AC 61-124

Historical

Advisory circular · Announcement of Availability: FAA-S-SOS 1-17, Private Pilot Practical Test Standards for Lighter-Than-Air (Balloon/Airship)

Approved
May 15, 1996
Last reviewed
October 17, 2024
This change
Canceled by Memo signed by Joseph K. Tintera; dated 04/28/2005.
Family
AC 61-124 · 1 version
14 CFR parts
43, 61, 67, 91

Guidance, not mandatory unless a rule or AD requires it. DRS record last changed November 21, 2025.

Show pages 37–48

FAA-S-8081-172-9 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; Airship Flight Manual.

Objective. To determine that the applicant:

1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to performance and limitations by explaining the use of charts, tables, and appropriate data, if available from the manufacturer, to determine performance in various phases of flight, including operational characteristics and loading, and the adverse effects of exceeding limitations.

2. Computes operating weight, maximum load, and trim condition.

3. Determines airship performance under the following conditions—

a. weight limitations.

b. static and dynamic lift capability.

c. effect of superheat on ballonets(s) and percent of fullness.

d. effect of gas purity and superheat on lift.

e. temperature and humidity changes on performance and lift.

f. temperature inversion on descents.

g. leaks in ballonet(s) and envelope.

h. average ballonet volume with respect to total envelope volume and service ceiling.

I. loss of gross lift when above pressure height.

FAA-S-8081-7A 2-10

j. relationship of ballonet fullness to pressure height.

4. Determines airship performance, considering the effects of the following conditions—

a. weights and lift (static and dynamic).

b. relationship of ballonet fullness to pressure height.

c. superheat on percent of fullness.

d. average ballonet volume with respect to total envelope volume.

e. loss of gross lift when above pressure height.

f. leaks in ballonets and envelope.

g. gas purity on lift.

h. superheat on lift.

I. maximum rate climb and descent limitations.

F. TASK: OPERATION OF SYSTEMS REFERENCE: Airship Flight Manual.

Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits knowledge of the elements related to the operation of systems on the airship provided for the flight test by explaining at least three of the following:

1. Surface control systems.

2. Flight instruments and associated controls.

3. Landing gear.

4. Engines.

5. Propellers.

6. Fuel and oil system.

7. Electrical system.

8. Envelope/ballonet pressure systems.

9. Environmental system.

10. Avionics and auxiliary equipment.

11. Any system unique to the airship flown.

12. Ground support equipment.

FAA-S-8081-172-11 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. motion sickness.

f. carbon monoxide poisoning.

g. 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-8081-7A 2-12 II. AREA OF OPERATION

PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES A. TASK: PREFLIGHT INSPECTION REFERENCES: AC 61-21; Airship Flight Manual.

Objective. To determine that the applicant:

1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to preflight inspection. This shall include which items must be inspected, the reasons for checking each item, and how to detect possible defects.

2. Inspects the airship with reference to the checklist.

3. Verifies the airship is in condition for safe flight.

B. TASK: COCKPIT MANAGEMENT REFERENCES: AC 61-21; Airship Flight Manual.

Objective. To determine that the applicant:

1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to cockpit management procedures.

2. Ensures all loose items in the cockpit and passenger area are secured.

3. Briefs passengers on the use of safety belts and emergency procedures.

4. Organizes essential material and equipment in a logical, efficient flow pattern.

5. Maintains orderly records reflecting progress of the flight, as appropriate.

6. Utilizes all appropriate checklists.

C. TASK: ENGINE STARTING REFERENCES: AC 61-21, AC 61-23, AC 91-13; Airship Flight Manual.

Objective. To determine that the applicant:

1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to engine starting.

This shall include the use of an external power source and starting under various atmospheric conditions, as appropriate.

2. Observes safety precautions related to starting, considering open hangars, other aircraft, and the safety of nearby persons and property on the ramp.

