The cold air partially inflates the balloon to establish its basic shape before the burner flame is aimed into the mouth heating the air inside. A crew member stationed opposite the mouth, holds a rope (crown line) tied to the apex (crown) of the envelope. Some balloons, AX7 and larger, may have two (or more) crown lines.
The cold air partially inflates the balloon to create its basic shape before the burner flame is directed into the mouth, heating the air inside. A crew member positioned opposite the mouth holds a rope (crown line) attached to the top of the envelope, called the crown. Some balloons, AX7 and larger, may have multiple crown lines.