BALLOONING

The first steps

 What regulations apply to balloons?

• Several FAA Regulations apply to balloons. Those that apply include:

                    Part 61: Pilot Licensing (see "What are the FAA license requirements" below)
                    Part 91: Flying regulations (same as for light planes).
                    Part 43: Aircraft maintenance

 
What are the FAA license requirements?

• A student pilot’s certificate is needed before commencing flight training.  To gain a student certificate, the applicant must be at least 14 years of age, be able to read, speak and understand the English language, and must certify that s/he has no medical defect that makes him/her unable to pilot a free balloon.

  The successful completion of flight training leads to a private pilot certificate, lighter-than-air category with a free balloon class rating.  With more experience and training, the pilot can attain a commercial license, which enables the pilot to fly for hire or to instruct others to fly.

•         Private:
              Minimum age 16 years
              10 hours balloon flight experience  including:
                              6 balloon flights under the supervision of an instructor.
                              One solo flight.
                              One flight to at least 2000 above the take of point.
                              Two flights of at least 1 hour each with 60 days prior to application for the rating.
              An oral and written exam.
              Flight test.

          Commercial:
              Minimum age 18 years.
              35 hours flight time including:
                            20 hours in balloons.
                            10 flights in balloons.
                            Two flights in balloons as the pilot in command.
                            10 hours of training including 10 training flights.
              An oral and written exam.
              Flight test.

   How expensive is training?

• Costs vary by instructor. There are a number of excellent instructors in the Albuquerque Area.  Training in your own balloon would be the least expensive.

 What equipment do I need, aside from a balloon?

• A trailer, van or pickup truck, an inflation fan, and 2-way radios (optional but recommended)

 How do I decide what balloon to buy?

• Some of the many considerations include the size of balloon suitable for receiving instruction, ease of getting service, insurability, type of equipment needed for local flying conditions, warranty, and resale value.

 What about insurance costs?

• That depends on the type, size, and brand of balloon and how it will be used. Average annual premiums for a private pilot range from $500 to $1,000.