horizontal load tapes. |
| GRAPNEL | An archaic term used in GAS BALLOONS for a light-weight ANCHOR designed to snag objects on the ground, such as hedges. Aropeattached to the BASKET, with the GRAPNEL fixed to the end was thrown out to stop a long DRAG. The use of GRAPNELS was banned in the early 1900?s.See TRAILROPE. |
| GROUND CREW | Part of the CREW that are involved in the ground operation of the BALLOON or AIRSHIP. |
| HANDLING LINE | See DROP LINE. |
| HEAT PARACHUTE | This sits in the top of a HOT AIR BALLOON and descends when the FUSIBLE LINK is melted. |
| HEAT SENSOR | An INSTRUMENT used to read the temperature at the top of a HOT AIR BALLOON ENVELOPE, also known as a PYROMETER. |
| HELIUM | A light, inert gaseous chemical element, used to INFLATE GAS BALLOONS and AIRSHIPS. See also HYDROGEN. |
| HOPPER | See ONE PERSON BALLOON. |
| HOT AIR AIRSHIP | An AIRSHIP that uses hot air as a lifting gas. |
| HOT AIR BALLOON | A BALLOON that only uses hot air as a means of flight. |
| HULL | The main structure of an AIRSHIP. |
| HYDROGEN | The lightest of all gaseous elements.Flammable when mixed with oxygen. Can be used to inflate GAS BALLOONS and AIRSHIPS. See also HELIUM. |
| IGNITER | A device carried by a HOT AIR BALLOON PILOT used to ignite the PILOT LIGHT. It can be a welder?s striker, cigarette lighter or matches. |
| INFLATION | The act of introducing a lifting GAS into the ENVELOPE or GAS BAG of an AEROSTAT. |
| INFLATION FAN | Usually a wheel mounted fan used to force cold air into a HOT AIR BALLOON prior to filling with hot air. |
| INSTRUMENT | A measuring device used togauge the level, position, speed etc., of something. In AEROSTATS these include height,rate of climb, direction, fuel quantity, temperature and airspeed. |
| KARABINER | A type of clip for joining ropes and cables. It is a specialist type of shackle, being a metal loop with a spring-loaded gate. In HOT AIR BALLOONS used to clip the FLYING WIRES, BASKET SUPPORTS and HANDLING LINE to the BURNER FRAME. |
| KEEL | A rigid framework for distribution of loads that runs along the underside of the HULL of a RIGID AIRSHIP, and on the underside of an ENVELOPE of a SEMI-RIGID AIRSHIP. |
| KITE BALLOON | A TETHERED BALLOON shaped aerodynamically so as to derive stability from the relative wind.In the First World War these had a manned BASKET hanging beneath and were known as OBSERVATION BALLOONS. |
| KNOT | Measurement of Nautical Miles per Hour. |
| L.T.A. | Lighter-than-air. |
| LANDING | When an AEROSTAT finishes its flight, coming to ground on the surface of the Earth. |
| LAUNCH SITE | The location from which a balloon TAKES OFF. |
| LAUNCHING | The act of TAKE-OFF, of an AEROSTAT. |
| LICENCE | Approval from the relevant CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORY, granting the holdercertain privileges. See PRIVATE PILOTS LICENCE and COMMERCIAL PILOTS LICENCE. |
| LIFT | In an AEROSTAT, the upward force ortotal buoyancy. |
| LIQUID PETROLIUM GAS (LPG) | See PROPANE. |
| LOAD RING | Usually a circular wooden ring positioned between the ENVELOPE and the BASKET in a GAS BALLOON.The ENVELOPE and the BASKET are both attached to it by ropes. |
| LOAD TAPES | A network of evenly spaced, strong, narrow, fabric bands that distribute the PAYLOAD weight over a HOT AIR BALLOON ENVELOPE. They also serve to protect the RIP STOP NYLON FABRIC by restricting development of large tears should it be damaged.Horizontalload tapes - run horizontally around the BALLOON and are usually smaller in width than vertical load tapes which run vertically from the MOUTH to the CROWN RING. |
| LOG | A recordingof information. This can be as a log of flying hours (PILOT or AEROSTAT hours), or work undertaken for MAINTENANCE. |
