Become a Certified California Hot Air Balloon Pilot! For FREE information, call us at 1-800-260-2028 Today!
If you experience that once in a lifetime feeling everytime you fly in a hot air balloon ride, then you are in good company. A California Pilot Certification is a painless adventure that grants you the ability to free yourself in the flight of Ballooning in California at your leisure.
Look no further! Ballooning California can ease you through the steps. Call us today at 1-800-260-2028 to start your official training!
The training will put you to the test, but you will have tons of fun throughout the adventure!
A Licensed Pilot in California has completed ground school and flight training with a Certified Hot Air Balloon Commercial Pilot. This process consists of:
Passing a Federal Aviation written examination;
There are five theory exams. Topics covered include:
Meteorology
Aerostatics
Airmanship
Navigation
Flight Rules and Procedures
Code of Conduct
Obtaining the regulated hours of flight time with at least two solo hours
Passing a flight test with a FAA examiner and furnishing a medical statement of health.
It takes about 15 hours of 'hands on' instruction to obtain the flying skills required to sit and pass your private pilot's flight test. Most students complete the training in one to three months. However, training times vary because much depends upon the student.
Ballooning Student Pilots in California
Before you begin your training, you will need to obtain a student pilot’s certification.
Student Ballooning Pilot Certificates in California can be issued by FAA inspectors or designated pilot examiners.
Student pilots must be at least 14 years of age.
No medical certificate is required, but applicant must certify that he has no known medical defect that would prevent him from piloting a balloon.
Student pilots may fly solo under the supervision of a qualified instructor, but must first demonstrate to their instructor that they are proficient in pre-flight preparation, operation of controls, lift-off and climb, descent and landing, and emergency procedures.
Student pilots may not carry passengers.
California Private Pilot Certification
You must be at least 16 years of age to be eligible for a California Private Pilot’s Certificate.
No medical certificate is required, but you must certify that you do not have any known medical defects that would prevent you from piloting a balloon.
You must pass a written test that will cover:
FAA Regulations covering pilot privileges, limitations, and flight procedures.
Use of navigation charts.
Weather conditions & reports as they relate to ballooning.
Operating procedures with gas and hot air balloons.
Navigation
Flight Rules and Procedures
Code of Conduct
Instruction should have been received in ground handling and inflation, preflight checks, takeoff and ascents, descents and landings, and emergency procedures.
Must have at least 10 hours of flight experience, of which 6 must have been under the supervision of an instructor. Flights must have included:
Tow flights of at least 30 minutes
One ascent to 3000 feet above takeoff point
One solo flight
Commercial Pilot Certification in California
You must be at least 18 years of age.
No medical certificate required, but you must certify that you do not have any known medical defects that would prevent you from piloting a balloon.
You must pass a comprehensive written exam that encompasses all the material required for a Private Pilot Certificate in California, and additional operating procedures relating to commercial operations and requirements for flight instructors.
Training for all procedures required for a California Private Certification must be received from an authorized instructor, plus emergency recovery from a terminal velocity descent.
Required 35 hours of flight time for a California commercial certificate must include:
At least 35 hours of flight time as a pilot.
20 hours of flight time in balloons.
6 hours of flight time under the supervision of an instructor.
