The OODA Loop is an interlaced decision model which provides immediate feedback throughout the decision- making
process. For SRM purposes, an abbreviated version of the concept [Figure 1-11] provides an easily understood tool for the
balloon pilot.
ACT
OBSERVE
ORIENT
DECIDE
Figure 1-11. The four nodes of OODA Loop decision-making.
The first node of the OODA Loop, Observe, reflects the need for situational awareness. A balloon pilot needs to be aware
of those things around them that may impact the flight. Continuous monitoring of wind, weather, ground track, balloon
responses, and so forth provide a constant reference point by which the pilot knows their starting point on the loop. This
permits the ability to immediately move to the next step.
Orient, the second node of the OODA Loop, focuses the pilot’s attention on one or more discrepancies in the flight. For
example, while contour flying over trees, the balloon passes the edge of the tree line and begins a gradual descent. The pilot
is aware of this deviation and considers available options in view of potential hazards to continued flight.
The pilot then moves to the third node, Decide, in which they determine the action to create a specific desired effect. That
decision is made based on experience and knowledge of potential results of a particular action. The pilot then Acts on that
decision, making a physical input to cause the balloon to react in the desired fashion.
Once the OODA Loop has been completed, the pilot is once again in the Observe position. Assessment of the resulting
action is added to the previously perceived aspects of the flight to further define the flight’s progress. The advantage of the
OODA Loop Model is that it may be cumulative. Also, multiple cycles in different stages of completion may be occurring
at any given point in the flight. [Figure 1-11]
Balloon Certificate Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to fly a balloon solo, an applicant must be at least 14 years of age and demonstrate satisfactory aeronautical
knowledge on a test developed by a flight instructor. Flight training must be received and logged for the maneuvers and
procedures in 14 CFR part 61 that are appropriate to the make and model of aircraft to be flown. Only after all of these
requirements are met can a flight instructor endorse a student's certificate and logbook for solo flight.
Sport Pilot
To be eligible for a sport pilot certificate with a balloon endorsement, an applicant must be at least 16 years of age, complete
the specific training and flight time requirements described in 14 CFR part 61, pass a knowledge test, and successfully
complete a practical test. A sport pilot certificate with balloon endorsement authorizes piloting a balloon with a maximum
takeoff gross weight of 1,320 pounds or less. Satisfactory proficiency and safety must also be demonstrated.
Private Pilot
To be eligible for a private pilot certificate with a balloon rating, an applicant must be at least 16 years of age, complete the
specific training and flight time requirements described in 14 CFR part 61, pass a knowledge test, and successfully complete
a practical test. A private pilot certificate allows a pilot to carry passengers, but they may not receive compensation. The
FAA has specified the aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency that must be demonstrated to earn a private certificate
as listed below.
(a) General. A person who is applying for a private pilot certificate must receive and log ground training from an authorized
instructor or complete a home- study course on the aeronautical knowledge areas of paragraph (b) of this section that apply
to the aircraft category and class rating sought.
Aeronautical Knowledge, Private Pilot, 14 CFR Part 61, Section 61.105.
(b) Aeronautical knowledge areas.
1. Applicable Federal Aviation Regulations of this chapter that relate to private pilot privileges, limitations, and flight
operations.
2. Accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety Board.
3. Use of the applicable portions of the Aeronautical Information Manual and FAA Advisory Circulars.
4. Use of aeronautical charts for VFR navigation using pilotage, dead reckoning, and navigation systems.
5. Radio communication procedures.
6. Recognition of critical weather situations from the ground and in flight, windshear avoidance, and the procurement
and use of aeronautical weather reports and forecasts.
7. Safe and efficient operation of aircraft, including collision avoidance, and recognition and avoidance of wake
turbulence.
8. Effects of density altitude on takeoff and climb performance.
9. Weight and balance computations.
10. Principles of aerodynamics, powerplants, and aircraft systems.
11. Stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery techniques for the airplane and glider category ratings.
12. Aeronautical decision-making and judgment.
13. Preflight action that includes:
i. How to obtain information on runway lengths at airports of intended use, data on takeoff and landing distances,
weather reports and forecasts, and fuel requirements; and
ii. How to plan for alternatives if the planned flight cannot be completed or delays are encountered.
Flight Proficiency, Private Pilot, 14 CFR Part 61, Section 61.107
(a) General. A person who applies for a private pilot certificate must receive and log ground and flight training from an
authorized instructor on the areas of operation of this section that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought.
(b) Areas of operation.
Note: Steps 1–7 have been omitted from this reference. To view these steps, reference the regulation listed in the title of
the section text.
8. For a lighter-than-air category rating with a balloon class rating:
1. Preflight preparation.
2. Preflight procedures.
3. Airport operations.
4. Launches and landings.
5. Performance maneuvers.
6. Navigation.
7. Emergency operations.
8. Postflight procedures.
Commercial Pilot
To be eligible for a commercial pilot certificate with a balloon rating, an applicant must be 18 years of age, complete the
specific training requirements described in 14 CFR part 61, pass the required knowledge tests, and pass another practical
test.
The FAA has specified the aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency that must be demonstrated to earn a commercial
certificate as listed below.
(a) General. A person who applies for a commercial pilot certificate must receive and log ground training from an authorized
instructor, or complete a home- study course, on the aeronautical knowledge areas of paragraph (b) of this section that
apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought.
Aeronautical Knowledge, Commercial Pilot, 14 CFR Part 61, Section 61.125.
(b) Aeronautical knowledge areas.
