Hot Air Balloon Lessons? The 230 Detailed Answer

Train with a licensed balloon pilot instructor.

You need a license to fly a hot air balloon as it is a licensed aircraft.

From April 2020, new students will be trained for the EASA balloon pilot license.

Balloon Pilot License (BPL)

To train for your balloon pilot license you must register with a training organization which in the UK is the BBAC. The training organization coordinates the instructors for flight and theory training and keeps all records in order. At the end of the training you will receive your course completion certificate and can apply for your BPL.

The requirements for the EASA balloon pilot license are:

Hold an LAPL or Class 2 Aviation Medical

Train with at least 16 hours of flying experience in balloons up to 120,000 cubic feet in size. This must include: At least 12 hours of flying with an instructor At least 10 inflations and 20 takeoffs and landings At least one solo flight of 30 minutes or more

Pass 6 written exams. These are: Four documents common to other general aviation, Air Law, Human Performance, Meteorology, Communications, Balloon Navigation, Balloon Systems (which actually consists of four sub-papers but is treated as one whole paper).

Pass an ability test (often referred to as a “checkout”)

Learning begins the day you receive your license

To begin your journey to earning your balloon license you must be a member of BBAC and register with the BBAC Training Organization – through the club’s membership system. We also encourage you to join your local BBAC member region or club. You can find your nearest club on the affiliated organizations page. If you have any questions about training, either send us a message on our Facebook page or email us at [email protected]

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Aug. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Attorney Frederick Penney of Penney and Associates and Jesse Zalasky review the pros and cons of owning or soaring in a hot air balloon. https://www.penneylawyers.com/ Hot air balloons are one of the oldest forms of air travel. It is believed that the first manned flight of a hot air balloon took place in 1783 – more than a century before the first manned airplane flight!

While today’s hot air balloons have come a long way since those first flights, modern balloons have remained relatively unchanged since the 1950s, save for shapes and modern fun and interesting designs. The balloon is made of nylon or polyester material. A burner unit turns liquid propane into gas, which mixes with air and burns hot enough to create buoyancy. The wicker basket that passengers ride in is lightweight and proven to be durable.

Operation is easy. The burner heats the inside of the balloon. Once the air in the balloon is hot enough, the balloon will rise. Navigation is left to the wind – once pilots are airborne, all they can control is altitude.

Decades of data shows that hot air balloons are one of the safest forms of air travel.

Most forms of air travel are considered safer than driving. Judging by the injury and fatality statistics alone, the same could be true for hot air balloons. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), between 2002 and 2016, only 16 people died in hot air balloon rides — about 1 person per year. Since 1964, the NTSB has only recorded a total of 775 hot air balloon accidents in the United States.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates hot air balloon rides like any other aircraft. Hot air balloons must be inspected every 100 flight hours, and pilots must pass a flight test every two years to retain their license to fly. There are other strict things that hot air pilots must go through before they can safely pilot a balloon.

In addition to these regulations, modern hot air balloons are built from better materials than ever before. As previously mentioned, the balloon itself is made of nylon material. It’s not just any nylon though – hot air balloons are made from a special tear-resistant fabric called ripstop nylon. Ripstop nylon became popular in the 1980s after the introduction of synthetic fibers. The synthetic fibers make the nylon much stronger and more tear-resistant. Ripstop nylon is safer than traditional nylon yet lightweight, allowing for easy takeoff and landing.

Most baskets are still made from woven wicker, but some baskets are now made from aluminum. Though it may seem like an outdated material, wicker is strong, lightweight, and flexible. Both of these qualities are critical to hot air balloon flying, as a wicker basket can support hundreds of pounds, but also flexes enough to help balance the occupant in the air and on landing. Aluminum is undoubtedly stronger than wicker, but it’s still not as popular.

Bad weather can increase the likelihood of a hot air balloon accident.

Bad weather – heavy rain, wind, thunderstorms, snow, etc. – can endanger the safety of hot air balloons.

Pilots typically fly balloons 500 to 2,500 feet in the air. While pilots can control altitude using the burner, they cannot “steer” the balloon like an airplane pilot can. The hot air balloon is at the mercy of the winds. Calm, gentle winds ensure a smooth ride. Most pilots only try to fly when the wind isn’t a factor and are trained to pay close attention to weather forecasts.

However, bad weather can cause hot air balloon accidents. Most of the time, these bad weather accidents are unforeseen and surprise the pilots. Here are three recent accidents with multiple injuries, all mainly caused by inclement weather:

In August 2021, three hot air balloons crashed in Wyoming. All three balloons were operated by the same company and launched at about the same time. The initial forecast called for calm winds, but pilots were faced with gusty conditions after takeoff. As the hot air balloons came in for a landing, the wind dragged the balloons 300 feet off the ground. Hot air balloons generally drag the ground upon landing, but officials at the scene called the event “exaggerated.” One passenger was flown to the hospital and several others were injured.

, three hot air balloons collapsed . All three balloons were operated by the same company and launched at about the same time. The initial forecast called for calm winds, but pilots were faced with gusty conditions after takeoff. As the hot air balloons came in for a landing, the wind dragged the balloons 300 feet off the ground. Hot air balloons generally drag the ground upon landing, but officials at the scene called the event “exaggerated.” One passenger was flown to the hospital and several others were injured. In July 2016, the deadliest hot air balloon crash in US history killed 16 people. Apparently the pilot was told the weather conditions were too dangerous to fly and low cloud meant visibility was poor. The hot air balloon struck a high-voltage power line and crashed, killing everyone on board. Unfortunately, in this case, the pilot of the hot air balloon was warned about bad weather conditions, but decided to take off anyway.

