Equipment Carried on a Gas Balloon

Minimum Basic Equipment-

     1.     Balloon Registration and Airworthiness Certificates

2.     Flight Instruction Manual

3.     Compass

4.     Variometer- Used to track rate of ascent or decent of the balloon. (speed in feet per minute.

5.     Altimeter- Used to determine altitude above the ground or Mean Sea Level.

6.     Air craft radio.

7.     Ballast – Sand bags

8.     First Aid Kit

9.  Drag Rope

 Expanded Equipment List –

     1.     GPS – Global Positioning System

2.     Barograph – A flight recording device that records altitude during the flight.

3.     Transponder – Used to communicate with Flight Service and other Airplanes.

4.     Night Positioning Lights – used to identify the balloons position at night.

5.     Spotlight – used for night landings to see obstacles.

6.     Night Vision Goggles – To help see during the night.

7.     Flashlights – Used to view maps and perform duties at night.

8.     Radio – to listen new, weather and music during the flight.

9.     Water Ballast – to be used over sensitive areas to control altitude.

10. Rain Fly – To help protect the human elements from the weather.

11. Navigational Maps – Used to view airspace flight path.

12. Map Board – to hold maps.

13. Bed / Sleep platform -  To allow crew to sleep during the flight.

14. Satellite Phone – for global communications

15. Cold weather clothing for pilot and passengers.

Emergency Equipment

      1.     Emergency Transmitter Locator – Used to identify where balloon lands.

2.     Emergency Flares – To help locate the balloon

3.     Oxygen tank and mask – To allow high altitude flying over long distances.

4.     Life Vests and Portable Raft – If flying over water masses.

5.     Comforts Bucket and Bottles – (Bathroom supplies)

6.     Sleeping bag – Cold protection and sleeping comfort.

7.     Sunglasses / Sunscreen

8.     Head protection for hard landings.

Food – (For flights over 6 hours)

     1.     Drinks – Water, Coffee, Gatoraide

2.     Food -  (Easy to prepare)

3.     Snacks – Chips, Nuts, Fruits