Spotting for the men below . The work of the British Kite Balloon Observers on the Western Front , October 1916 . A British observer and pilot before going aloft . The observer stands with telephone receiver clipped over his head ; as mouthpiece hangs in front of him . The woven basket is padded inside . Outside hang the parachutes by which the occupants descend in case of need. They have frequently been used . 21 October 1916