On the average, a three-member crew can launch a balloon in about 15 minutes. The balloon envelope is spread out on the ground with the attached gondola laid on its side. Cold air is blown into the envelope with a powered fan. Once the envelope is tight, the burner is ignited and the inside air is heated. Slowly, the balloon rises to an upright position.
More heating achieves liftoff.
A vehicle, manned by the chase crew, follows the balloon, never losing sight of it. The crew's challenge is to arrive at the landing site just as the balloon touches down. Crew duties include obtaining permission from the landowner for the balloon landing and retrieval, keeping spectators away from the landing area, assuring gates are left as found and making sure the property is not damaged. Generally, pilots land near roads so that they can be easily retrieved by their chase crew.