FAA Private Pilot - Balloon, Hot Air (PBH) flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Class 3 medical duration

Under age 40: 60 calendar months. Age 40 and older: 24 calendar months. Required to act as PIC of a balloon unless using BasicMed or student pilot privileges.

Flight review requirement

A flight review under §61.56 is required every 24 calendar months. It consists of at least one hour of ground training and one hour of flight training with an authorized instructor.

Passenger-carrying currency

To carry passengers, a pilot must have made three takeoffs and three landings within the preceding 90 days in the same category and class, which for balloons means three balloon takeoffs and landings.

BasicMed eligibility

BasicMed allows a private pilot to act as PIC without a Class 3 medical if a physician completes the checklist, the pilot holds a valid driver's license, and the pilot has held a medical certificate since July 2006.

Alcohol eight-hour rule

No crew member may act within 8 hours after consuming alcohol, while under the influence, or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or higher. Refusal to test is a violation.

Class G cloud clearance

Below 1,200 ft AGL during the day: 1 statute mile visibility and clear of clouds. At night: 3 statute miles visibility and 500 ft below, 1,000 ft above, 2,000 ft horizontal.

Class B requirements

Class B airspace requires an explicit ATC clearance, 3 statute miles visibility, clear of clouds, and a Mode C transponder. Balloon operations need prior coordination with the controlling facility.

Class D radio requirement

Two-way radio communication must be established with the controlling tower before entering Class D airspace. The pilot must also maintain 3 SM visibility and standard cloud clearance.

Temporary flight restriction

A TFR is issued by NOTAM to protect a defined area, such as a wildfire, disaster site, or sporting event. Flight within the area is prohibited unless specifically authorized.

Restricted area rules

A restricted area contains unusual, often invisible hazards such as artillery firing. Flight is prohibited while the area is active unless permission is obtained from the controlling agency.

Density altitude effect

Density altitude is pressure altitude corrected for temperature. High temperature, high elevation, and high humidity increase density altitude, reducing lift and requiring a larger balloon or lighter load.

Temperature inversion

A stable layer where temperature increases with altitude. It produces calm surface winds but can trap a balloon in a shallow layer and cause rapid descent when the inversion breaks.

Winds aloft forecast

The FD forecast gives wind direction, speed, and temperature at 3,000, 6,000, 9,000, and 12,000 ft. Balloon pilots use it to plan drift and choose flight altitudes.

Ceiling definition

The ceiling is the height of the lowest broken or overcast cloud layer. VFR balloon flight requires cloud clearance of 500 ft below, 1,000 ft above, and 2,000 ft horizontal.

Thunderstorm hazard

Thunderstorms produce gust fronts, downbursts, and microbursts that can exceed balloon control capability. Avoid launching when convective activity is forecast within the operating area.

Gross lift formula

Gross lift equals envelope volume multiplied by the difference between ambient air density and heated air density. A larger temperature difference produces greater lift.

Net lift calculation

Net lift equals gross lift minus total weight (envelope, basket, burner, fuel, pilot, passengers, equipment). Positive net lift is required for launch; a margin of 80-100 lb per person is common.

Envelope temperature limit

Standard nylon envelopes are limited to about 250°F (121°C) continuous. Exceeding this accelerates fabric degradation and can lead to envelope failure.

Fuel consumption planning

Propane consumption is roughly 1 gallon per 15-20 minutes in still air, higher in cold or turbulent conditions. Plan a 30-minute reserve and monitor fuel pressure.

Parachute valve function

The parachute valve at the crown is opened by the red rip line to vent hot air. It is used for controlled descent and for rapid deflation after landing.

Burner system components

The burner includes a main blast valve, a whisper burner for low-output heat, a pilot light, and vaporizing coils. Liquid propane is vaporized in the coils before ignition.

Variometer purpose

The variometer indicates rate of climb or descent in feet per minute. It helps the pilot anticipate the lag between burner input and the balloon's vertical response.

Altimeter setting

The altimeter must be set to the local altimeter setting before flight. Balloon altimeters are typically set to field elevation or QNH as appropriate for the area.

Balloon steering technique

A balloon cannot be steered directly. The pilot changes altitude to find winds of different direction, using winds-aloft forecasts and visual cues to select the desired drift.

Chase crew planning

The chase crew follows the balloon by vehicle, maintains radio contact, and assists with landing and recovery. The pilot briefs the crew on the intended route and expected landing time.

Drift calculation

Expected drift equals wind speed multiplied by time aloft. The pilot uses this to identify alternate landing sites along the projected path and to avoid unsuitable terrain.

IMSAFE checklist

IMSAFE stands for Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, and Emotion. It is a preflight self-assessment of fitness to fly.

DECIDE model

DECIDE stands for Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, and Evaluate. It provides a structured approach to in-flight decision making.

Carbon monoxide risk

An improperly adjusted burner or a leak can produce carbon monoxide, causing headache, dizziness, and confusion. Ensure adequate ventilation and inspect the burner system before flight.

Pilot light relight procedure

If the pilot light goes out, shut off the main blast valve and relight the pilot light with the igniter. Never allow unburned propane to accumulate in the envelope.

Rip line use

The red rip line opens the parachute valve to deflate the envelope. It is used for controlled descent and rapid deflation after landing, and must be checked during preflight.

Light-gun steady green

A steady green light from ATC means cleared to land for an aircraft in flight, or cleared for takeoff for an aircraft on the ground.