Front Matter

Balloon Flying Handbook U.S. Department of Transportation FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION Flight Standards Service 2024

Preface

This Balloon Flying Handbook introduces the basic pilot knowledge and skills that are essential for piloting balloons. It introduces pilots to the broad spectrum of knowledge that will be needed as they progress in their pilot training. This handbook is for student pilots, as well as those pursuing more advanced pilot certificates.

Student pilots learning to fly balloons, certificated pilots preparing for additional balloon ratings or who desire to improve their flying proficiency and aeronautical knowledge, and commercial balloon pilots teaching balloon students how to fly should find this handbook helpful. This book introduces the prospective pilot to the realm of balloon flight and provides information and guidance to all balloon pilots in the performance of various balloon maneuvers and procedures. This handbook conforms to pilot training and certification concepts established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). There are different ways of teaching, as well as performing flight procedures and maneuvers, and many variations in the explanations of aerodynamic theories and principles. This handbook adopts a selective method and concept to flying balloons. The discussions and explanations reflect the most commonly used practices and principles. Occasionally, the word “must” or similar language is used where the desired action is deemed critical. The use of such language is not intended to add to, interpret, or relieve a duty imposed by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). It is essential for persons using this handbook also to become familiar with and apply the pertinent parts of 14 CFR and the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). Performance standards for demonstrating competence required for pilot certification are prescribed in the appropriate balloon practical test standard.

This handbook supersedes FAA-H-8083-11A, Balloon Flying Handbook, dated 2008.

This handbook is available for download, in PDF format, from the FAA website.

This handbook is published by the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, General Aviation & Commercial Division, Training & Certification Group (AFS-810), Testing Standards Section, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125.

Comments regarding this publication should be emailed to AFS630comments@faa.gov.

Acknowledgments

The Balloon Flying Handbook was produced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with the assistance of Safety Research Corporation of America (SRCA), industry, and individual contributor effort. The FAA wishes to acknowledge the following individual and corporate contributors:

Aerostar International, Inc. for the performance planning chart in Chapter 3 and the burner ratings sidebar on page 7-2

• FireFly Balloons for imagery provided in Chapter 2
• Lindstrand Balloons Ltd for the imagery in Chapter 2
• J. Neils Enterprises, Inc. for imagery provided in Chapter 2

Lindan Hot Air Service Center for imagery provided in Chapter 2 Department of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, for many images used in Chapter 4 Art Rangno, Sky Guide, for many of the cloud illustrations used in Chapter 4 Gordon Schwontkowski, author of Hot Air Balloon Crewing Essentials, for editorial content and contribution of material relating to the role of the ground crew in ballooning Mike Bauwens, of Balloon the Rockies, for many of the maneuver descriptions and original graphics used in Chapters 6 and 7 Chapter 11, The Gas Balloon, was a collaborative effort of Peter Cuneo and Barbara Fricke, Andy Cayton, and Kevin Knapp.

Individual content and editorial contributions by: Raymond Bair, Philip Bryant, Stephen Turner, Jim Barnett, Kay West, Marian Deeney, Laura Hoeve, Tom Hamilton (for the False Lift discussion, originally printed in Balloon Life Magazine, and reprinted here in Chapter 6), Pat Cannon (for the pibal plotting procedure originally printed in Ballooning Magazine, and reprinted here in Chapter 3), Andrew and Barbara Ziolo, Chris Krowchuck, and Stuart Enloe Individual photographic contributions have been made by Jane English (multiple lenticular cloud in Figure 4-23), Candy Ecker (Figure 3-15), and C. Tina Orvin (Figure 8-7).

The FAA acknowledges with appreciation the contributions of the Balloon Federation of America for technical support and input.