Sixteen people died in the deadliest hot air balloon crash in US history. Apparently the pilot was told the weather conditions were too dangerous to fly and low cloud meant visibility was poor. The hot air balloon struck a high-voltage power line and crashed, killing everyone on board. Unfortunately, in this case, the pilot of the hot air balloon was warned about bad weather conditions, but decided to take off anyway. In March 2012, a pilot was killed after a thunderstorm crashed his hot air balloon into the ground. The thunderstorm was not in the forecast. The other five passengers, all skydivers, managed to jump out of the hot air balloon and reach the ground safely.

Bad weather conditions can cause hot air balloons to crash. But as we discussed, hot air balloon crashes and injuries are incredibly rare. The good news is that most pilots pay close attention to the weather and only fly when there is no wind or rain. Unexpected bad weather can happen and cause an accident, but this is very rare.

There’s no denying that hot air ballooning is fun, the scenery is spectacular, and the stats show it’s safe. If you want to fly in a hot air balloon, be sure to use a reputable flight company that has a proven track record of flying only in calm weather. As with anything in life, you must weigh the likelihood of an accident and, if one does occur, the likelihood of surviving the accident with minimal or no injury. Always seek competent advice if you have been injured in a hot air balloon accident.

SOURCE Penney and Associates

similar links

www.penneylawyers.com

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BALLOONING

HOW MUCH AIR DOES A BALLOON GO? Some one-man balloons hold 30,000 cubic feet. The largest holds over 800,000 cubic feet. The most popular size holds about 77,000 cubic feet and is about 70 feet tall.

WHAT IS THE ENVELOPE MADE OF? Ripstop nylon or Dacron are the most commonly used fabrics.

IS NYLON STRONG ENOUGH TO MAKE THE BALLOON SECURE? The “load straps” that run horizontally, vertically or diagonally and are made of the same material as seat belts are indispensable.

WHAT IS THE BASKET MADE OF? Woven rattan…with plywood floors. Some older balloons have aluminum and fiberglass “nacelles”.

HOW DO YOU CARRY THE FUEL? In stainless steel or aluminum tanks. These come in a variety of sizes, with the most popular holding 10 to 15 gallons.

WHAT INSTRUMENTS DO BALLOONS USE? An altimeter to show altitude, a variometer to show whether it’s going up or down, a compass to show direction, and a thermometer to show how hot the air is at the top of the balloon. Each propane tank also has a fuel gauge.

DO YOU NEED A RADIO IN A BALLOON? Most balloonists carry a radio. Some not. A radio is only required in certain flight areas.

DO BALLOONISTS WEAR PARACHUTES? Not ordinary. If the burner goes out and for some reason cannot be reignited, the balloon acts as a parachute and descends at parachute speed (about 17 feet per second).

DO YOU CARRY OXYGEN WHEN FLYING? Usually not as most flights are at low altitude. However, if a flight over 10,000 is planned, oxygen is taken along.

DO YOU NEED A LICENSE TO FLY A BALLOON? Yes. A balloon pilot certificate is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. They must pass an FAA written exam, receive a required number of hours of instruction, fly solo and fly high, and pass a flight test.

How old do you have to be to fly a balloon? To get a private pilot certificate you must be 16 years old. And would you believe there are balloonists flying in their 80’s!

HOW DO YOU INFLATE THE BALLOON? A fan is usually used to blow cold air into the balloon. When it is about two-thirds full, the burner is used to heat the air. In the absence of a fan, cold air can be “fluttered” into the case, but that’s a difficult task.

HOW DO YOU LIGHT THE BURNER? With a firing pin, similar to what welders use to light their welding torches, or with an igniter.

HOW MANY PERSONS ARE NEEDED TO DEFLATE A BALLOON? At least three, but preferably five or six, especially when the wind is over 6 knots.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO INFLATE AND DEFLATE AND PACK THE BALLOON? A good ground crew can inflate in about 15 or 25 minutes and deflate, stow and be on the road in half an hour or less.

HOW MUCH CAN A BALLOON LIFT? It depends on how cold the air is and how big the balloon is. Balloons rise better in cold air than in warm air. The larger the balloon’s air volume, the more it can lift.

WHEN DO YOU FLY? Usually just after sunrise or just before nightfall. At these times the air is usually the most stable and there is less wind. If the air conditions are stable, you can fly at any time during the day, but this is very unlikely.

HOW FAST CAN YOU FLY? As fast as the wind blows.

WHERE DO YOU FLY? Anywhere where the balloon can be launched and where there is occasional open space to land. There are restrictions when flying over populated areas and airports. Power lines are not ideal places to fly nearby.

CAN YOU FLY OVER WATER? Yes. The fuel tanks are buoyant and keep the balloon afloat. And as long as the balloon stays inflated, you can take off again.

CAN A BALLOON FLY IN RAIN OR SNOW? Yes, as long as visibility is good.

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT FROM GOING WHERE YOU DON’T WANT TO GO? If a pilot sees that he is flying in a direction he does not want to go, he can either ascend or descend where the air movement is in a different direction. But these directions don’t usually change much at different altitudes.

IS IT QUIET IN A BALLOON? When the burner is on, it’s quite noisy. When the burner is off, it’s very quiet. There isn’t even wind noise in the air as you are moving with the wind.

HOW HIGH DO YOU FLY? As high as you like… but usually not over 5,000 feet. A typical flight would be just above the treetop on land and over 1,000 feet or so in populated areas.

IS IT COLD THE HIGHER YOU FLY? The temperature drops about 3 degrees for every 1,000 feet of elevation. However, heat is dissipated by the burners and continuously radiated out of the balloon. Because you move with the wind, you don’t feel it blowing.

DOES THE BASKET SWING WHEN FLYING? no It’s fairly stable and provides an ideal platform for photography and sightseeing.

CAN YOU SMOKE IN A HOT AIR BALLOON? Pilots do not permit smoking in their balloons due to the possibility of propane gas leaks. Smoking in hydrogen (gas) balloons is not permitted due to the risk of explosion.

WHAT HAPPENS IF TWO BALLOONS IN THE AIR RESCUE? As long as the envelopes are just touching, no damage will be done. This is not considered dangerous.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A BIRD FLYES INTO A BALLOON? It would probably bounce! The case fabric is much sturdier than it may appear. It’s possible to fly a balloon with a hole big enough for a man to fit through, as long as the hole isn’t at the top of the envelope.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU AND AN AIRPLANE COME TOGETHER? Because balloons have so little control over their direction, they have the right of way over all other types of aircraft.

IF YOU BURN OR RIP THE BALLOON, CAN YOU FIX IT? Minor burns or tears can be repaired with patches and a sewing machine. Major repairs must be performed by a licensed FAA mechanic with specialized equipment.

DO BALLOONS WEAR OUT? With good care, a balloon envelope will last 400 or more flight hours.

HOW DO YOU GET BACK TO YOUR STARTING POINT? Since balloons are not controllable, a return flight is rarely possible, so a chase with a trailer or pick-up ensues.

HOW IS A HOT AIR BALLOON DIFFERENT FROM A GAS BALLOON? A hot air balloon gets its lift from heating the air with propane gas. A gas balloon gets its lift from gases that are lighter than air, usually helium or hydrogen.

WERE BALLOONS REALLY USED DURING THE CIVIL WAR? Yes. Balloons filled with hydrogen were used by both the Confederate and Union Army for observations.

WERE BALLOONS POPULAR IN THE EARLY DAYS? Very much so. Ballooning so captured the imagination of the people of Europe in the 19th century that it was even reflected in the way women dressed. This is how the balloon sleeves and the hoop skirt came about.

WHY DO BALLOONISTS CARRY CHAMPAGNE? When ballooning became popular in France in the late 17th century, balloons often landed on farms. The peasants had never seen balloons and often attacked them with pitchforks. Balloonists found it to their advantage to wear champagne to reassure the landowner. Balloonists still follow this custom.

How to become a hot air balloon pilot

Every hot air balloon ride needs a qualified pilot, but how can you get involved in this exciting career where hot air balloon rides are part of your daily responsibilities?

The thrill of a hot air balloon ride

Hot air balloon rides are an exhilarating experience that can become addictive. Once you’ve experienced the thrill and joy of one flight, you may long for another flight. Wouldn’t it be great to fly regularly and get paid for it?

This is what hot air balloon pilots do, but before you apply for a pilot position you must meet a number of requirements.

The license

A hot air balloon is legally a registered aircraft. To fly a balloon you need a valid private pilot license specific to ballooning. This is issued by the Civil Aviation Authority and is known as the PPL(B). In order to get your license, you must meet a number of criteria.

flight time

You must have flown a balloon for at least 16 hours on at least six flights in the last two years. Four of the flights must be conducted under the supervision of a British Balloon and Airship Club (BBAC) approved instructor and the other flights with a PPL(B) license holder. All flights must be logged.

The exam

Just like obtaining a driver’s license, a PPL(B) driver’s license is subject to an exam administered by an examiner from the Civil Aviation Authority. The exam includes a solo flight and a written exam on air law, meteorology, navigation and balloon systems.

The candidate for the license must be medically fit and have attended a landowner relations seminar.

education

The first thing you need to do before hot air balloon pilot training is to have at least one flight as a passenger to ensure you enjoy ballooning. If you are afraid of heights, driving license training is of no use!

It is then recommended that you join the BBAC who can provide you with their BBAC Training Log Book. There are a number of books that you should buy that deal with air law, meteorology and navigation. An important book is the BBAC Pilot Training Manual. Hot air balloon manufacturers also provide manuals for their products which make useful reading.

The costs

You need to find a hot air balloon company to take you on your training flights. This can get expensive, often costing more than £200 an hour. The minimum of four flights with a BBAC instructor costs a few hundred pounds more. The total for the workout could easily exceed £2,000 so be sure you really want to do this.

Worth the effort?

Training to become a hot air balloon pilot requires a lot of effort and money. You can make a living as a pilot, but it won’t make you rich.

Alternatively, spend your money on regular hot air balloon rides to experience the thrill of the ride without the responsibility of the pilot.

As an industrial company, any reputable balloon company will charge between $175.00 and $275.00 per person. However, some companies offer special gift vouchers that could lower the price. Because hot air balloons are FAA certified, they are very expensive to purchase and operate. With the costs of: crew, chase trucks, aircraft maintenance and commercial insurance, balloonists strive to keep costs to the passenger as low as possible. In 1786 it cost the equivalent of $45,000 per passenger in the US! Ballooning is cheaper than ever. Prices vary from one balloon company to another, so it’s best to contact the company directly for prices and quotes.

Hot Air Balloon Costs – A Basic Breakdown

So how much does a hot air balloon cost?

If you’ve always wondered how much a hot air balloon costs, look no further! As you might expect, the cost of a hot air balloon can vary drastically. Similar to buying a car, there is a wide variety of manufacturers and models of balloons, which are therefore all associated with different prices. In addition, there is a very active used balloon market, which can reduce costs for pilots. But in general, a typical hot air balloon costs between £80,000 and £250,000 new.

What do you get for your money?

