Tethered Flights FI(B) extension

Overview

Balloon Flight Instructor for Tethered trainings - course overview

The aim of the Flight Instructor (Balloon) extension for Tethered training is to train you as holder of the FI(B) to the level of competence defined in point BFCL.325 to be able to provide the training towards the tethered flights.  The course takes approximately 1 day.

The FI(B) Tethered extension training course consists of 1 flight lasting approximately 30 minutes with associated pre-flight and postflight briefing.

The FI(B) Tethered training extension course does not require you to attend the FI(B) assessment of competence with EASA Balloon Flight Examiner.

Briefings

Theoretical Knowledge Instruction consist of single module of Technical training. It is integrated into the long briefing of the flight exercise and taken prior to the training flight. The content of the briefings is consistent with the Exercise 18 of the EASA Tethered flight rating syllabi and covers following topics:

• the ground preparations;
• the tethering techniques and equipment;
• the maximum all-up-weight limitation;
• crowd control;
• the pre-take-off checks and briefings;
• the heating for controlled lift-off;
• the ‘hands-off and hands-on’ procedure for ground crew;
• the procedures for boarding and disembarking passengers;
• the assessment of wind and obstacles;
• and the controlled climb to a pre-defined altitude (at least 60 ft (20 m)).

Privileges

The privileges of your FI(B) will be extended to be able to provide the training for Balloon Pilot Licence holders in Tethered flights. The tethered privileges generally allow the BPL holder to exercise the privileges of BPL in the balloon while the balloon is tethered and bonded to the ground. The Tethered Rating extension of Balloon Pilot Licence can be done outside of the flight school. Unlike the aeroplanes or helicopters, in case of balloons, the FI(B) decides himself only, whether the training is sufficient. The EASA simplifies the leisure trainings and gives more responsibility to the flight instructors.

The completion of the BPL Tethered flight rating training is entered in the logbook and signed by the FI(B) who is responsible for the Balloon Tethered Rating training.