Purpose of Balloon Flight Training
As outlined in this handbook, the purpose of balloon training is to learn, develop, and refine basic balloon flight skills.
These skills include:
• Knowledge of the principles of flight.
• The ability to launch, operate, and land a balloon with competence and precision.
• The use of good judgment that leads to optimal operational safety and efficiency.
Learning to fly a balloon requires a specific set of motor skills:
• Coordination—the ability to take physical action in the proper sequence to produce the desired results while
launching, flying, and landing the balloon.
• Timing—the application of muscle coordination at the proper time to make the flight, and all maneuvers incident to
it, a constant smooth process.
• Control touch—the ability to interpret, evaluate, and predict the actions and reactions of the balloon with regard to
attitude and speed variations, by interpreting and evaluating varying visual cues and instrument readings.
• Situational awareness—the ability to sense instantly any reasonable variation of altitude, airspeed, and directional
change, as well as a constant perception of relative position to ground-based structures and planned flight track.
A skilled pilot becomes one with the balloon and learns to assess a situation quickly and accurately. They also develop
the ability to select the proper procedure to follow in a situation, to predict the probable results of the selected procedure,
and to exercise safe practices. In addition, a skilled pilot learns to gauge the performance of the balloon being flown and
to recognize not only personal limitations, but also the limitations of the balloon. This knowledge helps the pilot to avoid
reaching personal or machine critical points.
Developing the skills needed to fly a balloon requires time and dedication on the part of the student pilot, as well as the
flight instructor. Each balloon has its own particular flight characteristics, and it is not the purpose of balloon flight training
to learn how to fly a particular model balloon. The purpose of balloon flight training is to develop skills and safety habits
that can be transferred to any balloon. The pilot who acquires the necessary flight skills during training, and demonstrates
these skills by flying with precision and safe flying habits, easily transitions to different model balloons. Student pilots
should also remember that the goal of flight training is to develop a safe and competent pilot. To that end, it is important
for the flight instructor to insure the student pilot forms the proper flying habits by introducing them to good operating
practices from the first training flight.
Role of the FAA
The United States Congress has empowered the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to promote aviation safety by
establishing safety standards for civil aviation. The FAA accomplishes this goal through the Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR). Title 14 of the Code of FederalRegulations (14 CFR) part 61 pertains to the certification of pilots, flight instructors,
and ground instructors. 14 CFR part 61 defines the eligibility, aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency, as well as training
and testing requirements for each type of pilot certificate issued.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Balloon Flight
Training
14 CFR part 91 contains general operating and flight rules. The section is broad in scope and provides general guidance
in the areas of general flight rules, visual flight rules (VFR), instrument flight rules (IFR), aircraft maintenance, and
preventive maintenance and alterations.
Within the FAA, the Flight Standards Service promotes safe air transportation by setting the standards for certification
and oversight of airmen, air operators, air agencies, and designees. It also promotes safety of flight of civil aircraft and air
commerce by:
• Accomplishing certification, inspection, surveillance, investigation, and enforcement.
• Setting regulations and standards.
• Managing the system for registration of civil aircraft and all airmen records.
The focus of interaction between the FAA Flight Standards Service and the aviation community and general public is the
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). [ Figure 1-1] The FAA has approximately 130 FSDOs. These offices provide
information and services for the aviation community. FSDO phone numbers are listed in the blue pages of the telephone
directory under United States Government Offices, Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration.
Another convenient method of finding a local office is to use the FSDO locator available on faa.gov.
Figure 1-1. Atlanta Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).
In addition to accident investigation and the enforcement of aviation regulations, the FSDO is also responsible for the
certification and surveillance of air carriers, air operators, flight schools and/or training centers, and airmen including pilots
and flight instructors. Each FSDO is staffed by aviation safety inspectors (ASIs) who play a key role in making the United
States aviation system safe. They administer and enforce safety regulations and standards for the production, operation,
maintenance, and/or modification of aircraft used in civil aviation. They also specialize in conducting inspections of
various aspects of the aviation system, such as aircraft and parts manufacturing, aircraft operation, aircraft airworthiness,
and cabin safety. ASIs complete a training program at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City which includes airman
evaluation and pilot testing techniques and procedures. Inspectors also receive extensive on-the-job training and they
receive recurrent training on a regular basis. The FAA has approximately 3,700 inspectors located in its FSDO offices. All
questions concerning pilot certification (and/or requests for other aviation information or services) should be directed to
the local FSDO.
