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• Drop line—drop lines allow ground crew to assist the pilot in landing in a confined area, or to move the balloon to an area better suited for deflation and retrieving. A good drop line has a quick release provision; is easy to deploy, recover and store; and is easy for a person on the ground to handle. Webbing is a popular drop line material because it is strong. Webbing is hard to roll up, but easy to store. Half-inch nylon braid is strong and is easily rolled into a ball and put in a bag. 

• Gloves—pilots and crew members should develop the habit of wearing gloves anytime they handle the balloon and associated equipment. A well fitting pair of gloves can reduce the injuries that occur while handling balloon equipment, such as rope, cables, bag handles, etc. In the case of a small fuel leak at a burner fitting, gloves can minimize a potentially disastrous situation. 

Gloves should be made of light colored smooth leather to reflect/deflect propane, and gauntlet style to cover the wrist. Avoid synthetic material which melts in heat and ventilated gloves which let in flame or gas. A second pair of gloves, of appropriate rubberized material and looser fit, can be used to conduct refueling operations. 

• Helmets—balloon manufacturers usually mandate protective headgear be worn, especially in high wind conditions to protect heads from impact injury. Store helmets in a bag that can be carried inside or outside the basket, depending on number of passengers and available room. 

• Spares—the following are recommended spares to carry in the chase vehicle or to have on hand: 

* Local and aeronautical maps 

* Helium tank and pibals (pilot balloons) 

* Quick pins and carabiners 

* Gloves and helmets 

* Envelope fabric and/or patches 

* Refueling adapters 

* Spare tire for the trailer 

* Extra fuel for the fan 

* Extra strikers/igniters 

## Aircraft Documents 

## Airworthiness Certificate 

An Airworthiness Certificate is issued by a representative of the FAA after the balloon has been inspected, is found to meet the requirements of 14 CFR part 31, and is in condition for safe operation. The Airworthiness Certificate must be displayed in the aircraft so it is legible to the passengers and crew whenever it is operated. [Figure 2-14] The Airworthiness Certificate is transferred with the aircraft except when it is sold to a foreign purchaser. 

A Standard Airworthiness Certificate is issued for aircraft type certificated in the normal category for manned free balloons. A Standard Airworthiness Certificate remains in effect as long as the aircraft receives the required maintenance and is properly registered in the United States. Flight safety relies, 

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