Getting Involved with Hot Air Balloons: A Crew Member’s Guide

When people think of hot air ballooning, they often picture them gracefully bobbing about on the wind. But behind every successful flight, there’s a dedicated ground crew working hard to make it all happen. If you’ve ever wanted to be part of the action and get hands-on with hot air balloons, here’s everything you need to know about joining a balloon crew and what the role entails.

What Does a Balloon Crew Do?

The crew’s work begins long before a balloon takes to the sky. In fact, their job starts as soon as the previous flight has landed, ensuring everything is prepared for the next adventure.

Pre-Flight Responsibilities:

Refuelling Assistance: Balloons carry up to 400 litres of propane, which needs to be replenished after each flight.
Equipment Checks: Inflation fans need petrol, and all gear must be in top condition.

Early mornings are part of the gig, but that means you’ll have the rest of the day free after an adventurous start!

The Setup Process

Once at the launch site, the crew works alongside the pilot to determine the best setup location based on wind conditions—often assessed by releasing a small helium balloon to observe wind patterns.

The basket is unloaded and placed on its side.
The envelope (the fabric part of the balloon) is spread out and attached to the basket.
Inflation fans fill the envelope with cold air while the pilot and crew perform final safety checks.
Once the envelope is nearly full, the burners fire hot air into it, lifting the balloon upright.
After passengers are briefed and climb aboard, the crew releases the balloon for takeoff.
Pulling the Crown Rope - This steadies the balloon as it rises with hot inflation.

Chasing the Balloon

While the passengers enjoy their flight, the crew’s job is far from over. As part of the chase crew, they follow the balloon’s journey from the ground using maps and GPS, maintaining radio contact with the pilot.

They navigate in 4x4 vehicles, often across fields and remote areas.
Upon landing, the crew assists in deflating and packing away the balloon.
The team liaises with landowners when necessary—sometimes a friendly crate of beer helps smooth things over!
The Robert Wiseman Dairies Chase Car

Why Volunteer as Balloon Crew?

Being part of a balloon crew is an adventure in itself. Here are just a few of the perks:

Free hot air balloon flights! - If you volunteer with us, you get to fly with us!
Unforgettable experiences and travel opportunities. Ballooning can take you all over the country—and even the world!
Potential for paid opportunities. Many commercial and sponsored flights rely on skilled and experienced crew members. We are proud to have been the exclusive operators for Virgin Balloon Flights in Scotland and the RE/MAX balloon in the UK—part of the world's largest balloon fleet, with 106 balloons worldwide!
A great team atmosphere. Ballooning is as much about camaraderie as it is about flying.
Access to balloon festivals. Get up close and personal at some of the biggest and best balloon festivals across the UK and beyond!
Strathaven Balloon Festival - Scotland's Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

What We’re Looking For

To be part of our Scotair Balloons crew, we need team members who:

Are over 25 with a full, clean driver’s licence.
Are comfortable driving a 4x4 and towing a trailer off-road.
Have a willingness to get involved and embrace adventure.
Have a great sense of humour and team spirit!

All training will be provided—you just need to bring enthusiasm and a readiness to learn.

Final Notes

Our base is in Libberton, South Lanarkshire, so you’ll need your own transport.
Flights are weather-dependent, meaning last-minute cancellations can happen.
This is a volunteer position, and as such we genuinely appreciate all the help and support our crew provides!

Ready to Join the Adventure?

If you think you’ve got what it takes, send your CV and a little bit about yourself to info@scotair.com. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard!