Flight Manual for Gas Balloons of Type NL-STU
Issue 2.0
July 25, 2016
Page 6-2
6.2.2.3 Appendix opening
The appendix, a cylindrical tube of balloon fabric, is suspended from the appendix opening. It is
attached to the south pole of the envelope by means of two appendix rings. During flight, the
appendix is open so that the gas may expand in case of increasing temperature or decreasing
outside pressure (e.g. during ascent). The parachute line is routed out of the envelope and into
the basket through the appendix. The wooden ring attached at the lower end of the appendix,
the so-called lower appendix ring (Poeschel ring), keeps the appendix open during flight. When
the appendix pull-close line is pulled, the lower appendix ring (Poeschel ring) is turned horizon-
tally and at the same time tilted upwards on one side. This closes the appendix, which is of ad-
vantage for intermediate landings, gusts, and for deflation.
6.2.3 Load belt
The load belt is attached to the envelope halfway between the equator and the appendix. It
consists of arch-shaped sections of belt that end in stainless steel rings. The arch-shaped sec-
tions of belt serve to introduce the load from the suspension ropes uniformly into the envelope.
The suspension ropes that lead to the load ring are hooked into the stainless steel rings.
6.3 Load ring
The load ring forms the connection between the suspension ropes and the basket ropes. It con-
sists of a welded steel pipe. Slings and toggles for attaching the suspension ropes and basket
ropes are spliced onto the load ring. A crow’s-foot, consisting of one rope with a loop and an-
other rope with a toggle, is provided for the trail rope.
6.4 Basket
The wickerwork of the balloon basket is made of rattan. The floor is stiffened and reinforced with
hardwood laths. The basket ropes consist of sheathed stainless steel cables. Each basket rope
runs down one side wall, then horizontally through the floor of the basket before running back
up the opposite side wall.
The basket size depends on the number of persons. A basket floor area of 0.3 m
2
per person
must be calculated. Baskets for 1 to 6 persons are approved for balloons of type NL-STU, de-
pending on the envelope size.
The bottom corners of the basket and the “drag side” are protected against wear by leather
caps. The upper edge of the basket is often padded with leather. For performance flights, a
lightweight 4-person basket or a 2-person fabric walled basket can be used. This two baskets
are equipped with a flap in the side of the basket.
