Launch Countdown

Here is our Countdown Checklist:

15 Check the wind is less than 10 mph MISSION CONTROLLERS

14 Check the landing location is not in the sea or a built up area MISSION CONTROLLERS

13 At least 30 minutes before the Notify Bristol and Gloucester Gliding club (01453 860342) at Nympsfield and Cotswold Gliding Club at Aston Down (01285 760415/760473  MISSION CONTROLLERS

12 Ensure there is a letter on the payload explaining where the balloon is and that the mission name is on the outside of the payload box. MISSION CONTROLLERS

11 Ensure that the passengers are securely attached and in the view finder MISSION CONTROLLERS

10  Put down a ground sheet or put up tent at the launch site ENGINEERS

9 Ensure that trackers and camera are fully charged/fresh batteries & memory cards ENGINEERS

8 Test the trackers and camera, then switch off ENGINEERS

7 Attach the payload box to the parachute ENGINEERS

6 Inflate the balloon until it lifts 1600g ENGINEERS

5 Seal the balloon ENGINEERS

4 Attach the balloon to the parachute ENGINEERS

3 Switch on all three trackers and camera and check they are working in the correct modes ENGINEERS

2 Photograph of everyone with the balloon and payload JOURNALISTS

2 Check that the parachute strings are not tangled and that the radio antenna is straight ENGINEERS

1 LAUNCH RELEASE BALLOON, THEN RELEASE PARACHUTE, THEN RELEASE PAYLOAD