Blast Valve Operation

Objective

• How blast valve functions
• Use of blast valve for altitude control
• Economy of blast valve operation
• Safety considerations

Equipment

• Balloon system ready for preflight function check
• Cross section drawing of blast valve

Instructor

• Pre-flight discussion of how blast valve operates including use of "O" ring(s) to create seal.
• Best operation is all the way on or all the way off.  Short frequent fifing is more efficient than long firing bursts Explain oxygen starvation at surface and at high altitude
• When blast valve is locked open, pilot’s hand should not let it go, nor should the pilot use the blast valve as a hand hold in flight and especially on landing

Student’s Actions

• Demonstrate actual blast valve operation on ground
• Discuss construction of blast valve and possibility of an "O" ring leak
• Discuss safe and efficient operation

Completion Standards

• The student should demonstrate knowledge of blast valve operation by operating blast valve in simulated flight and by oral quiz