Becoming the hot-air balloon pilot is not so common compared to the helicopter or aeroplane leisure pilot licence. Flying the balloon is a pure joy and most realistic touch with the air you could ever imagine. ProfiPilot is one among of a very few pilot training organisations offering the complete hot-air balloon training programs in the region. For simplification, we have prepared this roadmap for you to better understand the balloon pilot training pathway.
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The first and very important prerequisites to commence the balloon pilot training is to be medically fit for flying. For leisure purposes and balloon flying, a basic medical assessment by an authorized aviation medical examiner is sufficient. You can expect about half-day lasting medical assessment consisting of review of your current medical status, assessment of eyesight, ECG and some other basic items.
The medical assessment for the leisure pilot is called Medical Class 2 which is also sufficient for the commercial balloon operations with passengers.
Before starting the practical part of the balloon pilot training, it is necessary to complete the theoretical knowledge instruction. Theoretical ground school takes approximately 70 - 80 hours. It is well distributed around the general aviation subjects as well as the balloon-specific and hot-air balloon specific subjects. Theory is usually provided as a instructor-led group teaching. It can however be provided on the individual basis.
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The first part of your balloon pilot training is a skill-based training focused on a basic handling of the hot-air balloon. You will have to master the climb, descend and straight and level flight. Each flight takes approximately one hour of flight time. An essential part of the balloon pilot training is a proper balloon setup as well as the inflation. The inflation of the balloon is a bit of mystery of physics, therefore we will make sure you are able to safely complete the cold inflation as well as a hot inflation.
Your main focus during this phase of the training is to absorb the third dimension.
Once you are able to handle the hot-air balloon in the air, you will move to the other phase, which is to safely take-off, land as well as to operate the hot-air balloon in low heights. Advanced phase of the BPL training simply means the Take-offs, Landings and operation in low height.
There are different kinds of the approach techniques and you will master them all. The operation in the low height and the response to the emergencies is integrated into almost each of the exercises to prepare you well for a possible failure or emergency. The flight training is continued with the "fine tuning" of the the flying technique in order to consolidate your pilot skills.
One thing you never know upfront in ballooning is where you are going to end-up your flight. There are many factors influencing your landing site. Wind strength and direction varies with height. Unlike the aeroplanes or helicopters, in balloons you are not able to control the balloon laterally. Therefore the great focus in balloon pilot training is put on the cross country flying and navigation practice.
An important factor in the navigation training is the vertical and lateral division of airspace - so called airspace structure, limiting factors such as military areas, or correct frequency tuning. You will also learn what to do in case of loss of communciation and to how to communicate with landowners of your landsites. Simply the most enjoyable and exciting moments of your balloon pilot training.
One of the most exciting moments of the entire balloon pilot training is your first solo flight. Don't worry, we won't let you kill yourself :) We will definitely make sure you are capable to complete the solo flights. This is going to be for sure one of your lifelong memorable moments. There is no longer an instructor in the basket who would correct your mistakes. From takeoff to landing, it's all up to you. This moment usually comes at the end of your balloon pilot training - so after around 15 hours of flight training. The first solo flight usually takes a bit more than half an hour and is one of the mandatory requirements to issue your Balloon Pilot Licence.
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Upon completion of your balloon pilot flight training and before undergoing the final skill test with balloon flight examiner, it is necessary to pass the theoretical knowledge test so-called BPL written exam directly at the aviation authority.
As an applicant for a balloon pilot licence, you will be tested from aviation subjects such as Air Law, Aerostatic, Communication, Meteorology, Operation Procedures, Human Performance and more. Theoretical knowledge exam usually takes about 2 hours to complete with the minimum pass rate of 75%. It is required to pass the written exam only once in a lifetime.
Before you become a balloon pilot and get your balloon pilot licence, you need to pass the practical test so-called licence skill test with an authorised person called Flight Examiner. The BPL skill test is one flight with an examiner and takes approximately 60 minutes. The BPL skill test contains the profile of all exercises you have been trained during your balloon pilot training. Flight Examiner will ensure that during your pilot training you gained all the skills required to become a balloon pilot.
The skill test consists of a standard flight. It all starts with the proper balloon layout, briefing, cold and hot inflation. It is continued with the take-off, climbs, descends and navigation test. Examiner will simulate some emergency situations which you will have to respond to. Skill test is completed by descend, approach to land and landing itself.
Once you successfully pass the skill test you become a balloon pilot holding the Balloon Pilot Licence with privileges to operate in so-caled Hot-air balloon class (balloons with burners) and in the so-called Group A of the hot-air balloons. In other words you will be allowed to fly the hot-air balloon envelopes up to the volume of the 3500m3