Role of the Pilot Examiner
Among other duties, ASIs are responsible for administering FAA practical tests for pilot and flight instructor certificates
and associated ratings. The administration of these tests is normally carried out at the FSDO level, but the agency’s highest
priority is making air travel safer by inspecting aircraft that fly in the United States. To satisfy the need for pilot testing
and certification services, the FAA delegates certain responsibilities to private individuals who are not FAA employees,
but designated pilot examiners (DPEs).
A DPE is an individual, appointed in accordance with 14 CFR part 183, section 183.23, who meets the qualification
requirements of FAA Order 8710.3, Pilot Examiner’s Handbook, and who:
• Is technically qualified.
• Holds all pertinent category, class, and type ratings for each aircraft related to their designation.
• Meets the requirements of 14 CFR part 61, sections 61.56, 61.57, and 61.58, as appropriate.
• Is current and qualified to act as pilot-in-command (PIC) of each aircraft for which they are authorized.
• Maintains at least a third-class medical certificate, if required.
• Maintains a current flight instructor certificate, if required.
Designated as a representative of the FAA Administrator to perform specific pilot certification tasks on behalf of the
FAA, a DPE may charge a reasonable fee. Generally, a DPE’s authority is limited to accepting applications and conducting
practical tests leading to the issuance of specific pilot certificates and/or ratings. The majority of FAA practical tests at
the private and commercial pilot level are administered by FAA DPEs, following FAA-provided practical test standards
(PTSs) or Airman Certification Standards (ACSs), as applicable.
Only highly qualified individuals are accepted as DPEs. DPE candidates have good industry reputations for professionalism,
integrity, a demonstrated willingness to serve the public, and adhere to FAA policies and procedures in certification matters.
The FAA expects the DPE to administer practical tests with the same degree of professionalism, using the same methods,
procedures, and standards as an FAA ASI.
Since there are few DPEs for balloon pilot certification, it is important to determine early in flight training the availability
of a DPE in a particular area. It may be necessary to make arrangements through the local FSDO for an appropriately rated
FAA ASI to administer the test for a pilot certificate.
Role of the Flight Instructor
Unlike the rest of the aviation community, ballooning has no certificated flight instructor. This role is filled by commercially
rated balloon pilots who choose to instruct and meet the provisions of 14 CFR part 61, Commercial Pilot Privileges and
Limitations for a Balloon. In this discussion, the term “flight instructor” is understood to mean a commercial balloon pilot
who provides instruction.
The flight instructor is the cornerstone of aviation safety and the FAA places full responsibility for student training on the
authorized flight instructor. It is the job of the instructor to train the student pilot in all the knowledge areas and teach the
skills necessary for the student pilot to operate safely and competently as a certificated pilot in the National Airspace
System (NAS). The training includes airmanship skills, pilot judgment and decision-making, and good operating practices.
A pilot training program depends on the quality of the ground and flight instruction the student pilot receives. The flight
instructor should possess a thorough understanding of the learning process, knowledge of the fundamentals of teaching,
and the ability to communicate effectively with the student pilot. They use a syllabus and teaching style that embodies
the “building block” method of instruction. In this method, the learner progresses from the known to the unknown via a
course of instruction laid out in such a way that each new maneuver embodies the principles involved in the performance of
maneuvers previously learned. Thus, with the introduction of each new subject, the learner not only learns a new principle
or technique, but also broadens their application of those principles or techniques previously learned. Insistence on correct
techniques and procedures from the beginning of training by the flight instructor ensures that a learner develops proper
flying habit patterns. Any deficiencies in the maneuvers or techniques get corrected immediately.
