Balloonist Onboarding Checklist

Balloonist Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Balloonist starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Entertainment onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Balloonist, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Balloonist onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Balloonist Onboarding Checklist

1. Safety Training: This task involves providing comprehensive safety training to the new balloonist, including instructions on emergency procedures, equipment handling, and safety protocols. The company’s safety officer or a designated trainer typically performs this task to ensure the balloonist understands and follows all safety guidelines.

2. Equipment Familiarization: The new balloonist needs to become familiar with the company’s specific balloon equipment, including the balloon envelope, burner, fuel system, and basket. A senior balloonist or the company’s maintenance team can guide the new hire through this task, explaining the different components, their functions, and how to properly inspect and maintain them.

3. Flight Planning: Flight planning is crucial for balloonists to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences for passengers. The new balloonist should be trained on how to plan flights, considering weather conditions, wind patterns, airspace restrictions, and suitable landing sites. This task is typically performed by experienced balloonists or flight operations personnel.

4. Passenger Handling: Balloonists often interact with passengers during flights, providing instructions, answering questions, and ensuring their comfort and safety. The new balloonist should receive training on how to handle passengers, including communication techniques, passenger briefing procedures, and emergency protocols. This task can be performed by experienced balloonists or customer service representatives.

5. Navigation and Map Reading: Balloonists need to have a good understanding of navigation and map reading to ensure they can navigate accurately during flights. The company may provide training on reading maps, using navigation tools, and understanding landmarks and airspace boundaries. This task is typically performed by experienced balloonists or flight instructors.

6. Crew Coordination: Balloon flights require a team effort, with crew members assisting in various tasks such as balloon inflation, launch, and recovery. The new balloonist should be trained on how to effectively coordinate with the crew, assign tasks, and ensure smooth operations. This task can be performed by experienced balloonists or crew leaders.

7. Emergency Procedures: In the event of an emergency, balloonists need to be prepared to handle various situations, such as rapid descent, equipment malfunctions, or unexpected weather changes. The company should provide comprehensive training on emergency procedures, including emergency landings, communication protocols, and first aid. This task is typically performed by experienced balloonists or safety officers.

8. Regulatory Compliance: Balloonists must adhere to various regulations and licensing requirements set by aviation authorities. The new balloonist should receive training on these regulations, including licensing procedures, record-keeping, and reporting requirements. This task is typically performed by the company’s compliance officer or an aviation specialist.

9. Customer Service: Balloonists often interact with passengers before, during, and after flights, requiring excellent customer service skills. The new balloonist should receive training on providing exceptional customer experiences, handling inquiries and complaints, and ensuring passenger satisfaction. This task can be performed by experienced balloonists or customer service representatives.

10. Continuous Learning: Balloonists should continuously update their knowledge and skills to stay current with industry trends, safety practices, and regulatory changes. The company should encourage and provide resources for ongoing professional development, such as attending workshops, conferences, or online courses. This task can be facilitated by the company’s training department or through external training providers

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Balloonist checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Balloonist up to speed and working well in your Entertainment team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.