FAA-S-8081-171-9 D. TASK: NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM REFERENCES: 14 CFR part 91; Navigation Charts; AIM.
Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits knowledge of the elements related to the National Airspace System by explaining:
1. Basic VFR Weather Minimums – for all classes of airspace.
2. Airspace classes – their boundaries, pilot certification, and equipment requirements for the following—
a. Class A.
b. Class B.
c. Class C.
d. Class D.
e. Class E.
f. Class G.
3. Special use airspace and other airspace areas.
E. TASK: PERFORMANCE AND LIMITATIONS REFERENCES: AC 61-21, AC 61-23, AC 61-84, AC 91-23; Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to performance and limitations by explaining the use of appropriate data, if available from the manufacturer, to determine performance.
This shall include operational characteristics and loading, and the adverse effects of exceeding limitations.
2. Computes operating weight, maximum load, and expected envelope temperature, as related to maximum envelope temperature.
3. Determines balloon performance, considering density altitude, wind, other weather related conditions, and terrain.
4. Determines normal and maximum rates of ascent and descent, and the altitude required to arrest high rates of descent.
5. Determines envelope temperatures, including never-exceed temperature and maximum continuous temperature, if appropriate.
6. Determines whether the computed performance is within the balloon’s capabilities and operating limitations.
FAA-S-8081-7A 1-10 F. TASK: OPERATION OF SYSTEMS REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits knowledge of the elements related to the operation of systems on the balloon provided for the practical test by explaining the following:
1. Fuel system and associated gauges.
2. Venting and/or deflation systems.
3. Flight instruments and gauges.
4. Avionics/communications system, as appropriate.
G. TASK: AEROMEDICAL FACTORS REFERENCES: AC 61-21; AIM.
Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits knowledge of the elements related to aeromedical factors by explaining:
1. The symptoms, causes, effects, and corrective actions of at least three of the following—
a. hypoxia.
b. hyperventilation.
c. middle ear and sinus problems.
d. spatial disorientation.
e. stress and fatigue.
2. The effects of alcohol and drugs, including over-the-counter drugs.
3. The effects of nitrogen excesses during scuba dives upon a pilot and/or passenger in flight.
FAA-S-8081-171-11 II. AREA OF OPERATION:
PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES A. TASK: LAUNCH SITE SELECTION REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to launch site selection.
2. Arranges to launch with adequate time to complete the flight safely considering wind, weather conditions, and landing sites.
3. Selects a launch site with emphasis on—
a. suitable landing areas.
b. airspace considerations.
c. surface wind and winds aloft.
d. accessibility.
e. surface condition.
f. size.
g. hazards and obstacles in the vicinity of the site.
4. Makes a competent “go/no-go” decision considering all of the factors involved in the selection of a safe launch site.
B. TASK: CREW BRIEFING AND PREPARATION REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to crew briefing and preparation.
2. Designates a crew chief, if appropriate, and assigns each crewmember specific duties and responsibilities, considering the experience level of each crewmember.
3. Briefs crewmembers in all areas of the flight, including layout and assembly; tie-off, if appropriate; inflation; in-flight; landing;
recovery; and emergency procedures.
4. Establishes a common means of communication such as hand signals and/or two-way radio.
5. Describes the proposed direction of flight and the estimated time aloft.
6. Ensures that all necessary equipment is on board.
7. Supervises and coordinates all activities.
8. Completes the appropriate checklist.
FAA-S-8081-7A 1-12 C. TASK: LAYOUT AND ASSEMBLY REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to layout and assembly.
2. Positions balloon properly, considering wind conditions and obstacles.
3. Checks fuel system for security, leaks, and correct fuel pressure.
4. Uses tie-off, if appropriate.
5. Assembles balloon as appropriate.
6. Completes the appropriate checklist.
D. TASK: PREFLIGHT INSPECTION REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to visual inspection. This shall include which items must be inspected, the reasons for checking each item, and how to detect possible defects.