FAA-S-8081-172-13

3. Accomplishes the correct starting procedure including proper adjustment of engine controls.

4. Prevents movement of airship during and after start.

5. Completes the appropriate checklist.

D. TASK: UNMASTING AND POSITIONING FOR TAKEOFF REFERENCE: Airship Flight Manual.

Objective. To determine that the applicant:

1. Briefs ground crew and coordinates hand signals and voice commands.

2. Prevents airship from riding up on the mast.

3. Ensures proper envelope pressure and trim before coming off the mast.

4. Uses ground crew and airship controls properly to move away from the mast and into position for takeoff.

5. Divides attention inside and outside the cockpit so as to avoid possible immediate takeoff after coming off the mast.

6. Completes the appropriate checklist.

E. TASK: GROUND HANDLING REFERENCE: Airship Flight Manual.

Objective. To determine that the applicant:

1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to ground handling, appropriate to the airship provided for the practical test.

2. Determines the required number of c rew members, considering the weather conditions, the status of the airship, and the method of handling.

3. Briefs the ground crew on all pertinent phases of ground handling procedures.

4. Maintains coordination with the crew chief and the proper use of hand signals and voice commands with the crew.

5. Recognizes undesirable airship movement and takes appropriate action.

6. Maintains proper envelope pressure and trim and alertness for wind shifts.

7. Maintains proper position while controlled by the ground crew.

FAA-S-8081-7A 2-14 F. TASK: BEFORE TAKEOFF CHECK REFERENCES: AC 61-21; Airship Flight Manual.

Objective. To determine that the applicant:

1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to the before takeoff check.

2. Positions the airship properly to avoid hazards.

3. Divides attention inside and outside the cockpit.

4. Ensures that engine temperatures and pressures are suitable for run-up and takeoff.

5. Accomplishes the before takeoff check and confirms that the airship is in safe operating condition.

6. Reviews ta keoff performance, wind direction and speed, expected takeoff distance, emergency procedures, and the departure procedure.

7. Ensures that the takeoff path is clear of obstacles.

8. Assures no conflict with traffic prior to takeoff.

9. Completes the appropriate checklist.

FAA-S-8081-172-15 III. AREA OF OPERATION

AIRPORT OPERATIONS A. 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 r adio communications and ATC light signals.

2. Selects appropriate frequencies.

3. Transmits using recommended phraseology.

4. Acknowledges radio communications and complies with instructions.

5. Uses prescribed procedures following radio communications failure.

6. Interprets and complies with ATC light signals.

B. TASK: TRAFFIC PATTERNS REFERENCES: AC 61-21, AC 61-23; AIM.

Objective. To determine that the applicant:

1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to traffic patterns.

This shall include operations at controlled and uncontrolled airports, runway incursion and collision avoidance, wake turbulence avoidance, and wind shear.

2. Complies with traffic pattern procedures.

3. Maintains proper spacing from other traffic.

4. Corrects for wind drift to maintain the proper ground track.

5. Maintains orientation with the runway or landing area to be used.

6. Establishes a final approach at an appropriate distance from the runway or landing area.

7. Maintains the appropriate traffic pattern altitude, ±200 feet (60 meters).

8. Maintains airspeed for the current static condition of the airship.

9. Completes the appropriate checklist.

FAA-S-8081-7A 2-16 C. TASK: AIRPORT AND RUNWAY MARKINGS AND

LIGHTING REFERENCES: AC-61-21, AC 61-23; AIM.

Objective. To determine that the applicant:

1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to airport and runway markings and lighting.

2. Identifies and interprets airport, runway and taxiway markings.

3. Identifies and interprets airport, runway and taxiway lighting.

FAA-S-8081-172-17 IV. AREA OF OPERATION:

TAKEOFFS, LANDINGS, AND GO-AROUND A. TASK: GROUND WEIGH-OFF REFERENCE: Airship Flight Manual.

Objective. To determine that the applicant:

1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to ground weighoff.

2. Determines the static and trim condition.

3. Maintains zero inclination and heading into the wind.

4. Prevents fore-and-aft surge.

5. Checks weigh-off and trim with neutral elevators when HANDS OFF command is given.

6. Ballasts the airship according to the conditions and type of flight contemplated without exceeding the weight limits.

7. Completes the appropriate checklist.

B. TASK: UP-SHIP TAKEOFF REFERENCE: Airship Flight Manual.

Objective. To determine that the applicant:

1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to an upwind takeoff.

