Learning to Fly    

About the Sport of Ballooning

So you've been bit by the ballooning bug, or perhaps you're just curious, in any case you may be wondering how one becomes a hot-air balloon pilot.

 

The first thing one must understand is that a hot-air balloon is an aircraft, and like any other aircraft, flying a hot-air balloon requires a pilots license. Getting a pilots license is much like getting a drivers license. You must go through a prescribed amount of ground instruction, an amount flight instruction, and then pass two tests. Sound hard? Don't worry it's not so bad, but maybe we should explain.

Basic Requirements

LIke all aircraft ratings the FAA prescribes some basic requirements for those wishing to hold a lighter-than-air, hot-air balloon certificate (the 'official' name for a hot-air balloon pilots license). According to the FAR Part 61 (Federal Aviation Regulations, part of the Code of Federal Regulations part 14) to become a private pilot one must:

  • Be 16 years of Age or older
  • Have no medical defect preventing them from operating the aircraft safely (hot-air balloons do not require a medical certificate)
  • Read, write, and understand english
  • Have a valid logbook endorsement from an instructor certifying you have completed your ground and and flight instruction.
  • Pass the appropriate knowledge test.
  • Meet the aeronautical experience requirements (have your flight training completed).
  • Comply with all appropriate sections of FAR § 61.

Most individuals may look at that list and balk, saying: "I can't do that!", but in truth they can! Are you over 16? Are you without any dangerous medical conditions? Can you read, write, and understand english? Then you are well on your way!

 

What about these tests?...and the flight experience? You might be asking. We'll lets explore that.

Tests Required

Tests...you thought you were rid of them then you reached adulthood (if you have...at least in body), but everything these day's requires a test. A Pilots license is no exception. Don't worry they aren't that bad, and with a little studying you could be ready for the exam. But what are these two tests?

 

The FAA requires that a private pilot (and commercial) pass two exams, one written, and one as part of your flight review (check ride). The written test is called a 'Knowledge Test' and it covers all the basic knowledge expected of a pilot. How to read maps, weather, aircraft operations (in this case balloon), radio operations, airport operations, FAA regulations, etc. are all covered in the private pilot knowledge test. Each test is tailored for your particular certificate area; meaning you won't get questions (for the most part) on how an airplane engines work, since you don't need to know that.

 

Don't worry if it sounds daunting, a quick trip online to Aviation Supplies & Academes, Inc. (ASA), and you can order your very own private pilot test preparation book that covers all the questions. They are actually the exact questions from the test, which are released by the FAA on their own website.

The second test is given as part of the flight review, or 'check ride' and is an oral exam before the flight itself. Don't worry, the knowledge the examiner must cover is mandated by the FAA as part of the "Practical Test Standards", which is an outline of all the things you must demonstrate to the examiner to show you can safely and efficiently fly a hot-air balloon.

Flight Experience Required

To become a private pilot (in a hot-air balloon) you must have appropriate flight experience, meaning you have to have flown a certain amount of time with and without an instructor. A private pilot must:

  • Have 10 hours logged with an instructor in flight training in no less than 6 flights.
  • Have one solo flight (all by your lonesome...and believe me, it is lonesome).
  • Have one controlled ascent to at least 2000ft.
  • Have two flights with an instructor, of at least one hour a piece, within 60days of your flight review (often called a 'check ride').

Now that's not so bad, at least it won't seem so bad once you've started; and it'll be fun!

 

If you would like to learn how to fly a hot-air balloon than the next step is to contact a pilot who can instruct you or to attend an 'ground school', and we can help with getting you in touch, just Contact us.

Resources

If your need to know more, or are just interested here are some good resources about and on how to become a pilot here are some great resources to help you along the way:

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Last Updated: 3.27.07         RedPencil