| MAINTENANCE | The upkeep of equipment, including preservation, repair, overhaul or replacement of parts. |
| MARKER | A metre-long fabric streamer with a small, weighted bag at one endwhich isdropped by COMPETITION PILOTS to show how close they were to the target. See OBSERVER. |
| MASTER TANK | The PROPANE tank, that offers all facilities, liquid, vapour and a backup system. See TANKS and FUEL HOSES. |
| METEOROLOGY | A branch of science dedicated to study of the weather. |
| MONTGOLFIER | The original name for a HOT AIR BALLOON. From the inventors the Montgolfier brothers. |
| MOORING | See TETHER. |
| MOORING MAST | A mast to which an AIRSHIP may be moored. |
| MOUTH | The bottom, open end of a BALLOON, also called a throat. |
| NECK | On a GAS BALLOON, a tube at the base of the ENVELOPE used for INFLATION and DEFLATION. |
| NIGHTGLOW | See GLOW. |
| NOMEX | A fire resistant fabric, used for PANELS around the MOUTH of HOT AIR BALLOONS to avoid BURNER damage to the ENVELOPE. |
| NON-RIGID AIRSHIP | An AIRSHIP with no rigid KEEL depending entirely on internal gas pressure to maintain the shape of the ENVELOPE.See BLIMP. |
| NOSE | On an AIRSHIP the front of the ENVELOPE. |
| NYLON | See RIP STOP NYLON. |
| OBSERVATION BALLOON | A KITE BALLOON used in World War 1, for observation purposes. |
| OBSERVER | 1) A First World War Military position, who would ascend in an OBSERVATION BALLOON and report to the ground. 2) A specially trained official who observes, inspects and provides evidence for COMPETITION flights either from the ground or airborne in the balloon BASKET. Observers are also used to verify RECORD FLIGHTS. |
| ONE PERSON BALLOON | Usually a small balloon, with no BASKET. The PILOT either sits on a seat, made up of a tank or TANKS. Or has a single tank strapped to their back. A small BURNER is suspended above their head. Also known as a CLOUDHOPPER, or HOPPER. |
| PANELS | Pieces of FABRIC, a number of panels joined together (sewn) make a GORE. |
| PARACHUTE RIP | A HOT AIR BALLOON DEFLATION system whereby the top of the ENVELOPE is opened to allow the hot air to be expelled. For INFLATION the parachute element is held in place by VELCRO tabs. On releasing the RIP LINE the parachute re-seats, allowing the BALLOON to continue flying. See VENT. |
| PASSENGER | Anyone on board an AEROSTAT who is not a member of the FLIGHT CREW. |
| PAYLOAD | Everything lifted by an AEROSTAT that is not part of the structure. |
| PHLOGISTON | The historic name for a substance produced by combustion which was believed to be responsible for LIFT of the first MONTGOLFIERS. |
| PIBAL | A contraction of PILOT BALLOON. |
| PIEZO | A spark generator that is built intosome modern BURNERS to ignite the PILOT LIGHT. See also IGNITER. |
| PILOT | The licenced person responsible for operating the flight controls. |
| PILOT BALLOON | A small, unmanned BALLOON used to investigate the wind speed and direction at various heights. See PIBAL. |
| PILOT LIGHT | In a HOT AIR BALLOON. A small continuously burning flame, used to ignite the PROPANE when the BLAST VALVE is opened. |
| POROSITY | A condition of the ENVELOPE FABRIC that allows the LIFT gas to escape, through the FABRIC. Usually caused by deterioration of the PROOFING. Excessive porosity can mean loss of the CERTIFICATE OF AIRWORTHINESS. |
| PREFLIGHT | Anything that happens before TAKE-OFF. See BRIEFING. |
| PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE | See GAS VALVE. |
| PRIVATE PILOTS LICENCE (P.P.L.) | A Licence issued to allow the holder to take control of an AEROSTAT. A separate LICENCE is issued for each type of AEROSTAT. |