2. Inspects the balloon with reference to the checklist emphasizing the—
a. basket.
b. fuel system.
c. flight instruments.
d. items.
e. envelope.
f. venting and/or deflation systems.
3. Verifies the balloon is in condition for safe flight.
4. Completes the appropriate checklist.
FAA-S-8081-171-13 E. TASK: INFLATION REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to inflation.
2. Accomplishes the proper tie-off procedure, if appropriate.
3. Inflates the balloon to equilibrium as appropriate.
4. Positions and secures the vent/deflation lines.
5. Completes the appropriate checklist.
F. TASK: BASKET/GONDOLA MANAGEMENT REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to basket/gondola management procedures.
2. Ensures all loose items in the basket/gondola are secured.
3. Briefs passengers on the proper boarding, in-flight, and landing behavior and procedures.
4. Organizes material and equipment in a logical, efficient manner.
5. Utilizes all appropriate checklists.
G. TASK: PRE-LAUNCH CHECK REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to the pre-launch check. This shall include the reasons for checking each item and how to detect malfunctions.
2. Reviews the wind conditions, temperatures, and obstructions.
3. Divides attention inside and outside the basket/gondola.
4. Performs final instrument check.
5. Ensures that the vent/deflation lines are positioned and secured properly.
6. Determines equilibrium.
7. Accomplishes the pre-launch check and confirms that the balloon is in safe operating condition.
8. Accomplishes final coordination with the ground crew, including signals and emergency procedures.
9. Assures no conflict with traffic prior to launch.
10. Completes the appropriate checklist.
FAA-S-8081-7A 1-14 III. AREA OF OPERATION
AIRPORT OPERATIONS TASK: RADIO COMMUNICATIONS AND ATC LIGHT
SIGNALS REFERENCES: AC 61-21, AC 61-23; AIM.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to radio communications and ATC light signals.
2. Selects appropriate frequencies.
3. Transmits using recommended phraseology.
4. Acknowledges radio communications and complies with instructions.
5. Interprets and complies with ATC light signals, as appropriate.
FAA-S-8081-171-15 IV. AREA OF OPERATION
LAUNCHES AND LANDINGS A. TASK: NORMAL LAUNCH REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to a normal launch.
2. Directs ground crew to clear the area.
3. Recognizes equilibrium.
4. Uses tie-off quick release line correctly, if appropriate.
5. Recognizes presence of false lift and wind conditions.
6. Coordinates lift-off and initial ascent.
7. Completes the appropriate checklist.
B. TASK: LAUNCH OVER OBSTACLE REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to a launch over an obstacle.
2. Determines the height of the obstacle.
3. Considers the distance to the obstacle relative to the wind conditions.
4. Recognizes the presence of false lift.
5. Acts decisively so as to clear the obstacle safely.
6. Completes the appropriate checklist.
C. TASK: APPROACH TO LANDING REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to an approach to landing.
2. Considers the wind conditions, landing area, obstructions, and surface, and selects the most suitable touchdown point.
3. Establishes the appropriate approach profile and rate(s) of descent.
4. Ensures that each passenger is thoroughly briefed and positioned properly in accordance with landing conditions.
5. Stows loose articles and secures equipment, as appropriate.
6. Makes a timely decision to abort the approach, if necessary.
7. Completes the appropriate checklist.
FAA-S-8081-7A 1-16 D. TASK: NORMAL LANDING REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to a normal landing.
2. Prepares vent/deflation system for use.
3. Touches down within the designated area or aborts the landing and ascends as specified by the examiner.
4. Uses burner controls, vent/deflation system properly to stabilize balloon on touchdown.
5. Stabilizes balloon prior to passengers exiting.
6. Completes the appropriate checklist.
E. TASK: HIGH-WIND LANDING NOTE: If a high-wind condition does not exist, the applicant’s knowledge of the TASK shall be evaluated through oral testing.
REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to a high-wind landing.