You might be shocked at the price and think balloons are grossly overpriced. But in reality, you get a significant amount of specialized equipment for your money. Typically the price should cover a handcrafted natural wicker basket, a strong yet lightweight nylon hull, an adequate number of stainless steel gas tanks, a set of stainless steel burners, a powerful inflation fan and all obligatory rigging and ropes. Together, all these specially developed components ensure that the safety of the pilot and the passengers is reliably guaranteed – which in our opinion makes the costs of a hot air balloon justifiable.

sponsorship

Although a balloon can be considered good value for money, the high cost can still be disadvantageous to balloon operators. Therefore, many balloonists are looking for a sponsor for their balloons – especially for balloons with larger flights. That means companies can advertise on the balloon, as demonstrated by Audi below, in exchange for covering the cost of the balloon. This is a particularly popular method in the UK and represents a new and unique marketing method for the sponsors involved.

Where are hot air balloons made?

Hot air balloons are predominantly made by a handful of manufacturers around the world. Well-known manufacturers include Camerons, Lindstrand, Kubicek and UltraMagic. These big four make up the majority of balloons used. Based in Bristol, Cameron Balloons is the world’s largest manufacturer of hot air balloons and ships new orders to pilots all over the world. The innovative manufacturer also recently constructed the world’s largest hot air balloon as well as the first solar powered hot air balloon! Extraordinarily, some individuals choose to build their own balloons at home, following very detailed guidelines and strict requirements so as not to compromise safety.

Special Shapes

Traditionally, hot air balloons are teardrop shaped. However, in certain circumstances they are shaped to represent a character or object, for example the Chubb fire extinguisher pictured below. As you might expect, these one-off projects come at a hefty price tag, and can cost up to £400,000 depending on the level of detail and size. Similarly, many special shape hot air balloons are commissioned by sponsors for promotional purposes, greatly reducing costs.

Owning a hot air balloon can seem like a fun idea. It might even be a personal destination for those who absolutely love hot air balloon rides.

But how much does a hot air balloon cost? The cost of owning a hot air balloon can be quite high and a lot to maintain for the average person.

The second question you need to ask is, “Is it worth it?” This answer will vary from person to person. We’ll look at some of the factors that go into the cost of owning a hot air balloon and whether it’s really worth it.

How to determine the cost of a hot air balloon

Owning a hot air balloon can be considered similar to the costs associated with owning a car. The initial price is usually a lot of money, and you will spend a lot more on maintenance.

On average, you spend a wide range of money to make your first hot air balloon purchase. It can cost anywhere from $20,000 to over $100,000. Granted, if you’re spending over $100,000, you’re probably buying a commercial hot air balloon that can carry more people than a personal hot air balloon.

What causes a hot air balloon to fluctuate in price are the components. Everything from size to burners is an expense to consider.

size

The size of the hot air balloon is a major factor in the cost. Bigger hot air balloons that can carry more people cost a lot. Conversely, smaller hot air balloons are cheaper.

Basket

The basket is the part where passengers and pilots of the hot air balloon ride. Most hot air balloons use a wicker basket, but some are made of aluminum or fiberglass. The shape is generally square or rectangular, but sometimes triangular shapes can be purchased.

envelope

Along with the basket, the envelope is a crucial component in the operation of a hot air balloon. The envelope is the upper part of the hot air balloon and is attached to the basket by cables. The material used to make the sheath is typically fire resistant nylon.

The burner

A burner is used to generate heat in the hot air balloon. Burners rely on propane tanks stored in the basket to release heat into the hull, causing it to rise. Burner output varies depending on the size of the shell. Most hot air balloons rely on one burner, but some have more, resulting in higher costs.

Additional Components

There are some additional components that need to be considered. For example, some hot air balloons may use GPS tracking devices to allow ground crew to track the balloon. There are other instruments, like an altimeter or a variometer, that will help people steer.

Additional costs

While some people factor in the initial cost of buying a hot air balloon, they may not factor in all of the additional costs. There are a few things to consider.

pilot license

To operate a hot air balloon you need a pilot’s license. You must consider whether you are seeking a personal or commercial license.

Training for each license type does not come cheap. You will likely have to spend between $1000 and $4000 to get your license.

insurance

In the unfortunate event that your hot air balloon is damaged or you suffer a crash, you definitely want hot air balloon insurance.

You should also consider insuring the trailer to transport your hot air balloon. Trailer insurance is separate from hot air balloon insurance.

security

Safety is paramount when owning a hot air balloon. Hot air balloons must comply with FAA safety regulations and require documentation. After 100 hours of operation, your hot air balloon must undergo a safety inspection.

maintenance

Just like a car, your hot air balloon needs regular maintenance. This can include the purchase of new propane tanks, repairs and cleaning costs.

In general, you want your maintenance jobs to be performed by an FAA-certified repair shop. This will ensure your balloon meets regulatory standards.

Storage and operating room

Storing a hot air balloon is not easy. You need a lot of space to store it safely.

Also, you need a lot of space to launch and land your hot air balloon. Usually you want to take off and land in an open field. Chances are you’ll probably need to rent out this space, which can get expensive if you go out often.

ground staff

A ground crew is needed to lift your hot air balloon off the ground and track it as it lands. A ground crew is especially important when it comes to landing your hot air balloon and transporting it back to camp.

Is it worth?

Is owning a hot air balloon worth all the costs involved? Well, for the average person, probably not. Hot air balloons are expensive and require far more specialized maintenance and care than something like a car or motorcycle. Not many people have the time or resources to service a hot air balloon.

However, if you think you can handle all the expenses that come with owning a hot air balloon, then you should. If you’re really passionate about hot air balloons, it might be worth owning one.

Keep in mind that most of the costs mentioned in this article are unavoidable. There may be some ways you can save money such as: B. if you are buying a used hot air balloon, but most of the expenses mentioned are necessary.

If you love hot air balloon rides but don’t want to spend a fortune buying and maintaining them, consider a hot air balloon ride with Napa Valley Aloft. We strive to provide our passengers with a safe and memorable experience.

