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care when sliding the fabric across the ground to avoid causing damage. 

All balloons have an even number of load tapes. By using the number on the load tape when spreading the envelope, the envelope can be arranged in a proper position for inflation. With one crewmember on each side of the envelope fabric, start at the mouth and travel the length of the appropriate load tape, pulling the fabric taut up to the equator. This allows the bottom to be laid out flat. Be careful to handle only the load tapes when positioning the envelope because pulling on the fabric could cause damage. Holding a load tape and flapping up and down gently helps avoid tears and other damage while spreading the envelope. This action traps a small bubble of air which floats, rather than drags fabric and keeps the balloon cleaner and easier to pull. [Figure 6-11] 

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Check the deflation system at this time and properly position it in accordance with the balloon flight manual. While the envelope is filling with air, the crew can assist the process by lifting upward on the load tapes, allowing more cold air to pack the envelope. This method allows the envelope to deploy smoothly and easily, even with a small inflation fan. 

## Strip Layout 

When inflating on pavement or a small or narrow launch site, many pilots prefer not to deploy the envelope on the ground. Instead, they prefer to pull the envelope straight out from the basket, making sure the top gore is on top its full length, and to inflate the envelope entirely with the fan. This may require a larger fan, depending on the size of the balloon and envelope material. [Figure 6-12] 

Once the balloon is stretched out, ensure the control lines (deflation, cooling, or rotating) are correctly attached to the 

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basket according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This method minimizes handling the fabric on a rough or dirty surface. It requires more diligence by the ground crew to ensure it deploys correctly. 

## Progressive Fill 

Inflation out of the bag is a coordinated technique in which the envelope is cold inflated directly out of the bag. With the envelope suspension connected to the basket, it is pulled progressively out of the bag as the fan is running, inflating the envelope as the crew slowly, with pauses, carries the balloon bag away from the basket while the envelope fills. Another variation, the progressive fill, has the crew holding the envelope in their arms, gradually releasing more and more of the envelope, from mouth to top, until the very top of the envelope is released for filling. The progressive fill packs the lower portion of the envelope with cold air, and exposes less of the fabric to the ground. This method generally results in a faster inflation, but may create problems with attaching a parachute top or ensuring that lines are not tangled. 

## Inflator Fan Placement 

The type of inflator fan needed for different layout techniques depends primarily on the amount of work required. The strip layout method requires a large, strong fan to force the envelope into shape, while the spread layout method requires less fan energy. 

Fan placement and techniques are as varied as the pilots who fly. It may appear that every pilot has a slightly different technique for placement and use of the fan, but the general principle is the same. The fan should be placed to the side of the basket [Figure 6-13],  with the air flow directed into the mouth of the balloon to inflate the envelope, but far enough 

