Yes, it actually is take 3 for this year. June, September, and now October. Next week we learn our assignments and balloon handlers will find out sometime in November according to the Parade FAQ.
Sue and I left Thursday afternoon driving through Ohio and just into West Virginia. Friday was Pennsylvania into New Jersey with a stop off in Red Bank at Jay & Silent Bob’s Secret Stash where I was able to fill in a few holes in my Silver/Bronze age collection. Sue was also able to claim (with Cecil) the only Webcam in New Jersey - GCQWPK nearby.
We awoke and started heading to MetLife Stadium and the parking lot where everything was going to happen. By the time we arrived the lot was full of balloons and people, with more to come. Sue got in her line, and I got in mine a little apprehensive about where I should go- pilot or captain training?
Fortunately, it was a simple question and off I was to pick up breakfast and pick up a red cap.
It’s sad when a simple colored ball cap says so much about a person. When first asked about what role I’d like to try for I said “pilot” not specifically because it was something I longed for (I just wanted to help) but because pilots wear green caps and captains wear red ones. I didn’t want to be associated with the type of person in this country who wears a red cap. While I have been called a cult member about a few things- Apple Computers, MINI Coopers, DC Comics- none of those actually cause harm to other people (OK maybe DC Comics). Today I decided to ignore the stigma of a red cap and train as a captain.
The pilot is in charge of the balloon, they make sure it doesn’t run into things. That the balloon is in the “envelope” and on time as it goes down the street. The height of the balloon is the pilot’s job. The captain - herds cats. The role of the captain is to make sure everyone is there and to keep everyone moving and excited. It’s important to keep the balloon handlers in lines, to swap out people as they get tired and give everyone their time in the limelight. Mostly it’s to make sure that the pilot’s directions are followed. Basically, as a former public school teacher it’s like managing a class of first graders on a field trip. Something I have done many times. We were given Manny the Hippo to train on and basically the trainee captains played the role of balloon handlers throughout the morning. Each person got a rotation and I learned a lot.
Things I learned during training
Manny the Hippo likes to breakdance - I had tried my hand at balloon handling with Manny in June during my first training. He wants to spin on his head. The tail end seems to want to point to the sky which can be hard on handlers. The pilot picks who they want in certain positions so stronger handlers are given key positions. I spent a lot of my time in the back and Manny for the most part flew level because the back end kept him under control. Pilot B kept an eye on Manny’s rear end.
The Pilot Matters - Having on through pilot training I know how hard it can be. That said, some pilots have more experience and really do a great job. We had a wide variety of pilots so it was interesting to see how some were better than others. I started to feel better about my failure at pilot training.
Always on the move - We had four captains on Manny and the most successful groups made sure to run between the four lines of handlers keeping their spacing from becoming a mob every time there was a pause
Balloons are different- After we deflated Manny there was a call for help with the pilot trainee’s Green Star balloon. I grabbed another red hat and ran over. The Captain on that balloon had to leave so they needed a replacement. I was a little concerned having left pilot training for Captain training, but jumped in. The Star had fewer handlers and my job, was to keep everyone in their place as we marched along. This was actually a great experience. I got to see trainee pilots mess up a lot worse than I had done a couple weeks before. I found this interesting since the head of the pilot trainee group had come over and recruited a few from the captain ranks to train as pilots since there was a better chance to get into Flight Management through the pilot program than the captain program. I guess last year they invited 5 new pilots and only 2 new captains. I just wanted to help out and not freak out so I stayed with the captains.
I never got to work on the Astronaut Snoopy balloon since that was more for beginning handlers and vehicle training. There is a new Snoopy balloon this year so you won’t see the Astronaut or Beagle Scout this time around.
What’s next?
This week they will let people know what their role will be. I have no idea. Like I said, I’m fine with being a balloon handler as long as next year I can try again for flight management. 100 inflatables in this year’s parade so the odds are kinda in my favor? I’ve gone through pilot training twice, and captain training once - but I attended all three training sessions and a test flight. Not being local this shows my dedication… if that matters.
I also have an invitation to Balloonfest in early November which is the last time the balloons get flown before the parade. This usually is a few of the new balloons. We get to be handlers and fly the balloons around for the press and VIPs. We still don’t know where it’s going to be so our reservations are pending.
If you are in New York for Thanksgiving I highly recommend waiting in line on that Wednesday to see the balloons being inflated and the floats up close. Sue and I will be around, but since this is just another Whimventure all we know is where we are staying, not a minute by minute itinerary. I know I will be up very early Thanksgiving Day and it matters what my role is as to what I will wear and what I need to do. I will be wearing layers, but besides that- who knows? Handlers are dressed for their balloons, Pilots and Captains are in white jumpsuits with either red or green caps. Pilots also get bright orange gloves. Once I’m allowed to announce anything about my role, I will.
About all that is left is a traditional prayer for great ballon weather! Thanks Bruce for these updates! You and Sue have a great time!