Balloon Glossary 

Aeronaut - A pilot or navigator of a balloon

Balloon - See definition of an envelope

Balloon System - A balloon system includes the envelope, basket and burner for a self contained flying vehicle.

Basket - Pilot and passenger compartment attached to a hot air balloon and usually made of wicker, a flexible and lightweight material that provides good shock absorption.

Burner - A system of gas valves and jets fed from a fuel tank (usually propane) the air within the envelope, causing the balloon to rise.

Chase Crew - One or more people who follow a launched balloon and attempt to be whenever and wherever the balloon lands. The crew’s responsibilities include helping the pilot to inflate and deflate the balloon.

Envelope - the air bag of a hot air balloon system that is constructed of nylon or polyester fabric coated with polyurethane, which makes less porous and protects it from the sun rays. A framework of nylon webbing is sewn into the fabric, which strengthens the envelope.

Hot Air Balloon - A balloon that uses heated air contained within an envelope
Heated air is less dense than the cooler air surrounding it that allows the balloon to rise.

Lines - Ropes used to move, hold or position a boat or balloon.

Vector - A wind current moving in a specific direction. Balloon pilots look for currents to help carry them toward and objective or target.