• Table of Contents
• Chapter 1: Introduction to Balloon Flight Training

Purpose of Balloon Flight Training ..............................................................................................................1-1

Role of the FAA ...........................................................................................................................................1-1

Role of the Pilot Examiner ...........................................................................................................................1-3

Role of the Flight Instructor .........................................................................................................................1-3

Sources of Flight Training ...........................................................................................................................1-4

Practical Test Standards (PTS) ...................................................................................................................1-5

Flight Safety Practices ................................................................................................................................1-5

Collision Avoidance ..................................................................................................................................1-5

Runway Incursion Avoidance ...................................................................................................................1-6

Use of Checklists .....................................................................................................................................1-7

Positive Transfer of Controls ....................................................................................................................1-7

Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM) .........................................................................................................1-7

Hazardous Attitudes & Antidotes..............................................................................................................1-8

Stress Management .................................................................................................................................1-9

Risk Assessment Analysis .......................................................................................................................1-9

Evaluating ADM Skills ..............................................................................................................................1-9

Crew Resource Management (CRM) .......................................................................................................1-9

Single-Pilot Resource Management (SRM) ........................................................................................... 1-10

Human Resources .................................................................................................................................1-10

Risk Management .................................................................................................................................. 1-11

Effective Situational Awareness .............................................................................................................1-12

The Decision-Making Process ..................................................................................................................1-13

Defining the Problem .............................................................................................................................1-13

Choosing a Course of Action .................................................................................................................1-13

The DECIDE Model ...............................................................................................................................1-13

The OODA Loop ....................................................................................................................................1-14

Balloon Certificate Eligibility Requirements ............................................................................................... 1-15

Sport Pilot ..............................................................................................................................................1-15

Private Pilot ............................................................................................................................................1-16

FAA WINGS Program ............................................................................................................................1-19

Introduction to IACRA................................................................................................................................1-19

Chapter Summary .....................................................................................................................................1-19

Chapter 2: Hot Air Balloon Design, Systems, & Theory

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................2-1

History ......................................................................................................................................................2-1

Physics ........................................................................................................................................................2-2

Why Do Balloons Fly? ..............................................................................................................................2-2

Balloon Components ...................................................................................................................................2-3

Envelope ..................................................................................................................................................2-4

Thermal Airships ......................................................................................................................................2-6

Heater System .........................................................................................................................................2-6

Instruments ..............................................................................................................................................2-9

Fuel Tanks ..............................................................................................................................................2-10

Support Equipment ................................................................................................................................ 2-11

Aircraft Documents ....................................................................................................................................2-15

Airworthiness Certificate ........................................................................................................................2-15

Certificate of Aircraft Registration ..........................................................................................................2-16

Aircraft Owner/Operator Responsibilities ............................................................................................... 2-16

Aircraft Maintenance .................................................................................................................................2-17

Balloon Inspections ................................................................................................................................2-17

Preventative Maintenance .....................................................................................................................2-18

Repairs and Alterations ..........................................................................................................................2-18

Airworthiness Directives (ADs) ..................................................................................................................2-19

Choosing a Balloon ...................................................................................................................................2-19

Advantages of Balloon Sizes .................................................................................................................2-19

Selecting a New or Used Balloon ..........................................................................................................2-20

Balloon Brands .......................................................................................................................................2-20

Chapter Summary .....................................................................................................................................2-20

Chapter 3: Preflight Planning

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................3-1

Purpose of Flight .........................................................................................................................................3-1

Weather .......................................................................................................................................................3-1

Navigation ...................................................................................................................................................3-4

Performance Planning ...............................................................................................................................3-10

Special Conditions ....................................................................................................................................3-13

Cold Weather Flying...............................................................................................................................3-13

Mountain Flying ......................................................................................................................................3-14

The Ground Crew ......................................................................................................................................3-15

Flying in New Territory............................................................................................................................3-16

Equipment ..............................................................................................................................................3-16

Personal Preparation .............................................................................................................................3-17

Chapter Summary .....................................................................................................................................3-17

Chapter 4: Weather Theory & Reports

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................4-1

The Atmosphere ..........................................................................................................................................4-1

Composition .............................................................................................................................................4-1

The Standard Atmosphere .......................................................................................................................4-2

Measurement of Atmospheric Pressure ................................................................................................... 4-2

Temperature ................................................................................................................................................4-3

Temperature Scales .................................................................................................................................4-3

Temperature Variations ............................................................................................................................4-4

Heat Transfer ...........................................................................................................................................4-4

Air Masses ..................................................................................................................................................4-5

Characteristics .........................................................................................................................................4-6

Pressure Systems ....................................................................................................................................4-6

Fronts ..........................................................................................................................................................4-8

Types of Fronts ........................................................................................................................................4-8