Commercial hot air balloon pilot

Recreational hot air balloon pilot

Jobs for hot air balloon pilots

If you are interested in how to get your hot air balloon license and learn to fly a hot air balloon or get a job as a hot air balloon pilot, please read on.

The sheer joy of flying, the opportunity to share that experience with others, is so exciting that your whole outlook on life will never be the same. Becoming a hot air balloon pilot is truly a goal to strive for.

First off, a basic explanation of how to become a commercial hot air balloon pilot in Australia.

– Train to become a private hot air balloon pilot.

– Must then fly 75 hours as pilot-in-command on private flights.

– Then complete hot air balloon training flights and study required for commercial balloon training.

– Then pass the hot air balloon theory exams for commercial hot air balloon pilots.

– Then pass check hot air balloon flights.

Do you need a license to fly a hot air balloon?

All balloon pilots in Australia must have a pilot certificate or license issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in order to fly a balloon.

Where can I learn to fly a balloon?

It is possible to learn to fly with most hot air balloon companies in Australia that have a vacancy for a trainee pilot. The training prepares students for Australian Ballooning Federation and CASA qualifications, from private pilot to instructor.

Do I get credit for my previous flight experience?

It is hoped that in 2013 the aviation authorities in Australia will consider crediting experience with other types of aircraft, this is part of CASR 131 which has been in the pipeline for a number of years. If you have prior aviation experience this will certainly give you an advantage and would most likely mean you are certified/licensed for at least hours.

How long does it take to learn to fly a hot air balloon?

Most people complete the private hot air balloon pilot training over a period of 2 to 3 months. During this time, they will be involved in a variety of balloon-related activities to build their awareness and familiarity with hot air balloon technology. A minimum of 16 hours of flight training is required for the private certificate course. Becoming a commercial hot air balloon pilot requires logging the required hours for each balloon size and passing tests in each class.

Is there a lot of theory involved to learn to fly a hot air balloon?

The theory of ballooning is relatively simple and there are training materials to study for the private hot air balloon pilot certification exams.

There are six exams for the private pilot’s license; Air Law, Navigation, Meteorology, Aerostatics and Airmanship, Landowners Code of Conduct and Radio Operators. Training materials and support for the commercial pilot theory exams should be provided by the flight school conducting the training.

What are your recommended study materials for the commercial pilot exams?

Candidates for the commercial pilot theory exams are advised to download and print a copy of the CPL syllabus from the CASA website.

For the tax audit (COPB) we recommend buying and studying 4 books:

Human factors for pilots; Roger Greenet. Al.; Avebury Press

human performance limitations of aircraft; Tony Wilson; Air services Australia Publications Unit

CPL Aircraft Meteorology; Bob Tait or Aviation Theory Center;

CPL Aircraft Navigation; Bob Tait or Aviation Theory Center;

For the Air Law Examination (CLWB) you must acquire copies of:

Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 (CAR1988);

Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR1998);

Civil Aviation Act;

Enroute Supplement Australia (ERSA);

Civil Aviation Commands (CAO);

Canberra VTC;

Planning Board Australia (PCA).

Additional reference materials can be downloaded from the CASA website:

CAAP 92-3 Guidelines for Manned Balloon Launch and Landing Areas;

CAAP 157-1 Balloon Flights Over Populated Areas;

CAAP 235-1 Standard Passenger Weights;

CASA Instrument 566/03 Maintenance of balloons by pilots.

Also, see a copy of the following: CAR 259/260 Permit.

What training courses for private hot air balloon pilots are held in Australia?

Training for all certification and certification available from the Australian Balloon Federation including Private Pilot Certificate, Instructor, Night, Gas Balloon and Rosiere Balloon Ratings and certification for 120,000+ cubic feet is conducted by a private balloon pilot in Queensland.

If you are employed by a commercial hot air balloon company, there are commercial pilot license, night VFR rating, and instructor rating courses.

What first step should I take to get my hot air balloon license?

Hot air ballooning is a very special form of flying, but keep in mind that a hot air balloon pilot still needs to have full training and authorization as a high-level commercial pilot and the early morning launches are not for everyone. As a first step to purchasing your license, we recommend you:

take a balloon ride

Read all links on this website

Read the material at www.casa.gov.au on hot air balloon regulations

Give us a call and discuss opportunities to become a member of the hot air balloon ground crew

These experiences will provide you with a wealth of information and help you make a decision about whether this is something you really want to pursue.

General hot air balloon questions

Is ballooning safe?

Yes, ballooning has an amazing safety record! It is one of the safest forms of aviation there is. As with any adventure or aviation activity, there is some risk involved. While ballooning breakdowns are extremely rare, they still happen. The most common mishap is a rough landing due to unexpected winds. The most dangerous is a power line strike. Our pilot and crew are trained to minimize these risk factors to make your balloon ride as safe, fun and amazing as possible. The amazing rewards of experiencing a flight in a hot air balloon far outweigh the minimal risks.

Do you need a license to fly a hot air balloon?

Yes. To fly a hot air balloon, you must have flight and instructional instruction, pass a written test, and complete a flight test with an FAA examiner.

In order to fly passengers, a pilot must complete additional, more intensive training to earn their commercial certificate.

How many hot air balloons are there in the United States?

Only about 3,000 balloons are registered in the United States, with between 5,000 and 6,000 hot air balloon certified pilots. However, not all of these pilots are actively flying.

Flying hot air balloons

How do balloons fly?

Science! As magical as ballooning seems, there is actually science behind what makes our balloon lighter than air.

