The tapes help distribute the load evenly over the surface of the balloon. Maneuvering vent - A self sealing aperture that permits the discrete outlet of hot air to check an ascent or to initiate a descent. It is controlled by a line to the basket. These cables suspend the basket beneath the envelope and connect with the loadtapes. Telltale - Special pieces of heat sensitive material placed inside the top of a hot air balloon to monitor the balloon's temperature.
Excessive heat can cause damage to the envelope material.
Thermistor - An instrument used to measure the temperature of the hot air in the upper section of a hot air balloon. No part of this website including photographs and graphics may be used without permission.