Many of the special shape balloons are much bigger. Some of the special shape balloons weigh thousands of pounds. A pilot and at least 3 ground crew members are needed in ballooning.
Crews are very important to prepare for launch, follow and safely recover the balloon.
Ground crews also often talk on the radio with their pilots during flights. It's easy to become a crew member Get acquainted with a local pilot or participate in a local balloon club to become a member of a crew. After it fills, the balloon is righted by igniting the burners and heating up the air inside, which is known as hot inflation. Venting air out the top makes it go down quicker. Winds at different heights blow in different directions.