We use a heating system called a burner that takes vaporized propane and burns it, creating a huge, hot flame! Our burner capacity is around 9 million BTUs, in contrast, the average heater in a home is around 90,000 BTUs. The air inside the envelope is heated, making the air less dense than the air outside the envelope. And as we all remember from science class, less dense, hot air rises! The balloon envelope is the container that holds this hot air.

So to go up we heat the air more, to go down we let the air in the envelope cool down, or we can open a vent on the top of the balloon to allow some of the hot air to escape, making us go down faster than if we would let it cool by itself.

Can you pilot a hot air balloon?

No, not in the traditional way. Unlike other planes or cars, balloons have no direct way to control their horizontal movement. However, balloon pilots can control the vertical movement of the balloon within centimeters!

Balloon pilots use this fine vertical control to climb or descend at different altitudes in different winds. Sometimes the wind at 500 feet is exactly the opposite direction of the wind at 1000 feet! Pilots use their knowledge of local wind patterns and overhead wind forecasts to roughly plan their flight route. By no means is this exact as we never know exactly what the winds will be like at a given altitude, which is all part of the fun and adventure of ballooning!

How does it feel to ride in a hot air balloon?

Our pilot, Mike, has completed hundreds of hours of flight time on all kinds of aircraft. Airliners, small aerobatic planes, microlights, warbirds, helicopters and even a Zeppelin airship. Despite this, he always says that nothing he has ever flown compares to the hot air balloon experience.

Flying in a balloon is the feeling of pure freedom, floating gently with the air currents. The unobstructed panoramic view is like no other. It’s peaceful, quiet, and tranquil, yet adventurous, exciting, and exciting!

How high do hot air balloons fly?

The world record for a hot air balloon is 69,000 feet!!! However, we fly at much lower altitudes. The joy of ballooning comes from flying low over the terrain! We typically fly from inches off the ground to as high as 1000 feet off the ground, although most of our flights are less than 500 feet!

Is it cold up there?

The simple answer is that it’s about the same temperature as the ground. We don’t normally fly our balloon high enough to feel the effects of heat loss due to altitude. As the burner gives off a lot of heat, that heat rises up into the envelope. We do feel some radiant heat from the burner and the air in the hull, but not enough to make much of a difference in what we’re feeling. However, since we’re floating with the wind, we don’t experience a wind chill factor like with other airplanes or with skydiving

Where do we land?

Without precise directional control, we’re never 100% sure where we’re going to land. This is part of the ballooning adventure! We plan some landing areas based on wind and launch location, but landing in a specific location is never guaranteed!

We end up in parks, backyards, fields, parking lots, and even dead ends!

An important part of ballooning is building long-term relationships with landowners in the area so we can use their land as a landing pad! Ballooning would have been in trouble without the generosity of the landowners who let us land on their property.

Hot Air Balloon Equipment

Is it considered a real plane?

Yes. Our balloon is an FAA certified and registered aircraft. We are required to maintain the balloon to manufacturer specifications and we must take the balloon to a repair station every year or after 100 flight hours (whichever comes first) for a thorough inspection.

What is the balloon made of?

Our balloon has a basket made of rattan and wood. Strong yet flexible, wicker has been used in hot air balloon baskets for many, many years due to its durability, ease of care, strength and flexibility!

The envelope (the “balloon” part) is made of a tear-resistant polyester fabric that is coated with a special coating to extend its life.

What does it use for fuel?

We use propane for fuel. Literally the same propane you use in your grill!

How to become a hot air balloon pilot

Every hot air balloon ride needs a qualified pilot, but how can you get involved in this exciting career where hot air balloon rides are part of your daily responsibilities?

The thrill of a hot air balloon ride

Hot air balloon rides are an exhilarating experience that can become addictive. Once you’ve experienced the thrill and joy of one flight, you may long for another flight. Wouldn’t it be great to fly regularly and get paid for it?

This is what hot air balloon pilots do, but before you apply for a pilot position you must meet a number of requirements.

The license

A hot air balloon is legally a registered aircraft. To fly a balloon you need a valid private pilot license specific to ballooning. This is issued by the Civil Aviation Authority and is known as the PPL(B). In order to get your license, you must meet a number of criteria.

flight time

You must have flown a balloon for at least 16 hours on at least six flights in the last two years. Four of the flights must be conducted under the supervision of a British Balloon and Airship Club (BBAC) approved instructor and the other flights with a PPL(B) license holder. All flights must be logged.

The exam

Just like obtaining a driver’s license, a PPL(B) driver’s license is subject to an exam administered by an examiner from the Civil Aviation Authority. The exam includes a solo flight and a written exam on air law, meteorology, navigation and balloon systems.

The candidate for the license must be medically fit and have attended a landowner relations seminar.

education

The first thing you need to do before hot air balloon pilot training is to have at least one flight as a passenger to ensure you enjoy ballooning. If you are afraid of heights, driving license training is of no use!

It is then recommended that you join the BBAC who can provide you with their BBAC Training Log Book. There are a number of books that you should buy that deal with air law, meteorology and navigation. An important book is the BBAC Pilot Training Manual. Hot air balloon manufacturers also provide manuals for their products which make useful reading.

The costs

You need to find a hot air balloon company to take you on your training flights. This can get expensive, often costing more than £200 an hour. The minimum of four flights with a BBAC instructor costs a few hundred pounds more. The total for the workout could easily exceed £2,000 so be sure you really want to do this.

Worth the effort?

Training to become a hot air balloon pilot requires a lot of effort and money. You can make a living as a pilot, but it won’t make you rich.

Alternatively, spend your money on regular hot air balloon rides to experience the thrill of the ride without the responsibility of the pilot.

Can you pilot a hot air balloon?

