JOIN THE TEAM

NOW HIRING BALLOON CHASE CREW IN KNOXVILLE TN

The first ever passengers in a hot air balloon were a rooster, sheep, and goose. Do you think they put the balloon together themselves?

Aviation has always needed ground crew. In the balloon world, this team is called a chase crew! A strong chase crew is as instrumental to ballooning as the pilots themselves.

Chase crew are responsible for a range of tasks:

Helping to assemble and inflate the hot air balloons
Chasing the balloon as it flies downwind.
Interacting with landowners of launch and landing sites
Aiding pilots in landing
Informing pilots about wind and terrain conditions
Disassembling and putting away the equipment post-flight
Ensuring equipment stays in good working and safe order.
Any additional activities that may present themselves.

Many hands make light work so the chase crew must be reliable, conscientious, team players who work hard and show initiative. No previous experience is required.

Ground crew are paid $50 per flight. Each flight is approximately a 2hr commitment but may vary depending on wind and weather.

If this piques your interest, join our team! This is a fun and physical activity, perfect for early risers who want a unique, fun, and social activity. No two days are the same ballooning, which keeps it exciting and perfect for adventurers!

Call/Text: 330-608-5766
Email: info@USABallooning.org
DM on Insta: @USABallooning

Ballooning is not possible without excellent chase crew. You’ll assist in the three phases of a balloon flight.
Inflation and Launch
Unload, rig, and inflate the balloon. The pilot heats the air inside the balloon with the burner and the balloon slowly rises upright while the crew controls with handling ropes. Once airborne, the crew packs up any remaining equipment and begins the chase!
The Chase
Balloons fly with the wind, so, in most cases we do not land where we took off. The crew’s job is to chase the balloon in the truck and anticipate where it might land based on wind direction and speed.
The Landing
The pilot will choose a suitable field or parking lot for landing and will communicate these intentions to the crew via two-way radio. The crew will attempt to obtain landowner permission prior to the balloon landing.
Once on the ground, it’s all hands on deck to deflate and pack the balloon into the truck.
Balloon chase crew is perfect for anyone interested in ballooning, making a little extra cash with a flexible schedule, enjoys waking up early, meeting new people, and doesn’t mind a little physical activity
Flights generally take place at sunrise.
We fly 2-6 times per month depending on weather conditions.
Flights are scheduled approximately two days in advanced.
Chase crew schedule is completely flexible, join us for as many flights as you want.
Launch locations vary depending on the direction of the wind. The pilot will communicate the meeting location the day prior to the flight.
We pay $50 per flight which is generally a 2hr commitment starting at sunrise.
Duration may vary depending on wind direction and weather conditions.
Competition ballooning requires pilots to navigate to set targets using only the winds at different altitudes to steer.
USA Ballooning pilots are the best in the sport and will compete in the 2026 World Championship in Poland.