| PROOFING | The substance spread as a thin layer on to woven FABRIC in order to make it gas-tight and prevent the LIFT escaping. Innumerable substances have been used in the past including a wide range of waxes, varnishes and rubber. Modern synthetic proofings that include polyurethane, vinyl and silicone also protect FABRIC fibres from damage by ultra-violet sunlight. |
| PROPANE | A colourless and odourless gas that, when ignited, provides heat to create LIFT for HOT AIR BALLOONS. For safety reasons in commercialuse a chemical ?stenching agent? named Ethyl Mercaptanis added to give it a detectable odour. |
| PYROMETER | See HEAT SENSOR. |
| QUICK RELEASE | A mechanism for quickly disconnecting a BALLOON from its TIE-OFF during a LAUNCH. Also known as a RESTRAINT. |
| RECORD FLIGHTS | These are flights undertaken to exceed a previously recorded flight, in either distance, duration or altitude (or any combination)by BALLOONS.There are also RECORDS for speed by the different classes of AIRSHIP. U.K.National RECORDS are overseen by The Royal Aero Club, International RECORDS by F.A.I. regulations.FLIGHTS are monitoredby an OBSERVER. |
| RECORDS | 1) A legal requirement to note, PILOT flying hours and AEROSTAT flying hours. See LOG. 2) See RECORD FLIGHTS. |
| RED LINE | See RIP LINE. |
| REGISTRATION MARKS | These are a series of letters and/or numbers that are allocated by a CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY to a particular aircraft. The first letters/numbers signify the country, then usually separated by a dash (-) from another sequence allocated to a particular craft. Registration marks can change, but a CONSTRUCTION NUMBER remains constant. |
| RESTRAINT | See QUICK RELEASE. |
| RETRIEVE | The act of recovering a BALLOON after a FLIGHT. |
| RIGGING | 1) The collective name for all ropes and cables. 2) Preparing all the equipment for use. |
| RIGID AIRSHIP | An AIRSHIP that hasa rigid frame to maintain the shape of the HULL. |
| RIP LINE | A line from the top of the balloon that passes down inside the ENVELOPE to the BASKET. It is pulled to activate the RIP PANEL, allowing the lifting gas to be expelled. Also known as the RED LINE. |
| RIP PANEL | A section of the ENVELOPE that can be opened to allow the LIFT to be released under control. In HOT AIR BALLOONS the rip panel was historically held in place by DUTCH LACING then by VELCRO. The use of VELCRO has largely been superseded by the PARACHUTE RIP.See BANANA RIP. |
| RIP STOP NYLON | The FABRIC used to make HOT AIR BALLOONS and HOT AIR AIRSHIPS. |
| ROTATION VENT | See TURNING VENT. |
| ROZIERE BALLOON | A hybrid BALLOON that uses both gas and hot air to provide lift. The gas compartment is at the top of the ENVELOPE, beneath which is a cone of hot air. The hot air section is heated by a BURNER, allowing for ALTITUDE control.Roziere balloons are used for ultra long-distance flights i.e. Around the World. |
| RUBBERISED FABRIC | Gas proof fabric that is used in the manufacture of both GAS BALLOONS and AIRSHIPS. See PROOFING. |
| RUNNERS | Wooden struts built intothe bottom of a BALLOON BASKET to allow it to slide across a rough surface. |
| SANDBAG | A container for BALLAST. |
| SCOOP | A triangular shaped piece of NOMEX, that hangs from the MOUTH of a HOT AIR BALLOON, and ?scoops? the HOT AIR from the BURNER into the ENVELOPE. |
| SEMI-RIGID AIRSHIP | An AIRSHIP having a rigid KEEL but depending mainly on internal gas pressure for maintenance of shape. |
| SERIAL NUMBER | See CONSTRUCTION NUMBER. |
| SILENT BURNER | See COW BURNER. |
| SKIRT | Fabric hanging vertically from the MOUTH of a BALLOON that helps to channel the HOT AIR into the ENVELOPE. |
| SMOKE BALLOON | An archaic type of HOT AIR BALLOON that uses smoke to provide lift. It does not carry any fueland was used to lift parachutists to a sufficient height for them to descend safely. |
