The Balloon Training Academy does not provide technical or legal advice. Content on this website is for general information and discussion only, and is not a full analysis of the matters stated herein. The information provided may not be applicable in all situations, and readers should always seek specific advice from the Federal Aviation Administration and/or appropriate technical and legal experts (including the most current applicable guidelines) before taking any action with respect to any matters discussed herein.
Easy as 1, 2, 3!
1. Take the online ground school course which is right for you and pass the FAA Knowledge Exam (if required).
2. Obtain flight training from an instructor near you!
3. Pass a practical exam with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner!
Q: Do you offer flight training?
A: We do offer flight training, however we have a huge backlog of students and are not taking new students at this time. We do offer ground training and various knowledge courses on our website. You can sign up for these courses at anytime and work through them anytime.
Q: Where can I learn to fly?
A: We recommend using Google to find a hot air balloon ride company in your area. Locate an operator and contact them to join them as a member of their chase crew. There you can learn about ballooning and inquire about flight training. Most balloonists will trade crewing time for flight time, or once in the local balloon community you can find someone who is willing to train you and work out the details with them.
Q: Can I start learning the ground knowledge now?
A: Absolutly! You can sign up for a course on our webiste and start learning today!
Q: What is required to earn a pilot certificate for balloons?
A:
(h) For a balloon rating. A person who applies for a private pilot certificate with a lighter-than-air category and balloon class rating must log at least 10 hours of flight training that includes at least six training flights with an authorized instructor in the areas of operation listed in § 61.107(b)(8) of this part, that includes—
(2) Balloon with an airborne heater. If the training is being performed in a balloon with an airborne heater, at least—
(i) At least two training flights of 1 hour each with an authorized instructor in a balloon with an airborne heater in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test;
(ii) One solo flight in a balloon with an airborne heater; and
(iii) At least one flight involving a controlled ascent to 2,000 feet above the launch site.
(h) For a balloon rating. A person who applies for a commercial pilot certificate with a lighter-than-air category and a balloon class rating must log at least 35 hours of flight time as a pilot, which includes at least the following requirements:
(1) 20 hours in balloons;
(2) 10 flights in balloons;
(3) Two flights in balloons as the pilot in command; and
(4) 10 hours of flight training that includes at least 10 training flights with an authorized instructor in balloons on the areas of operation listed in § 61.127(b)(8) of this part, which consists of at least—
(ii) For a balloon with an airborne heater—
(A) Two training flights of 1 hour each in a balloon with an airborne heater with an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test;
(B) Two solo flights in a balloon with an airborne heater on the appropriate areas of operation; and
(C) One flight involving a controlled ascent to 3,000 feet above the launch site.
Q: Where can I find an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner for hot air balloons?
A: You’ve come to the right place! Adam is an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner for hot air balloons. Contact us to learn more!