BelleStar Aerostar RX8 — Kent_J_Barnes_Aerostar_RX8_8-2006

Flight Planning Check preflight_inspection

Brief Crew – Duties & Positions
Layout
Inflation
Prior Liftoff
Flight Plan
Determine Surface Wind Direction & Launch Pibal
Check Field, Sweep Area For Obstructions
Place Basket
Check Fuel Supply - Test Liquid Level Gauge Valve
Check Airworthiness, Registration, Flight Manual and Strikers
Lay Basket Down
Align Envelope Downwind (25’-40’ Apart)
Connect Burner & Fuel Lines – Leak Check (Listen and Smell)
Check Fuel Pressure for Proper Pressures on Both Tanks/Burners
Brief Crew on Inflation Process
Pull Throat Out Of Bag To Basket (Re-Evaluate Wind Direction)
Connect Suspension Lines
Run Control Lines Out and Straighten
Lay Out Remainder of Envelope and Crown Line* (Brief Crown Person) For BelleStar “Bag Inflate” is preferred.
Initial Fan Alignment
Tie Off - If Required
NOTEIf in “short crew” mode, wait until fan is started to pull envelope out of bag. Remember to put fan back to side rail depth before hot inflation.

Brief Crew (Give Instructions On Fan Operation)
Start Fan and Inflate
Walk Around and:
Pull Top Cap Out From Upper, Middle Cord, Align With Corresponding Tab.
Pull Parachute Cord Slack
Begin Tabbing
Inspect Temp Tab – < 275 degrees F
Inspect Internal Parachute Cords, Connections For Tangles
Check Envelope for Center Alignment – BelleStar Blue is UP
Pull Out Fabric On Down Side While Traveling To Throat (Be Sure To Evaluate Which Side To Pull From)
Look In Throat From Behind Basket For Cable Alignment and Top Cap Seal
Clear Control Line From Inside Throat and Secure
Check Cable Connections for Safety Locks/Washers
Adjust Fan Alignment As Necessary (Pull Out Appropriate Side(s), Direct Crown Person)
Finish Tabbing
Final Adjustments, Wait Until Balloon Is Cold Filled
Signal Crown Person To Prepare For Hot Inflate
Light Pilot and Light Both Burners
Gimbal Burner Up To Opening, Adjust For Fan Current, Inflate
Keep Weight On Basket When Vertical
Tie Crown Line Off
Pull Control Lines Down and Check For Tangles
Check Envelope, Skirt, Valve(s) & Suspension Lines for Damage

Check Cables, Connections & Strikers
Load Passengers
Connect Instruments
Radios and Instruments – On & Check
Check Parachute Top and Rigging – Reset If Necessary
Brief Passengers and Final Crew Instructions
Welcome Onboard, My Name Is…
At Landing, “Don’t Get Out Of The Basket Until I Instruct You To Do So”
While In Flight, Please Don’t Touch This ….
At Times I May Ask You To Move ….
At Landing, Please Face Forward, Hang On In 2 Places, Bend Knees, Cameras, Purses Etc Stowed
Are there Any Questions at This Time?
Recheck Wind Conditions & Obstacles
Ask Crew To Move Adjacent Equipment & To Help Weigh-Off.
Pop Quick Release, If Appropriate.
Take Off With Intent To Clear Obstacles.

Re-Brief Passengers To Stay In Basket Until Directed Otherwise
Face Direction of Travel
Bend Knees – Feet Together
Where to Hold On – 2 Places
“Stay in Basket Until Pilot OKs to Exit!”
Check Deflation Area for Obstacles.
Exit Passengers When Appropriate
Re-Evaluate Wind Direction
Reposition Balloon In Largest Portion Of Field
Line Up Scoop/Basket For Downwind Deflation
Deploy Crown Line With Briefed Crewmember
Shutoff Pilots & Fuel Valves; Cool Burners
Get Out Of Basket – If Desired
Rip Envelope Out And Immediately Begin Tipping Basket Over As Envelope Starts To Fall