Keeping the balloon aloft

The RAAF Balloon crew: Flight Sergeant Lyn Clements, Aircraftman Steve Thomas, Flight Lieutenant Greg Ferguson and Squadron Leader Bob Cook. Photo by FLGOFF Simon Paton

By FLGOFF Simon Paton

The RAAF Balloon is one of the most prominent of all aircraft in the Air Force inventory.

Like many of our faster air assets, the balloon requires a support team which provides valuable assistance to the single pilot during its many activities throughout Australia.

The RAAF Balloon is a cost-effective way of presenting the Air Force to the public and is seen at many events around the country.

The support team is required to coordinate the removal of basket and envelope and assist in fanning air into the envelope before gas is ignited and hot air is directed upward.

The team plays an important role in ensuring the balloon is prepared and filled to suit the timing of the launch and to ensure the envelope is ready for take off.

Flight Sergeant Lyn Clements, of No. 28 Squadron, is a member of the balloon support crew and said that, on occasion, chasing the balloon could be as much adventure as being up in the air.

“On a recent publicity shoot in Canberra we were confronted with chasing and anticipating the direction of the balloon. In a built-up area this can be a lot of fun and sometimes the sheer presence of the balloon creates a fair bit of attention on the ground,” FSGT Clements said.

Balloon pilot Flight Lieutenant Greg Ferguson said that the vision of a balloon 200 feet overhead could be distracting for motorists.

Apart from chasing the balloon, the ground support team must also anticipate the landing location of the balloon.

The balloon team appeared at the Australian War Memorial open day in Canberra last weekend and will appear at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 6-9.

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