1. Applicable Federal Aviation Regulations of this chapter that relate to commercial pilot privileges, limitations, and
flight operations.
2. Accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety Board.
3. Basic aerodynamics and the principles of flight.
4. Meteorology to include recognition of critical weather situations, windshear recognition and avoidance, and the use
of aeronautical weather reports and forecasts.
5. Safe and efficient operation of aircraft.
6. Weight and balance computations.
7. Use of performance charts.
8. Significance and effects of exceeding aircraft performance limitations.
9. Use of aeronautical charts and a magnetic compass for pilotage and dead reckoning.
10. Use of air navigation facilities.
11. Aeronautical decision-making and judgment.
12. Principles and functions of aircraft systems.
13. Maneuvers, procedures, and emergency operations appropriate to the aircraft.
14. Night and high-altitude operations.
15. Procedures for operating within the National Airspace System.
16. Procedures for flight and ground training for lighter-than-air ratings.
(a) General. A person who applies for a commercial pilot certificate must receive and log ground and flight training from
an authorized instructor on the areas of operation of this section that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought.
Flight Proficiency, Commercial Pilot, 14 CFR Part 61, Section 61.127.
(b) Areas of operation.
(8) For a lighter-than-air category rating with a balloon class rating:
1. Fundamentals of instructing.
2. Technical subjects.
3. Preflight preparation.
4. Preflight lesson on a maneuver to be performed in flight.
5. Preflight procedures.
6. Airport operations.
7. Launches and landings.
8. Performance maneuvers.
9. Navigation.
10. Emergency operations.
11. Postflight procedures.
Note: A commercial pilot with a balloon category and class rating may instruct, and is authorized to do so under the
provisions of their certificate.
If a pilot currently holds a pilot certificate for a powered aircraft and wants to add a balloon category rating on that
certificate, they are exempt from the knowledge test, but must satisfactorily complete the flight training and practical
test. Balloon pilots exercising student, sport or private pilot privileges, and commercial balloon pilots conducting flight
instruction are not required to hold a medical certificate in order to act as pilot in command within the United States.
Balloon pilots exercising commercial pilot privileges for operations other than flight instruction are required to hold at
least a second-class medical certificate in order to operate a balloon within the United States. Flights in foreign countries
fall under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations, and a medical certificate is generally required.
For private pilots working toward the commercial pilot certificate, the regulatory requirement is ten additional hours
of flight training, per the provisions of 14 CFR part 61. Flight time logged as instructional time received towards the
initial certification may not, under most circumstances, be counted towards that time, which meets the commercial rating
requirements.
FAA WINGS Program
How well would professional athletes perform if they did not practice? How would doctors perform if they did not keep
up with current health information? In many professions including flying, continuing education is essential to safety and
success. The Path to Proficiency in the balloon doesn’t end with a check-ride, it continues throughout a pilot's flying
career. The FAA WINGS proficiency program is a convenient and effective tool available to pilots at every level. The FAA
WINGS proficiency program increases confidence and comfort, expands horizons, and most importantly, keeps pilots who
participate safe. WINGS proficiency can also count to keep a Flight Review up to date and assist pilots in receiving various
flying insurance discounts. You can create a WINGS account at FAASafety.gov.
Introduction to IACRA
The Integrated Airman Certification and/or Rating Application (IACRA) is an online application system that allows for
the issuance of student, private, and commercial certificates without generating paperwork; all certificate application and
approval is done through the use of electronic signatures. IACRA interfaces with multiple databases to validate data and
verify specific fields of information, and upon completion of the approval process, forwards the data automatically to the
Airman Certification Branch.
In order to utilize the system, an applicant should first register with IACRA.
This registration process results in the issuance of an FAA Tracking Number (FTN). This number becomes the applicant’s
registration number for all future utilization of the system, so it is important to keep it for future reference and action.
Upon completion of all training requirements, the student pilot (which refers to both the student applying for a private
certificate, as well as the private pilot upgrading to the commercial certificate) makes application through the IACRA
website. The FAA Form 8710-1 is completed online in several steps. When complete, the form is submitted to the central
server at the FAA Airman Certification Branch in Oklahoma City. If the form is accepted at the server, the applicant is
issued an application ID number for future reference.
The instructor, who has previously enrolled in the IACRA system as a recommending instructor, uses the applicant’s FTN
to retrieve the application for review. It is also the responsibility of the instructor to attach the results of the student’s
written test to the IACRA file, using the Exam ID, which is usually found in the upper right portion of the printed results.
Once the recommending instructor has reviewed the application, and the results are attached, the application is again sent
to the central server at the Airman Certification Branch.
At the appropriate time, the examiner retrieves the applicant’s application from the central server, verifies the individual’s
identification, and administers the practical test. IACRA has provisions for the issuance of a temporary airman certificate,
notice of discontinuance, or notice of disapproval. When the evaluation is completed, and the examiner has completed
the appropriate processing, the file is again returned to the Airman Certification Branch. Upon successful completion, the
permanent certificate is prepared and forwarded to the pilot.
Chapter Summary
This chapter provides an overview of the FAA, the flight instructor, and DPE’s roles in the qualification and licensing
of lighter-than-air pilots. Additionally, the regulatory requirements for both ground and aeronautical training have been
outlined.
The reader has also been given some basic information and techniques concerning flight safety practices and aeronautical
decision-making. This information is not exhaustive; the student pilot would be well advised to avail himself or herself of
other materials published by the FAA and other organizations.