Winds & Currents ......................................................................................................................................4-12

Atmospheric Circulation .........................................................................................................................4-12

Wind Patterns ........................................................................................................................................4-16

Convective Currents ..............................................................................................................................4-16

The Jet Stream ......................................................................................................................................4-17

Local and Small-Scale Winds ................................................................................................................4-17

Clouds .......................................................................................................................................................4-18

Cloud Formation ....................................................................................................................................4-18

Ceilings & Visibilities ..............................................................................................................................4-23

Temperature/Dew Point Relationship ........................................................................................................4-23

Fog .........................................................................................................................................................4-24

Atmospheric Stability & Instability .............................................................................................................4-26

Types of Stability ....................................................................................................................................4-27

Effects of Stable & Unstable Air .............................................................................................................4-27

Weather Hazards ......................................................................................................................................4-28

Turbulence .............................................................................................................................................4-28

Obstructions & Wind ..............................................................................................................................4-30

Thunderstorms .......................................................................................................................................4-32

Thunderstorms .......................................................................................................................................4-37

How to Obtain Weather Information ..........................................................................................................4-37

Sources for Weather Information ...........................................................................................................4-37

Interpreting Weather Charts & Reports ..................................................................................................4-38

Additional Weather Information ..............................................................................................................4-45

Additional Weather Information ..............................................................................................................4-47

Chapter Summary .....................................................................................................................................4-54

Chapter 5: The National Airspace System

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................5-1

Airspace Classification ................................................................................................................................5-2

Uncontrolled Airspace ..............................................................................................................................5-2

Controlled Airspace ..................................................................................................................................5-3

Special Use Airspace ...............................................................................................................................5-6

Other Airspace Areas .............................................................................................................................5-10

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) ......................................................................................................5-10

Radio Communications .............................................................................................................................5-13

Phonetic Alphabet ..................................................................................................................................5-13

Radio Procedures ..................................................................................................................................5-14

Chapter Summary .....................................................................................................................................5-16

Chapter 6: Layout to Launch

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................6-1

Preflight Operations ....................................................................................................................................6-1

Checklists .................................................................................................................................................6-1

Weather Brief ..............................................................................................................................................6-2

Performance Planning/Fuel Planning ..........................................................................................................6-4

The Chase Crew .........................................................................................................................................6-4

Number of Crewmembers ........................................................................................................................6-4

Clothing ....................................................................................................................................................6-4

Types of Flight ..........................................................................................................................................6-5

Direction of Flight .....................................................................................................................................6-5

The Crew Briefing ....................................................................................................................................6-5

The Crown Line ........................................................................................................................................6-6

Launch Site .................................................................................................................................................6-8

Location and Obstacles ...........................................................................................................................6-8

Landing Sites ...........................................................................................................................................6-9

Launch Site Surface .................................................................................................................................6-9

Balloon Placement & Wind Direction ........................................................................................................6-10

Removing the Balloon from the Vehicle ................................................................................................. 6-10

Assembly ............................................................................................................................................... 6-11

Layout .......................................................................................................................................................6-13

Spread Layout ........................................................................................................................................6-13

Strip Layout ............................................................................................................................................6-14

Progressive Fill ......................................................................................................................................6-14

Inflator Fan Placement ...........................................................................................................................6-15

Safety Restraint/Quick-Release .............................................................................................................6-16

Passenger Briefing .................................................................................................................................6-16

Inflation ......................................................................................................................................................6-16

Inflation Styles ........................................................................................................................................6-16

The Inflation ...........................................................................................................................................6-17

Prelaunch Check ....................................................................................................................................6-18

Launch ......................................................................................................................................................6-18

Uncommanded (False) Lift .....................................................................................................................6-19

False Lift ................................................................................................................................................6-20

False Heavy (Downward Lift) .................................................................................................................6-21

Diminished Capacity ..............................................................................................................................6-21

Landowner Relations ................................................................................................................................6-22

Chapter Summary .....................................................................................................................................6-23

Chapter 7: In-flight Maneuvers

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................7-1

The Standard Burn ......................................................................................................................................7-1

Straight & Level Flight .................................................................................................................................7-3

Ascents & Descents ....................................................................................................................................7-4

Ascents ....................................................................................................................................................7-4

