A balloonist is a person who pilots a hot air balloon. An AERONAUT is an individual who operates a lighter-than-air craft, such as a hot air balloon. To POP a balloon means to burst it with a sharp sound. ASCENT is the act of rising or ascending, and a GONDOLA is a type of basket suspended from a balloon for carrying passengers or equipment. A LEAK is a hole or crack that allows air or gas to escape. Together, these terms describe the job of a balloonist, who pilots a hot air balloon, often with passengers or equipment in a GONDOLA, and must be aware of any leaks that could cause the balloon to lose altitude during its ASCENT.