A flight instructor serves as a role model for the student pilot who observes the flying habits of their flight instructor during
flight instruction, as well as when the instructor conducts other pilot operations. Thus, the flight instructor becomes a
model of flying proficiency for the student who, consciously or subconsciously, attempts to imitate the instructor. For this
reason, a flight instructor should observe recognized safety practices, as well as regulations during all flight operations.
The student pilot who enrolls in a pilot training program commits considerable time, effort, and expense to achieve a
pilot certificate. Many times a student judges the effectiveness of the flight instructor and the success of the pilot training
program based on their ability to pass the requisite FAA practical test. A competent flight instructor stresses to the student
that practical tests are a sampling of pilot ability compressed into a short period of time. The goal of a flight instructor is
to train the “total” pilot.
Sources of Flight Training
Flight training in the United States is conducted by FAA- approved pilot schools and training centers, non-certificated (14
CFR part 61) flying schools, and independent flight instructors. There are a limited number of part 141 balloon training
programs in the United States with most balloon flight training being conducted by certificated commercial balloon pilots
authorized to instruct under the authority of 14 CFR section 61.133 (a)(2)(ii)(a).
FAA-approved schools are flight schools certificated by the FAA as pilot schools under 14 CFR part 141. [ Figure 1-2]
Application for certification is voluntary and the school needs to meet stringent requirements for personnel, equipment,
maintenance, and facilities; and teach an established curriculum which includes a training course outline (TCO) approved
by the FAA. A list of FAA certificated pilot schools and their training courses can be found here.
Figure 1-2. F AA-approved pilot school certificate.
As noted above, the major source of balloon flight training in the United States is conducted by certificated commercial
balloon pilots. Many of these individuals offer excellent training and meet or exceed the standards required of FAA-
approved pilot schools, but not all flight instructors are equal. It is important for a student pilot to choose a flight instructor
wisely, because a balloon flight training program is dependent upon the quality of the ground and flight instruction the
student pilot receives.
Practical Test Standards (PTS)
The FAA has developed Practical Test Standards (PTS) [ Figure 1-3] for FAA pilot certificates and associated ratings.
Practical tests are administered by FAA ASIs and DPEs. 14 CFR part 61 specifies the areas of operation in which knowledge
and skill the applicant demonstrates to qualify for a certificate or rating. Since the FAA requires that all practical tests be
conducted in accordance with the appropriate PTS and the policies set forth in the introduction section of the PTS, the pilot
applicant should become familiar with this document during training.
Figure 1-3. Practical Test Standards.
The PTS is a testing document and not intended to be a training syllabus. An appropriately rated flight instructor is
responsible for training the pilot applicant to acceptable standards in all subject matter areas, procedures, and maneuvers.
Descriptions of tasks and information on how to perform maneuvers and procedures are contained in reference and teaching
documents, such as this handbook. A list of reference documents is contained in the introduction section of each PTS.
The PTSs for lighter-than-air aircraft are the FAA-S-8081-17 (Private Pilot) and FAA-S-8081-18 (Commercial Pilot).
Copies may be obtained by downloading them from the FAA’s Airman Testing website.
Flight Safety Practices
In the interest of safety and the development of good flight habits, the flight instructor and student pilot should follow
certain basic flight safety practices and procedures in every flight operation. These include, but are not limited to, collision
avoidance procedures including proper scanning techniques, use of checklists, runway incursion avoidance and other
airspace operations, positive transfer of controls, and workload management.
Collision Avoidance
All pilots should be alert to the potential for midair collision and near midair collisions. The general operating and flight
rules in 14 CFR part 91 set forth the concept of “See and Avoid.” This concept requires that vigilance shall be maintained
at all times, by each person operating an aircraft. Pilots should also keep in mind their responsibility for continuously
maintaining a vigilant lookout regardless of the type of balloon being flown and the purpose of the flight. Most midair
collision accidents and reported near midair collision incidents occur in good VFR weather conditions and during the hours
of daylight.