Descents ..................................................................................................................................................7-5

Maneuvering ...............................................................................................................................................7-7

Winds Below ............................................................................................................................................7-7

Direction ...................................................................................................................................................7-7

Contour Flying .............................................................................................................................................7-8

Minimum Safe Altitude Requirements ...................................................................................................... 7-8

Contour Flying Techniques..................................................................................................................... 7-11

Use of Instruments .................................................................................................................................7-13

In Flight Emergencies ...............................................................................................................................7-13

Loss/Malfunction of Vent or Deflation Line............................................................................................. 7-13

Loss/Malfunction of Pilot Light ...............................................................................................................7-13

Fuel Leak ...............................................................................................................................................7-14

Tethering/Mooring .....................................................................................................................................7-14

Inflight Crew Management ........................................................................................................................7-17

Crew Behavior .......................................................................................................................................7-17

Pilot/Crew Communications ...................................................................................................................7-17

Use of a Very High Frequency (VHF) Radio .......................................................................................... 7-18

Landowner Relations ................................................................................................................................7-18

Identification of Animal Populations .......................................................................................................7-18

Chapter Summary .....................................................................................................................................7-20

Chapter 8: Landing & Recovery

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................8-1

The Approach ..............................................................................................................................................8-1

Step-Down Approach ...............................................................................................................................8-4

Low Approach ..........................................................................................................................................8-5

Obstacles and Approach Angles ..............................................................................................................8-5

Some Basic Rules of Landing .....................................................................................................................8-6

Congested Areas .....................................................................................................................................8-6

Practice Approaches ................................................................................................................................8-7

Thermal Flight ..........................................................................................................................................8-8

Landings ......................................................................................................................................................8-9

Landing Considerations ...........................................................................................................................8-9

Ground Assistance ...................................................................................................................................8-9

High-Wind Landing ..................................................................................................................................8-9

Water Landings ......................................................................................................................................8-10

Passenger Briefings & Management .........................................................................................................8-10

Stand in the Appropriate Area of the Basket .......................................................................................... 8-10

Face the Direction of Travel ................................................................................................................... 8-11

Place Feet and Knees Together, with Knees Bent ................................................................................. 8-11

“Hold On Tight” in Two Places................................................................................................................8-12

Stay in the Basket ..................................................................................................................................8-12

Recovery ...................................................................................................................................................8-12

Landowner Relations .............................................................................................................................8-12

Packing the Balloon ...............................................................................................................................8-13

Refueling ................................................................................................................................................8-15

Logging of Flight Time ............................................................................................................................8-16

Crew Responsibilities .............................................................................................................................8-17

Chapter Summary .....................................................................................................................................8-18

Chapter 9: Aeromedical Factors

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................9-1

Environmental & Health Factors Affecting Pilot Performance ..................................................................... 9-1

Hypoxia ....................................................................................................................................................9-1

Symptoms of Hypoxia ..............................................................................................................................9-2

Middle Ear & Sinus Problems ..................................................................................................................9-4

Spatial Disorientation & Illusions ..............................................................................................................9-5

Motion Sickness .......................................................................................................................................9-6

Stress .......................................................................................................................................................9-6

Fatigue .....................................................................................................................................................9-6

Dehydration & Heatstroke ........................................................................................................................9-8

Alcohol .....................................................................................................................................................9-8

Drugs .......................................................................................................................................................9-9

Scuba Diving ..........................................................................................................................................9-10

Vision in Flight ...........................................................................................................................................9-10

Empty-Field Myopia ...............................................................................................................................9-12

Night Vision ............................................................................................................................................9-12

Chapter Summary .....................................................................................................................................9-13

Chapter 10: The Instructional Process

Introduction ...............................................................................................................................................10-1

Flight Instructor Characteristics & Responsibilities ................................................................................... 10-2

Instructor Responsibilities ......................................................................................................................10-2

Flight Instructor Responsibilities ............................................................................................................10-3

The Learning Process ...............................................................................................................................10-7

Definition of Learning .............................................................................................................................10-7

Characteristics of Learning ....................................................................................................................10-7

Principles of Learning ............................................................................................................................10-8

How People Learn .................................................................................................................................10-8

Levels of Learning ................................................................................................................................10-10

