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P |
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Padded Covers
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The meaning of these is probably fairly clear as well, and if you go on a balloon ride ever you may be very glad of them. You need to hope that your operator didn't want to save a bit of money! These are the covers that go around the edge of the basket to soften it.
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Pilots
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This is a term that should hopefully be fairly familiar! To become a balloon pilot requires a minimum of 16 hours flying instruction, a check flight with a CAA appointed examiner, a solo flight and various exam papers. This, if you pass it, gives you a Private Pilot's licence - Balloons and Airships. Actually you need to add the airships qualification later, but it nevertheless says this on the cover! The minimum age to do this is 17. With self discipline, the constant availability of a balloon, crew and instructor and a little luck with the weather it would be possible to do this in as little as a month.
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R |
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Rigging
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Stainless steel wires run down from the burner frame to the basket, around underneath it, then back up to the opposite corners of the burner frame to complete a continuous sling. There are four of these slings and the basket sits inside them. There are also stainless steel wires connecting the envelope to the burner frame.
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T |
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Tether Line
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Perhaps one of the most important extras to come with a balloon! Premature take-off can be very embarrassing! This tethers the balloon so that you leave when you want to.
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