Flight Manual for Gas Balloons of Type NL-STU
Issue 2.0
May 02, 2016
Page 3-1
Chapter 3 – Emergency procedures
3.1 Introduction
This section describes procedures for emergency situations and provides corresponding check-
lists. In the case of good flight planning and well maintained balloons, emergency situations are
very rare. Should an emergency situation nevertheless arise, it is essential for the pilot to act
quickly and precisely. Mental preparation for conceivable emergency situations is one way of
making responses automatic. For this, all steps of a flight maneuver are thought through and
internalized.
NOTE:
Under certain circumstances, due to the weather or other unforeseeable conditions
affecting the specific situation, the pilot may deviate from the following recommenda-
tions. In such situations, even under the influence of stress, the pilot must remain
permanently aware of the fact that the safety of the people on board takes priority
over avoiding damage to the balloon.
If a balloon enters an emergency situation, the pilot must focus his concentration primarily on
the balloon and its flight path. For this reason, the passengers must be given calm and thorough
instruction prior to take-off in how to behave during the flight and during landing. The following
applies here:
In emergency situations, the procedures described here should be applied. Recovery of per-
sons always has top priority. It may be necessary to accept damage to or loss of the balloon
and other equipment.
Clear instruction:
The pilot must give clear instructions. The passengers must follow the-
se instructions in all situations.
Position in basket:
Each passenger must be assigned a specific position in the basket. He
must move into this position immediately during landing and in emer-
gency situations.
Objects:
All objects that are not required must always be stowed and secured
against falling out.
Landing:
For landing, all occupants of the basket must hold on tightly to the rope
handle inside the basket. The muscles in the legs must be tensed and
the knees bent slightly. The landing procedure must be observed by all
to prevent surprise due to the basket touching down suddenly.
Disembarking:
No-one may leave the basket until the pilot has given the instruction to
do so.