2. Determines heaviness limitations and weather conditions under which an up-ship takeoff may be made.

3. Ensures that sufficient ground crew are available so as to obtain adequate upward velocity.

4. Idles engines and uses the rudder as necessary during weighoff.

5. Remains within the takeoff heaviness limits.

6. Uses proper and timely hand signals and voice commands with ground crew.

7. Applies up elevator pressure as ground crew lifts airship and transitions to a nose-up attitude keeping tail clear of the ground.

8. Applies power as the airship nears the top of its upward thrust.

9. Prevents the tail from striking the ground.

10. Increases airspeed sufficiently to carry the load dynamically.

11. Completes the appropriate checklist.

FAA-S-8081-7A 2-18 C. TASK: WHEEL TAKEOFF REFERENCE: Airship Flight Manual.

Objective. To determine that the applicant:

1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to a wheel takeoff.

This shall include a wheel takeoff under various degrees of heaviness, including maximum heavy conditions.

2. Determines the approximate takeoff roll and ensures that the area is clear and sufficient, considering wind conditions and field surface.

3. Positions the airship to utilize the maximum available takeoff area and maintains trim.

4. Uses the proper hand signals and voice commands with the ground crew.

5. Applies power slowly, in a timely manner.

6. Attains sufficient airspeed to carry the load dynamically while on the wheel.

7. Uses elevators to assist the airship in lifting dynamically.

8. Maintains directional control and the proper inclination to keep the tail off the ground.

9. Completes the appropriate checklist.

D. TASK: APPROACH AND LANDING REFERENCE: Airship Flight Manual.

Objective. To determine that the applicant:

1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to an approach and landing, including light and heavy airships.

2. Accomplishes static weigh-off prior to commencing the approach.

3. Adjusts trim, as necessary, for landing, considering weight and condition of air.

4. Coordinates flight and power controls, as necessary.

5. Makes smooth and gradual approach maintaining direction and angle of descent.

6. Recognizes and adheres to waveoff signals.

7. Lands at a speed appropriate for approaching the ground crew.

8. Reverses thrust, if applicable.

9. Completes the appropriate checklists.

FAA-S-8081-172-19 E. TASK: GO-AROUND REFERENCE: Airship Flight Manual.

Objective. To determine that the applicant:

1. Makes a timely decision to discontinue the approach to landing.

2. Uses correct procedures for a light or heavy airship, as appropriate.

3. Coordinates use of power and flight controls to effect a smooth transition to a climb attitude.

4. Completes the appropriate checklist.

FAA-S-8081-7A 2-20 V. AREA OF OPERATION:

PERFORMANCE MANEUVERS A. TASK: STRAIGHT-AND-LEVEL FLIGHT REFERENCE: Airship Flight Manual.

Objective. To determine that the applicant

1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to straight-andlevel flight.

2. Uses the flight controls in a smooth, coordinated manner with minimum pitching and yawing.

3. Adjusts and maintains dynamic trim.

4. Maintains the specified altitude, ±200 feet (60 meters) and the specified heading, ±20°.

B. TASK: ASCENTS AND DESCENTS REFERENCE: Airship flight Manual.

Objective. To determine that the applicant:

1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to ascents and descents, including limitations.

2. Ascends and descends while keeping the gas pressure within operating limits.

3. Demonstrates proper pressure control and makes smooth altitude changes.

4. Controls rates of ascent and descent, ±300 feet (90 meters) per minute.

C. TASK: LEVEL TURNS REFERENCE: Airship Flight Manual.

Objective. To determine that the applicant:

1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to level turns.

2. Enters, maintains, and rolls out of level turns with smooth, coordinated control application.

3. Uses elevators and rudders properly to control effects of rolling tendency, loss of dynamic lift.

4. Maintains the specified altitude, ±200 feet (60 meters) and rolls out on the assigned heading, ±20°.