Balloon Pilot Test Standards

Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards for Lighter-Than-Air, Balloon and Airship: The Commercial Pilot - Lighter-Than-Air Practical Test Standards (PTS) book has been published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish the standards for commercial pilot certification practical tests for the lighter-than air category, balloon and airship classes. FAA inspectors and designated pilot examiners shall conduct practical tests in compliance with these standards. Both commercial pilots exercising flight instructor privileges and applicants should find these standards helpful during training and when preparing for the practical test. Contents INTRODUCTION General Information Practical Test Standard Concept Practical Test Book Description Practical Test Standard Description Use of the Practical Test Standards Book Commercial Pilot - Lighter-Than-Air Practical Test Prerequisites Aircraft and Equipment Required for the Practical Test Examiner Responsibility Satisfactory Performance Unsatisfactory Performance Crew Resource Management (CRM) Applicant’s Use of Checklists Use of Distractions During Practical Tests Metric Conversion Initiative Flight Instructor Responsibility Instrument Privileges - Airship SECTION 1: LIGHTER-THAN-AIR - BALLOON CONTENTS ADDITIONAL RATING TABLE APPLICANT’S PRACTICAL TEST CHECKLIST EXAMINER’S PRACTICAL TEST CHECKLIST AREAS OF OPERATION: I. FUNDAMENTALS OF INSTRUCTING II. TECHNICAL SUBJECTS III. PREFLIGHT PREPARATION IV. PREFLIGHT LESSON ON A MANEUVER TO BE PERFORMED IN FLIGHT V. PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES VI. AIRPORT OPERATIONS VII. LAUNCHES AND LANDINGS VIII. PERFORMANCE MANEUVERS IX. NAVIGATION X. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS XI. POSTFLIGHT PROCEDURES SECTION 2: LIGHTER-THAN-AIR - AIRSHIP CONTENTS ADDITIONAL RATING TABLE APPLICANT’S PRACTICAL TEST CHECKLIST EXAMINER’S PRACTICAL TEST CHECKLIST AREAS OF OPERATION: I. FUNDAMENTALS OF INSTRUCTING II. TECHNICAL SUBJECTS III. PREFLIGHT PREPARATION IV. PREFLIGHT LESSON ON A MANEUVER TO BE PERFORMED IN FLIGHT V. PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES VI. AIRPORT OPERATIONS VII. TAKEOFFS, LANDINGS, AND GO-AROUNDS VIII. PERFORMANCE MANEUVERS IX. NAVIGATION X. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS XI. POSTFLIGHT PROCEDURES

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is an agency of the United States Department of Transportation with authority to regulate and oversee all aspects of civil aviation in the U.S. (National Airworthiness Authority). The Federal Aviation Act of 1958 created the group under the name "Federal Aviation Agency", and adopted its current name in 1967 when it became a part of the United States Department of Transportation. The Federal Aviation Administration's major roles include: Regulating U.S. commercial space transportation. Regulating air navigation facilities' geometry and Flight inspection standards. Encouraging and developing civil aeronautics, including new aviation technology. Issuing, suspending, or revoking pilot certificates. Regulating civil aviation to promote safety, especially through local offices called Flight Standards District Offices. Developing and operating a system of air traffic control and navigation for both civil and military aircraft. Researching and developing the National Airspace System and civil aeronautics. Developing and carrying out programs to control aircraft noise and other environmental effects of civil aviation.