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to the back of the basket to serve as a tie-off point for the balloon’s quick-release system. This method minimizes the amount of lifting and carrying of heavy components. When used in reverse, it allows for the system to be packed up at the end of the flight, and kept ready for a future flight. 

## Assembly 

If the basket is disassembled for transport and handling, it must be assembled in accordance with the flight manual prior to layout. The pilot, using the checklist, should either perform these functions or carefully supervise them. 

## Basket 

Once the basket is appropriately placed, it is necessary to attach the uprights and burner frame (as appropriate). Each brand of balloon is slightly different, and the balloon’s flight manual should be checked for the specific procedures. Some balloon baskets must be placed on their side to install the uprights and burner, while some may be left standing upright. Either way, after the components are installed, they should be checked for installation, integrity, security, and general condition. 

## Burner and Fuel System 

If not accomplished in the previous step, the burner(s) (or heater) should be mounted and connected. Retaining pins, as applicable, must be mounted, and fuel lines connected between the burner and the tanks. The practice of using an adjustable wrench on fuel line fittings is discouraged; while convenient, these wrenches usually cause excessive wear on the fittings over time, and may result in damage or early replacement. It is usually better to use the correct size open-end wrench. Fittings do not need to be heavily torqued into place; this is a common error with newer pilots. A good fitting usually seals with little more than finger-tight force. Anything more may indicate corrosion or a damaged flange seal in the fitting. [Figure 6-9] 

It is appropriate to check for leaks in the fuel system at this point; this should be a checklist item. The pilot opens the fuel tank valves and checks each connection, at both tank and burner, by using a “sniff test.” The odorant in propane, ethyl mercaptan, has a very distinctive odor and is relatively easy to detect. The burner should also be examined to ensure that no fuel is leaking from fittings, pressure gauges, or interior plumbing. Once satisfied that there are no leaks, the fuel may be turned off and the pressure bled off. The basket should then be placed in a vertical position to prepare for the next function check. 

## Burner Check 

Most manufacturers require burner checks as a necessary part of an equipment function check and are indicative of 

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good habit patterns. Each system has a specific procedure, appropriate to that particular system, which is outlined in the flight manual for that model of balloon. In general, each burner, including the pilot light, is checked individually for correct operation to ensure that the burner is working properly. Each burner is checked using each fuel tank, and all backup systems should also be checked for correct function and operation. 

As an example, assume a single burner balloon with three tanks connected into a common fuel line (tanks in parallel). The pilot would first light the pilot lights and check for correct operation. Then, one tank would be opened, and the blast valve activated. The pilot checks for correct operation, smooth blast valve movement, and for pressure in the fuel system, as excessive loss of pressure may be indicative of a fuel tank or line problem. This procedure should be repeated for each tank, closing off the first tank when moving to the second, and so on. After all tanks are checked, then the backup system (Fire2$^{™}$, Whispervalve$^{™}$, Liquid Fire$^{™}$, Metering Valve, etc.) should also be tested. Once all systems are checked for functionality, then the tanks should be closed, pressure released from the fuel system by burning off the fuel, and the basket placed on its side in preparation for attaching the envelope. (NOTE: At no time should all of the tanks in a parallel-plumbed system be opened at once. In the event 