With regards to balloon operations, the argument can be made that any discussion of collision avoidance applies when
dealing with operations close to the ground. When contour flying, or during an approach to a landing site, the potential of
collision with trees, power lines, and other obstacles is increased. [Figure 1-4] The techniques used in collision avoidance
can be extremely valuable, particularly in the evolution of a balloon flight, as the pilot is perhaps exposed more to the
dangers of collision than any other aircraft.
Figure 1-4. When flying or landing, always be aware of the potential for collision with trees, powerlines, and other obstacles.
The “See and Avoid” concept relies on knowledge of the limitations of the human eye, and the use of proper visual
scanning techniques to help compensate for these limitations. The importance of, and the proper techniques for, visual
scanning should be taught to a student pilot at the very beginning of flight training. The competent flight instructor should
be familiar with the visual scanning and collision avoidance information contained in AC 90-48, Pilot’s Role in Collision
Avoidance, and the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).
Runway Incursion Avoidance
A runway incursion is any occurrence at an airport involving an aircraft, vehicle, person, or object on the ground that
creates a collision hazard with an aircraft taking off, landing, or intending to land.
Most balloon flight operations are conducted away from an airport or at airports without an operating control tower. There
may be circumstances that require the use of airport property, either for launch or landing and recovery of the balloon.
These activities can be safely conducted at an airport, if the balloon pilot remains aware of the movement and location of
other aircraft and ground vehicles, and also complies with standard operating procedures and practices. The absence of an
operating airport control tower creates a need for increased vigilance on the part of any pilot operating at those airports.
Planning, clear communications, and enhanced situational awareness during airport surface operations reduces the potential
for surface incidents. Safe balloon operations can be accomplished and incidents eliminated if the pilot is properly trained
early on and, throughout their flying career, complies with standard operating procedures and practices when operating
on airport property. This requires the development of the formalized teaching of safe operating practices during ground
operations. The flight instructor is the key to this teaching. The flight instructor should instill in the student an awareness
of the potential for runway incursion.
Use of Checklists
Checklists are the foundation of pilot standardization and safety. Checklists aid the memory and help ensure that critical
items necessary for the safe operation of the balloon are not overlooked or forgotten. Checklists have no value if they are
not used. Pilots who fail to use checklists at the appropriate times are relying instead on memory, become complacent, and
increase the odds of making a mistake.
The consistent use of checklists in primary flight training establishes habit patterns that will serve the pilot well throughout
their flying career. It is important that the flight instructor promote a positive attitude toward the use of checklists so the
student pilot recognizes their importance. At a minimum, prepared checklists should be used for the following phases of
flight:
• Crew Briefing and Preparation.
• Layout and Assembly.
• Preflight Inspection.
• Inflation.
• Passenger Briefing.
• Prelaunch Check.
• Emergency Procedures.
• Postlanding.
• Recovery, Deflation, and Packing.
Checklists are covered in greater detail in Chapter 6, Layout to Launch.
Positive Transfer of Controls
It is imperative that a clear understanding exists between the student and flight instructor of who has control of the balloon
during flight training. The flight instructor should conduct a briefing prior to any dual training flight that includes the
procedure for the exchange of flight controls. The following three-step process for the exchange of flight controls is highly
recommended.
1. When a flight instructor wishes the student to take control of the balloon, they should say “You have the flight
controls.”
2. The student acknowledges immediately by saying, “I have the flight controls.”
3. The flight instructor confirms transfer of controls by saying, “You have the flight controls.”
Both the flight instructor and student pilot should make a visual check to ensure the designated person actually has the
flight controls. When the student pilot wishes to return the controls to the flight instructor, they follow the same procedure
and stays on the controls until the flight instructor says, “I have the flight controls.” There should never be any doubt as
to who is in control of the balloon. The establishment of positive transfer of control during initial training ensures the
formation of a good flying habit.
Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM)
Aeronautical decision-making (ADM) is a systematic approach to the mental process used by pilots to consistently
determine the best course of action in response to a given set of circumstances. Learning effective ADM skills can help a