We often get asked, “how do you become a hot air balloon pilot?” and “what requirements do hot air balloon pilots have to fly balloons?”. Today, we are breaking down what it takes to become a hot air balloon pilot.
Step 1: Determine Your Level of Interest
Are you interested in flying a hot air balloon for just you personally? Would you like to take passengers up with you, just for fun? Or is this a career path for you where you will be flying guests in exchange for payment? It is important to understand the requirements for each different application, as each has its own set of requirements and investments (time and monetary) involved. Basics on each pilot certification are listed below.
- Student Balloon Pilots: May not carry passengers.
- Private Balloon Pilots: May carry passengers, but not for hire. May not fly in any commercial capacity.
- Commercial Balloon Pilots: May operate for hire, provide flight instruction, and engage in commercial flights.
Step 2: Understand the Requirements for Your Level of Interest
To pilot a hot air balloon, you must have a pilot’s license, or airman’s certificate, just as you would for an airplane, however a hot air balloon is a different category of aircraft with its own specific set of training requirements.
Becoming a balloon pilot is a Lighter-than-Air (LTA) certification, which requires one-on-one lessons with a flight instructor, as well as other requirements. There is no certified flight instructor rating for hot air balloons, meaning the holder of a Commercial Balloon Pilot License may provide flight instruction. In order to obtain your pilot certificate, you must meet and complete the below, starting at the student level.
Student Balloon Pilot Certificate
Personal Requirements:
- Must be 14 years or older.
- Must be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language.
- Medical certificates are not currently required; however, you must have no condition that would prevent you from operating the aircraft safely.
Flying/Testing Requirements:
- Obtain a student pilot certificate, by completing the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) issued by an FAA Inspector or Designated Pilot Examiner.
- May pilot a hot air balloon only under the supervision of a qualified instructor. May not carry passengers, or fly a balloon for hire.
- Student Pilot’s may fly “solo” after obtaining a passing grade on a pre-solo test, and after completion of training in, and demonstration of, the following aspects of hot air balloon operations: pre-flight operations, operation of controls, lift off, climb, descent, landings and emergency procedures (Parts 61 and 91 of the Federal Air Regulations).
Private Balloon Pilot Certificate
Personal Requirements:
- Must be a Student Pilot.
- Must be 16 years or older.
- Must be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language.
- Medical certificates are not currently required; however, you must have no condition that would prevent you from operating the aircraft safely.
Flying/Testing Requirements:
- Must have a minimum of 10 hours of flight training, which must include:
- Six (6) flights under the supervision of an instructor
- One (1) controlled ascent to 2,000 feet above takeoff point
- Two (2) flights of at least 60 minutes in duration
- One (1) solo flight
- Must pass the written FAA Knowledge Test (or hold a Pilot Certificate for any powered aircraft).
- Must pass the oral and flight Practical Knowledge Test given by a FAA Inspector or Designated FAA Flight Examiner.
Commercial Balloon Pilot Certificate
Personal Requirements:
- Must be a Private Pilot.
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Must be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language.
- Medical certificates are not currently required; however, you must have no condition that would prevent you from operating the aircraft safely.
Flying/Testing Requirements:
- Must have a minimum of 35 hours as a pilot (20 hours must be in a hot air balloon), which must include:
- Ten (10) flights in a hot air balloon
- Ten (10) hours of flight training that includes a minimum of ten (10) flights with an instructor on the advanced Commercial Pilot areas of operation
- One (1) controlled ascent to 3,000 feet above takeoff point
- Two (2) flights of at least 60 minutes in duration
- Two (2) flights as the pilot in command
- Two (1) solo flights
- Must pass the written FAA Knowledge Test (or hold a Pilot Certificate for any powered aircraft).
- Must pass a more advanced oral and flight Practical Knowledge Test given by a FAA Inspector or Designated FAA Flight Examiner.
*Please be aware, that once you obtain your Commercial Balloon Pilot Certificate, you will need to continue to build/increase your flight hours in order to meet the insurance requirements of flying larger sizes of hot air balloons commercially, should that be the path you choose.
Step 3: Get Started!
Are you ready to get more involved with hot air ballooning? A great place to start is by becoming a Flight Crew Member. This position provides the opportunity to become more familiar and up close and personal with hot air balloons. This stepping stone will better equip you with knowledge of the equipment, the lay of the land, and familiarize yourself with pilot duties and align with likeminded individuals.
Want to become a Hot Air Expeditions Flight Crew Member? Apply here.
Want to skip straight to flying? Apply for your student pilot certificate here.
