Becoming an FAA Certified Pilot
If you are interested in becoming a Hot Air Balloon Pilot, learning the duties of all the crewmember positions is the first step. To become a pilot you must be at least 14 years old and understand the English language, among other minor things, be in good health, pass a written examination and take a flight test with an FAA designated examiner.
You will need a Pilot Log Book to keep a record of all of your ground and flight training in. Any Commercial Balloon Pilot has flight instructor privileges so you will need to find a commercial pilot that has the time to take you on as a student.
Private Pilot Basic Requirements
-
10 hours of flight instruction
-
Complete a ground school or home study course
-
Pass a written knowledge test
-
Pass a flight test with an FAA inspector
After the flight test you will be issued a Private Pilot's Certificate with a Lighter-Than-Air Balloon Category Ratting.
A private pilots' certificate allows you to take passengers up, but to be able to operate a balloon for hire, you must earn a Commercial Pilot Certificate.
Commercial Pilot Basic Requirements
-
35 hours of flight instruction
-
Complete a ground school or home study course
-
Pass a written knowledge test
-
Pass a flight test with an FAA inspector
After the flight test you will be issued a Commercial Pilot's Certificate with a Lighter-Than-Air Balloon Category Ratting. This will allow you to serve as Pilot-In-Command of a balloon and charge for your services and to act a flight instructor for anyone interested in learning to fly a balloon.
Visit Daryl Smith's - Hot Air Balloon - Flight Training Information site for information specific to students becoming a Hot Air Balloon Pilot.