Flight Manual for Gas Balloons of Type NL-STU
Issue 2.0
May 02, 2016
Page 4-2
Preflight checks:
4.4 Preparing for inflation
4.4.1 Take-off site
The selected take-off site should be sheltered against the wind and should be located on the
windward side of the available terrain. There must be no obstacles in the take-off direction that
could endanger take-off. The take-off area must be clean. There must be no sharp-edged ob-
jects lying on the ground at the take-off, such as glass and stones, that could damage the enve-
lope. It must also be ensured that the area is free from oil, grease and fertilizer residues.
NOTE:
If a tarp is laid out beneath the balloon envelope to protect it during inflation, it
must be electrostatically conductive. The electric resistance of the surface has to be less than
10 power to 9 Ohms. Cotton fabric or damp polyamide fabric generally meet this requirement.
The packing tarp of the balloon envelope must be removed. Dry surfaces at the inflation site
that are not electrostatically conductive must be made damp.
4.4.2 Preparing the balloon prior to the start of inflation
Before laying out the balloon, the inflation team must be instructed in the particular circum-
stances at the take-off site and in the emergency procedures. In the case of filling with hydrogen
gas, it must be ensured that the footwear and clothing of all persons who could come into con-
tact with hydrogen are made of electrostatically conductive material.
The basket is set up on the side of the take-off site facing into the wind. The side of the basket
with the trail rope bag is aligned with the side facing into the wind.
Preflight checks:
Before the balloon may be put into operation, the pilot must check whether the following doc-
uments are valid:
• Entries in the log book relating to damage / repairs / clearances
• Airworthiness review certificate (ARC)
• Certificate of airworthiness, registration certificate and insurance of the balloon
The pilot must check that the basket is in a good general condition. The following must be
checked:
wooden parts
,
basket-work
,
steel cables
,
rope handle
,
sand bag line
,
sand
containers
and
trail rope bag