Transfer of Learning ............................................................................................................................. 10-11

Habit Formation ................................................................................................................................... 10-11

Theories of Forgetting .......................................................................................................................... 10-11

The Teaching Process .............................................................................................................................10-12

Preparation ..........................................................................................................................................10-12

Presentation .........................................................................................................................................10-13

Review & Application ...........................................................................................................................10-14

Teaching Methods ...................................................................................................................................10-14

Organizing Material ..............................................................................................................................10-14

Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................10-14

Development ........................................................................................................................................10-15

Conclusion ...........................................................................................................................................10-16

Lecture Method .......................................................................................................................................10-16

Demonstration-Performance Method ......................................................................................................10-16

Computer-based Training ....................................................................................................................10-17

Techniques of Flight Instruction ...............................................................................................................10-18

The Telling-and-Doing Technique.........................................................................................................10-18

Critique & Evaluation ...............................................................................................................................10-19

Purpose of a Critique ...........................................................................................................................10-19

Methods of Critique ..............................................................................................................................10-20

Student-Led Critique ............................................................................................................................10-20

Self-Critique .........................................................................................................................................10-20

Ground Rules for Critiquing .................................................................................................................10-20

Characteristics of an Effective Critique ................................................................................................10-20

Evaluation ............................................................................................................................................10-22

Oral Quizzes ........................................................................................................................................10-22

Characteristics of Effective Questions .................................................................................................10-22

Written Tests ........................................................................................................................................10-23

Test Development ................................................................................................................................10-23

Planning Instructional Activities ...............................................................................................................10-24

Course of Training ................................................................................................................................10-24

Objectives & Standards .......................................................................................................................10-25

Blocks of Learning ...............................................................................................................................10-25

Training Syllabus..................................................................................................................................10-26

Syllabus Format & Content ..................................................................................................................10-26

How to Use a Training Syllabus ...........................................................................................................10-26

Lesson Plans .......................................................................................................................................10-27

Characteristics of a Well-Planned Lesson ........................................................................................... 10-28

How to Use a Lesson Plan Properly ....................................................................................................10-30

Lesson Plan Formats ...........................................................................................................................10-31

Chapter Summary ...................................................................................................................................10-31

Chapter 11: The Gas Balloon

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 11-1

The History of Gas Ballooning ............................................................................................................... 11-1

Balloon Systems ....................................................................................................................................... 11-3

Netted Balloon Systems ......................................................................................................................... 11-3

Quick Fill Balloon Systems .................................................................................................................... 11-3

Lifting Gases .......................................................................................................................................... 11-4

Components of the Gas Balloon ............................................................................................................... 11-5

Envelope ................................................................................................................................................ 11-5

Gondola ................................................................................................................................................. 11-5

Support Cabling ..................................................................................................................................... 11-6

Equipment .............................................................................................................................................. 11-6

Theory of Gas Ballooning .......................................................................................................................... 11-7

Physics of Gas Ballooning ..................................................................................................................... 11-7

Weather Considerations for Gas Ballooning ............................................................................................. 11-9

Meteorological Differences From Hot Air Ballooning.............................................................................. 11-9

Meteorological Flight Planning ............................................................................................................... 11-9

The Practice of Gas Ballooning ............................................................................................................... 11-11

Gas Balloon Regulations ..................................................................................................................... 11-11

Flight Planning ..................................................................................................................................... 11-12

Layout & Inflation ................................................................................................................................. 11-12

Launch ................................................................................................................................................. 11-13

In-flight Procedures .............................................................................................................................. 11-14

Landing, Retrieval, & Packup ............................................................................................................... 11-15

The America’s Challenge Race, 2006 ..................................................................................................... 11-17

Chapter Summary ................................................................................................................................... 11-20

Appendix A: Vapor Pressures of LP Gases ..............................................................................A-1

Appendix B: Pibal Plotting Grid .................................................................................................B-1

Appendix C: Balloon Flight Checklist .......................................................................................C-1

Appendix D: Pibal Velocity Versus Size ....................................................................................D-1

Appendix E: Log Book Endorsement Formats .........................................................................E-1

Appendix F: Lift Table for Helium & Hydrogen at Standard Temperatures & Pressures ..... F-1

Glossary ....................................................................................................................................... G-1