MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR BALLOON FIESTA:

 MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR BALLOON FIESTA:

 

 

One way to make the most of your Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (AIBF) is to become part of a chase crew. 

 

By Crewing, one can have a fascinating, informative experience, and a lot of fun. 

Here you will work under the guidance of a Crew Chief and the Pilot. They will guide you in accomplishing the tasks needed to launch and recover the balloon. Some of the tasks you may perform include assembly of the basket, laying out the envelope, holding lines, running the inflator fan and using your body as ballast holding the basket. 



After the launch, it is time jump in the chase vehicle and follow the balloon to the landing site. At the landing site you will help get the air out of the envelope, prepare the basket for transport, pack up the envelope by stuffing it into it’s bag. Then load it all up and head back to the field. You might get to ride back in the basket. Oh, and be asked to sign the banner on the basket to commemorate your crewing. 



Many crews have a party upon return to the launch field and pop the traditional bottle of Champaign and make a toast.

The time honored toast is the Balloonists Prayer:

May the winds welcome you with softness. 

May the sun bless you with its warm hands.


May you fly so high and so well that God 
joins you in laughter and sets you gently 
back into the loving arms of Mother Earth.



 

Yes, the task of crewing does start early in the morning. Very early to some. While there is no guarantee you may be offered a flight, if you crew several days, it might just happen. 



So how do I crew for a balloon at AIBF. It is rather easy as there is a sign up desk on the launch field. In the past this can be found near the media tent. Better yet, go to the official AIBF website balloonfiesta.com, find the ballooning tab on the top banner, scroll down to crew registration. This form is usually available from mid July to mid September. 



Balloonists are a very friendly lot of folks and will guide you along as you gain experience. 

A big plus is you become part of the WORLD’S Primer Hot Air Balloon Event. Now there are some major bragging rights.

 

Either way, if you are planning on attending AIBF, START YOUR PLANNING NOW!!!