Yes, you can pilot a hot air balloon! Hot air balloons do not have steering wheels, but hot air balloon pilots use wind direction and speed at different altitudes to steer the balloon. Hot air balloon pilots control their ascent and descent, but cannot steer the balloon in a different direction without changing altitude.

Piloting hot air balloons to specific landing sites is both an art and a science. Surprisingly, at Seattle Ballooning, we steer our balloons to the same 4 landing sites 74% of the time. It doesn’t matter if it’s a sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride, our experienced balloon pilots can pilot the balloon and navigate to specific locations. By the end of this article, you will have a deep understanding of how hot air balloon pilots plan flight and pilot balloons. Balloon navigation and flight planning can be divided into a few areas. Wind direction and weather conditions before the flight, wind direction observed on the field, wind direction on the contest area and winds at altitude.

Hot Air Balloon 25 miles from Mt Rainier

Pre-flight weather and general flight direction

So where does the weather formation process begin prior to your balloon ride? Our process at Seattle Ballooning begins after 72 hours. A final decision will be made a few hours before the planned hot air balloon ride. Balloon pilots receive weather and wind information from a variety of sources. Our pilots at Seattle Ballooning have a few favorites:

● Usairnet.com – Usairnet gives a good overview of surface wind direction and speed. It also shows the temperature, barometric pressure, humidity and dew point distribution (basically it tells you if it’s a good day to fly and what height the clouds will be).

● RUC Sounding Display – This is an amazing weather resource for balloon pilots. It’s a bit more technical, but it shows you how the wind direction and speed will change during the balloon flight period. It can also tell you if fog or onshore currents are forecast for a specific time. It can often look beautiful in slow surface winds. What you learn from resources like this is that the wind can make 20 miles per hour at 200 feet off the ground halfway through your flight.

● Washington Weather Discussion – In Washington state we are very fortunate to have the University of Washington. They provide detailed updated discussions every 6 hours.

When weather conditions look promising, the hot air balloon pilot, passengers and ground crew make their way to a launch site. Most hot air balloon pilots have 5-10 launch sites in all directions over a 10 mile radius. So you can fly regardless of the wind direction and steer your balloon to a good landing spot. Makes real sense! As they travel to launch sites, pilots collect vital data by looking for signs of what the wind is doing on the surface. Flags, smoke, and how much the branches are moving can provide a lot of valuable information.

At the launch site of the balloon: Wind direction observed on the pitch

At Seattle Ballooning we use 17 inch balloons, also known as pibals. We fill our pibals with helium, release it into the air and try to watch it for as long as possible (sometimes up to 8 minutes). Helium pibals rise at about 400 feet per minute, allowing balloon pilots to determine the direction and speed of winds at altitude. From an outsider’s perspective, seeing 10 random people staring at the sky for 6-8 minutes is very confusing. When the direction and speed match the predicted winds, the balloon pilot and crew begin inflation.

surface wind during flight

OK! The balloon is inflated, the propane burner is turned on, the passengers are loaded and the hot air balloon takes off. After the initial climb to 1000 feet, it’s important to see what kind of steering is down below. The wind direction changes for various reasons. Almost every wind is caused by pressure differences and temperature changes. When the sun shines and the earth’s surface heats up, the wind changes constantly. So do balloon pilots have x-ray vision that allows them to see the wind? I wish. Instead, balloon pilots drop items from the balloon basket. FAA rule states that you can actually drop anything from a hot air balloon as long as it doesn’t damage people or property.

Balloon pilots drop items that are lightweight and easily carried by the wind. Many pilots use the age-old technique of spitting over the side of the balloon’s basket and watching intently as the wind moves it from side to side. This works great, except sometimes it gets tricky when you run out of saliva about halfway through the flight. The more classic way is to use shaving cream. Shaving cream is lightweight and if sprayed over the side of the basket can be seen a few thousand yards away. Every hot air balloon pilot has their favorite wind detection device. I’ve seen hot air balloon pilots use shaving cream, popcorn, rose petals, wood shavings and even cheesy puffs! When you’re sitting on your porch one morning sipping a warm cup of coffee and a cheesy whiff lands in your mug, you know it’s just a hot air balloon pilot trying to see what the winds are doing.

via GIPHY

If a balloon pilot knows what the winds on the surface and in the air are doing, it is possible to steer the balloon to a specific area. The balloon pilot turns by walking up and down in altitude. Sometimes this change of direction requires the balloon to climb 5000 ft – 8000 ft.

Now that you know how pilots fly hot air balloons, you’re either ready to start your training, or probably ready to book your hot air balloon flight. Check out the history of ballooning and the invention of the hot air balloon! The best way to book your flight is at http://www.seattleballooning.com

On November 21, 1783, the first free human flight took place in Paris, France, in a paper and silk hot air balloon made by the Montgolfier brothers. The balloon carried two men, Francois Pilatrê de Rozier and Francois Laurent, Marquis of Arlanders. They stood on a circular platform attached to the bottom of the balloon. They hand fed the fire through vents on either side of the balloon’s skirt. The balloon reached an altitude of at least 500 feet and traveled approximately 5½ miles before landing safely 25 minutes later. According to legend, upon landing in the agricultural and wine-growing area near Paris, the pilots gave bottles of champagne to the terrified farmers and peasants to calm their fears of demons appearing from the sky, but this cannot be confirmed.

On December 1, 1783, just ten days after the first hot air balloon flight, the first gas balloon was launched by physicists Jacques Alexander Charles and Nicholas Louis Robert. This flight also departed from Paris, France. The flight lasted 2½ hours and covered a distance of 25 miles. The gas used in the balloon was hydrogen, a lighter-than-air gas developed in 1776 by the Englishman Henry Cavendish using a combination of sulfuric acid and iron filings.

