Pilot Testing Hot Air Balloon

Private Pilot Practical Test Standards for Lighter Than Air Balloon Airship FAA-S-8081-17: The Private Pilot - Lighter-Than-Air (Balloon and Airship) Practical Test Standards (PTS) book has been published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish the standards for private 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. Flight instructors and applicants should find these standards helpful during training and when preparing for the practical test.

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) specifies the areas in which knowledge and skill must be demonstrated by the applicant before the issuance of a private pilot certificate. The CFR's provide the flexibility to permit the FAA to publish practical test standards containing specific TASKS in which pilot competency must be demonstrated. The FAA will revise this book whenever it is determined that changes are needed in the interest of safety. Adherence to the provisions of the regulations and the practical test standards is mandatory for the evaluation of private pilot applicants.

This test book contains the following private pilot practical test standards:
Section 1 Lighter-Than-Air, Balloon
Section 2 Lighter-Than-Air, Airship
The Private Pilot Lighter-Than-Air Practical Test Standards include the AREAS OF OPERATION and TASKS for the issuance of an initial private pilot certificate and for the addition of category and/or class ratings to that certificate.