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Flight Instruction
When you see a hot air balloon on the horizon, have you ever thought, "I want to do that, to fly my own balloon." Floating over the treetops is a magical experience. LTA Aviation can teach you how to fly your own balloon.
Your Training
Your training has two components - study for the written examination and flight training.
The Written Examination
The FAA Private Pilot - Lighter Than Air - Free Balloon - Hot Air Balloon (PBH) Written Examination is comprised of 60 multiple choice questions. The Commercial Pilot Examination has 100 questions. Each test is compiled of questions from a question bank of over 400 questions. Copies of the question bank can be downloaded from the internet at fedworld:
ftp://ftp.fedworld.gov/pub/faa-att/faa-att.htm
(Note: The FAA provides the questions but no answers.)
You can study on your own to take the test or you can attend a ground school to prepare for the exam. If you study on your own you will need to have an instructor (LTA - Free Balloon - Commercial Pilot) recommend you as being competent to pass the exam. It is recommended that you attend a ground school that is specifically tailored for the Hot Air Balloon Examination.
There are also a few self study books available. Balloon Publishing Company's "Balloon Ground School Home Study Manual", while superficial, is the best book available for specific study regarding the Hot Air Balloon Examinations. It costs approximately $35 and is sold directly by Balloon Publishing Company (510) 261-4222.
The FAA Written Examination is a computerized test. You will have 2 ½ hours to take the exam. Most people finish in around 45 minutes. The cost is approximately $70.00 paid to the testing facility. Should you fail to pass the exam on the first try, you can retake it after receiving remedial instruction and sign off, or wait 30 days and take it again without sign-off.
Choosing An Instructor - Your Most Important Decision:
You need to answer a preliminary question: Is the length of time your training will take a factor in your decision? Normally, flight training takes one flying season or sometimes two based on your availability and your instructor's. If you want to get your training over quickly, you should consider a flight school, such as Balloon Camp which specializes in accelerated training.
Your instructor will be the most important influence in your ballooning career. Spend some time selecting your instructor. Some student pilots will move about indiscriminately from instructor to instructor. This practice is discouraged. While you may want to change instructors because you are dissatisfied, each time you change your training time will increase as will your cost. Pick an instructor that can see you through all of your Private Pilot training. It is important that you feel comfortable and safe with your instructor.
Bill Cloninger is our Chief Instructor and is a Balloon Federation of America (BFA) Master Instructor. His professional teaching methods ensure that you are not only ready for your checkride, but are truly ready to fly on your own. A Hot Air Balloon Commercial Pilot since 1990, Bill is a two-term President of the Northeast Ohio Balloon Pilot's Association and has served as the National Membership Chairman for the BFA. He is a frequent speaker at safety seminars across the country. By combining his professional experience in training and development with his love for ballooning, Bill has become one of the top balloon flight instructors in the US.
What does it take to become a hot air balloon pilot?
To become a hot air balloon pilot, you must meet the requirements of the FAA, which are as follows:
Private Pilot:
| Age: |
16 years. |
| Medical Condition: |
Must sign a statement that states "I have no known physical defect which makes me unable to pilot a glider or free balloon."
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| Aeronautical Knowledge: |
Must have passed (70% or better) the FAA Written Examination - Private Pilot - Lighter than Air - Free Balloon - Hot Air Balloon (PBH). Within the last 24 months.
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| Aeronautical Experience: |
At least 10 hours of flight training, in a minimum of 6 flights, to include:
- one flight to a minimum of 2,000 ft. AGL.
- one solo flight.
- two flights of at least 60 minutes duration within 60 days prior to application for rating.
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Successful Completion of FAA Practical Test (Checkride).
Commercial Pilot:
| Age: |
18 years |
| Medical Condition: |
Must sign a statement that states "I have no known physical defect which makes me unable to pilot a glider or free balloon." |
| Aeronautical Knowledge: |
Must have passed (70% or better) the FAA Written Examination - Commercial Pilot - Lighter than Air - Free Balloon - Hot Air Balloon (CBH). Within the last 24 months.
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| Aeronautical Experience: |
Under Part 61 you must have a Private Pilot Free Balloon Rating, or a Commercial Pilot License prior to taking the Practical Test. You must have 35 hours of flight time as a pilot, of which 20 hours must be in a balloon, and include the following:
- at least 2 flights as pilot in command.
- 10 hours of flight training that includes at least 10 flights.
- two solo flights.
- One flight to altitude of at least 3,000 ft. AGL.
- Two training flights of at least one hour duration within 60 days prior to application for rating.
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Successful Completion of FAA Practical Test (Checkride).
Training Costs:
Our Private Pilot Training Package, which consists of 12 training flights and oral examination coaching, cost $2,750 in our balloon, $1,750 in your balloon. Half payment is due at the start of your lessons with the balance due at lesson six. Should your training require additional flights beyond the planned 12 flight lessons they are charged at $250 per lesson.
Our Commercial Pilot Training Package, which consists of 10 training flights and oral examination coaching, costs $2,750 in our balloon, $1,750 in your balloon. Half payment is due at the start of your lessons with the balance due at lesson six. Should your training require additional flights beyond the planned 10 flight lessons they are charged at $250 per lesson.
Balloon Purchase and Instruction Packages:
LTA Aviation, Inc. offers combined purchase and instruction packages which provide discounts on the cost of your training and the retail price of your new balloon. Please inquire for details.
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