Gas balloons soon became the preferred mode of flight. The balloon pictured left is the Royal Vauxhall Balloon, typical of gas balloons flown in the 1830s and 1840s. Unlike hot air balloons, gas balloons did not rely on fire to get them up and stay aloft and therefore they could stay aloft longer and their altitude could be controlled somewhat more easily through the use of ballast. Gas balloons continued to be the primary form of air transport until the invention of the fixed-wing aircraft by the Wright brothers in America in 1903. However, inflating a gas balloon was expensive and time-consuming, so not everyone could afford to fly it. However, hot air balloons did not have a reliable source of heat, so hot air ballooning was not very practical.

In those early days of ballooning, crossing the English Channel was considered the first step to long-distance flight. In 1785, Pilatre de Rozier, one of the men of the first balloon flight, and a man named Romain attempted to cross the Channel in a balloon, which was an experimental system using both hydrogen and hot air chambers. Unfortunately, this volatile mixture of highly flammable hydrogen and fire caused the balloon to explode 30 minutes after launch, killing both men. The first successful crossing of the English Channel was made later that same year by French balloonist Jean-Pierre Blanchard and American John Jeffries in a gas balloon. The balloon flies left over France after crossing the Channel.

The first manned flight of a balloon in America took place on January 9, 1793. It was a hydrogen gas balloon piloted by the same Frenchman who first crossed the English Channel, Jean-Pierre Blanchard. This flight took off from a prison yard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He ascended to about 5,800 feet and made a successful landing in Gloucester County, New Jersey. George Washington watched the launch.

Airships, often called dirigibles, began construction in the early 20th century. They were inflated with hydrogen gas to keep them airborne. Blimps are cigar-shaped balloons, some of which have a rigid frame to hold their shape. They had engines with propellers and flaps to control flight direction and speed. The Van Zeppelin was the first large airship to be built. It was 420 feet long and could cover 600 miles in 2 days. One of the first ships of this type in the USA was built in 1904. These large ships became the first commercial aircraft. Many were made for military use, others had luxurious cabins for passengers. By 1936 airships had become more common. The most famous airship was the Hindenburg, built in Germany in 1936. It was 803 feet long and 135 feet wide and contained 7 million cubic feet of gas. It had luxurious passenger areas.

On May 6, 1937, the Hindenburg caught fire and burned out in less than a minute while attempting to dock at Lakehurst, New Jersey. Of the 97 people on board, 35 were killed. Such ships had exemplary safety records until the spectacular sinking of this famous ship. After that, the use of such airships began to dwindle. Other disasters involving hydrogen-filled airships led to their gradual phase-out. Hydrogen was considered too dangerous and the new helium gas was very expensive and not widely available outside the United States.

In 1960, Paul E. (Ed) Yost and 3 others founded Raven Industries in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and developed the modern hot air balloon and propane burner that enabled sustained flight. On October 22, 1960, Yost piloted the new balloon’s maiden flight on a flight that lasted 25 minutes and covered 3 miles. The balloon was 40 feet in diameter and 30,000 cubic feet in volume. This made modern sport hot air ballooning possible. Yost and Don Piccard, an experienced gas balloon pilot, have done much together to promote the new system. In 1963, Yost and Piccard became the first to fly a hot air balloon across the English Channel with The Channel Champ, proving the practicality of hot air ballooning. Tracy Barnes also contributed to the success of the new balloon with his work on a parachute burst system and improved burners and baskets. Her work has also been complemented by many other ballooning pioneers/innovators.

By 1963, sport ballooning had grown so much that the first U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship event was held in Kalamazoo, Michigan under the auspices of the Balloon Federation of America. The 1963 event is shown in photo (i) on the left. In 1964 the Nationals were held in Nevada, where they stayed for 3 years. No Nationals were held in 1967-1969. In 1970, the preliminary rounds for the Nationals were held in Indianola, Iowa, with the closing ceremony on the grounds of the State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa. The national championships stayed in Indianola for 18 years. (See Photo j) Since 1989, the Nationals have moved to different parts of the country. That same year, the National Balloon Classic was created to take its place in Indianola. Many local balloon clubs now host events across the United States. With the improved burner technology and balloon envelope construction, ballooning became more and more popular. Today, most sport balloon rides are done with hot air balloons. Gas ballooning also has its devotees, but a gas balloon takes longer to inflate and the high price of helium makes it too expensive for most.

Balloons that use a combination of helium and hot air are now used for many long-haul flights, such as Steve Fossett’s circumnavigation of the world in his Bud Light Spirit of Freedom balloon (pictured left) on June 19, 2002. This balloon was a hybrid hot air and gas balloon with two separate helium gas cells and one hot air cell. When inflated, the balloon was 180 feet tall and 108 feet in diameter. Fossett took off from Northam, Western Australia, in a seventh and successful attempt to be the first person to circumnavigate the globe solo in a balloon. Fourteen days, 19 hours and 51 minutes later he landed in the eastern Australian outback.

Gas balloons, like NASA’s Ultra-Long Duration Balloon pictured left, offer vastly improved scientific research. Such balloons are used like satellites to study space and Earth, but at a fraction of the cost of a satellite. NASA balloons are made of a thin polyethylene material about the thickness of a standard sandwich film. They are up to 40 million cubic feet in size and 600 feet in diameter, taller than a 60-story building. When the experiment is complete, a radio command is sent from a ground station to detach the science payload from the balloon, and a parachute opens and it levitates back to the ground. The balloon envelope collapses and falls to earth.

About this site

Welcome to Extraordinary Energy in Action. This website aims to be the most comprehensive and authoritative database of LPG applications available on the internet.

If this is your first visit, we encourage you to read our full About This Website information page. You may also want to watch our introductory videos