Crew

   Some call them Chase Crew, I call them the Ground Team. Chase Crew can imply crew that only reacts and does not anticipate. Ground Team gives an indication that they are thinking as the pilot thinks. Either way, the people that help the pilot are integral to the success of the flight. Without the team the pilot doesn't fly. The team should be cross trained in all aspects of crewing, the more they know the better they will be. A well trained team is capable of working with little or no instruction. But if you have never crew, don't be intimidated. Virtually anyone can learn to crew. Many times I will have new crew and they perform wonderfully. Of course the proper instruction by the pilot is very importation.
The pilot is responsible for the operation of the aircraft, but the pilot is also responsible for the actions of the ground team. Their actions represent the pilot and ballooning in general. If you are ground team, remember that you are a very important public relation element of ballooning. Even if you are just a beginner team member, you will be viewed as a knowledgeable member of the ballooning community. Crewing does not come without the occasional sore muscles or mosquito bites. The memories out weigh the bites. A pilot should appreciate the crew.