2. Identifies hazards associated with a high-wind landing.
3. Prepares vent/deflation system for use.
4. Uses burner controls and vent/deflation system to land the balloon and control ground travel.
5. Touches down within the designated area or aborts the landing and ascends as specified by the examiner.
6 Extinguishes pilot lights at the appropriate time.
7. Completes the appropriate checklist.
FAA-S-8081-171-17 V. AREA OF OPERATION:
PERFORMANCE MANEUVERS A. TASK: ASCENTS REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to ascents.
2. Transitions from level flight to ascent, as specified by the examiner.
3. Ascends at an appropriate rate, ±100 feet (30 meters) per minute.
4. Transitions from ascent to level flight at an altitude specified by the examiner, ±100 feet (30 meters).
5. Completes the appropriate checklist.
B. TASK: ALTITUDE CONTROL (LEVEL FLIGHT) REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to altitude control.
2. Recognizes vertical movement.
3. Maintains equilibrium by smooth use of burner controls.
4. Uses instruments to assist in altitude control.
5. Maintains assigned altitudes, ±100 feet (30 meters).
6. Completes the appropriate checklist.
C. TASK: DESCENTS REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to descents.
2. Transitions from level flight to descent, as specified by the examiner.
3. Descends at a specified rate, ±100 feet (30 meters) per minute.
4. Transitions from descent to level flight at an altitude specified by the examiner, ±100 feet (30 meters).
5. Completes the appropriate checklist.
FAA-S-8081-7A 1-18 D. TASK: CONTOUR FLYING REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to contour flying.
2. Uses all controls properly to maintain the desired altitude, based on the appropriate clearance over terrain and obstacles.
3. Considers the effects of wind gusts, wind shear, thermal activity and orographic conditions.
4. Allows adequate clearance for livestock and other animals.
5. Divides attention between balloon control, ground track, and forward surveillance.
E. TASK: OBSTRUCTION CLEARANCE REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to obstruction clearance.
2. Recognizes obstructions, including powerlines, and allows time to take appropriate action.
3. Uses proper procedures to avoid obstructions, including powerlines.
4. Uses proper procedures when collision is imminent.
F. TASK: TETHERING REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits knowledge of the elements related to tethering by explaining:
1. The proper recognition of wind conditions and obstructions.
2. The recognition of the effects of false lift and wind gusts.
3. The recommended tethering procedure with emphasis on utilizing an adequate number of appropriate tether lines of adequate strength, in the proper location.
4. The briefing for ground crewmembers, to include crowd control.
FAA-S-8081-171-19 G. TASK: WINTER FLYING REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits knowledge of the elements related to winter flying by explaining:
1. The proper preparation, equipment, and survival supplies necessary for flight in cold temperatures.
2. The proper methods for pressurizing fuel tanks.
3. The added concerns for fuel vaporization, leaks, and risk of fire during cold weather.
H. TASK: MOUNTAIN FLYING REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits knowledge of the elements related to mountain flying by explaining:
1. The proper preparation, equipment, and survival supplies necessary for flight over mountainous terrain.
2. The accessibility to landing areas.
3. The recognition of cloud formations and descending air currents on the leeward side of mountains as evidence of possible turbulence.
4. The caution required in regard to windshear encounters and possible rapid weather changes.
FAA-S-8081-7A 1-20 VI. AREA OF OPERATION:
NAVIGATION TASK: NAVIGATION REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to navigation.
2. Identifies airspace and altitude restrictions.
3. Recognizes the preplanned course by reference to landmarks.
4. Identifies landmarks by relating surface features to chart symbols.
5. Verifies the balloon’s position at all times.
6. Manages fuel properly.
7. Determines the duration of the flight, considering—
a. availability of suitable landing areas.
b. fuel consumption.
c. wind and other atmospheric conditions.
d. obstructions.
e. payload.
8. Notes the differences, if any, between preflight flight planning and the actual flight.
9. Completes the appropriate checklist.