| SPECIAL SHAPE | A BALLOON that is not the normal natural ?tear drop? or ?spherical? shape. A special shape balloon can be made to almost any shape but may also be a 'normal' balloon with inflatable appendages. |
| SPEED | For AEROSTATS measured in KNOTS. |
| SPONSOR | An individual or organisation that pays outright for or contributes to the costs involved in operating an AEROSTAT for advertising purposes. |
| STEERING VENT | A vent in the side of the ENVELOPE of a BALLOON allowing it to turn around. Used in a ONE PERSON BALLOON to allow the pilot to land on their back rather than face down. |
| SUPER PRESSURE BALLOON | A BALLOON, with a sealed ENVELOPE in which the internal pressure exceeds that of a non-pressurised balloon. 1) Super pressure GAS BALLOONS are mostly used for high ALTITUDE unmanned scientific flights. 2) For advertising purposes,a smaller TETHERED BALLOON is kept pressurised by an onboard fan. |
| SUSPENSION LINES | See FLYING WIRES. |
| TAKE-OFF | The act of leaving the earth. See LAUNCHING. |
| TANKS | Containersfor PROPANE gas, usually attached within the BASKET of a HOT AIR BALLOON. See MASTER TANK and ONE PERSON BALLOON. |
| TASK | There are several types of task, which together make up a COMPETITION. Types of tasksinclude ? Hare and Hounds, when the ?hare? balloon is chased by other balloons. The touchdown point is the goal. Pilot Declared Goal, the pilot selects goal on his map and before take-off hands the reference to the task setter. Judge Declared Goal, goal set before launch by the task setter. Hesitation Waltz, when the pilots are given several goals, of which they must fly one. Each pilot must write the goal grid reference on the MARKER, before dropping it at the goal. FiFo (Fly in Fly on). The task setter declares a goal. Each pilot then flies into it from a LAUNCH SITE of their own choosing. On arrival at that goal the pilot chooses a second goal to fly on to.See MARKER. |
| TETHER | A system of attaching the AEROSTAT to the ground or immoveable objects. For example, concrete blocks or vehicles. |
| TETHERED BALLOON | A BALLOON attached to the ground. Opposite to a FREE BALLOON. See also CAPTIVE BALLOON and KITE BALLOON. |
| TIE-OFF | A rope that anchors the BASKET to a solid object, i.e. a tree or vehicle. |
| TRAILROPE | A heavy ropethat can be trailed from an AIRSHIP or GAS BALLOON. In GAS BALLOONING it is attached to the BASKET, when deployed it helps arrest the DESCENT.Dragging across the ground it allows the AEROSTAT to remain airborne just above the earth. |
| TURNING VENT | A VENT in the side of a HOT AIR BALLOON ENVELOPE. When opened it allows the hot air to escape and the BALLOON to rotate on its axis. |
| TYPE | Of lighter-than-air,craft. See CLASSIFICATION. |
| UPRIGHTS | Metal or plastic rods that connect the BASKET to the BURNER FRAMEand hold the BURNER up. Sometimes referred to as FLEXI-RIGID POLES. |
| VELCRO | A hook-and-loop fastening system. See RIP PANEL. |
| VENT | 1) An ENVELOPE opening that will automatically close. 2) The act of expelling lifting gas from the ENVELOPE. In a HOT AIR BALLOON by opening the VENT or PARACHUTE RIP. 3) In a GAS BALLOON the act of briefly opening the GAS VALVE. |
| VOLUME | The total amount of air or gas contained within the ENVELOPE or HULL of an AEROSTAT. Expressed as Cubic Feet, or Cubic Meters. |
| WHISPER BURNER | See COW BURNER. |
| WIND | The movement of the air, measured in speed (KNOTS), and degrees where the wind is coming from, for example 180 degrees is from the South. |
| ZEPPELIN | The original type of RIGID AIRSHIP designed by the German, Count Von Zeppelin. The first ZEPPELIN first flewin 1900. |