FAA-S-8081-181-13 E. TASK: INFLATION REFERENCES: How To Fly A Balloon; Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits commercial pilot knowledge by explaining the elements of inflation.
2. Accomplishes proper tie-off procedure, if appropriate.
3. Positions inflator for initial cold inflation.
4. Begins ignition and hot air inflation.
5. Inflates balloon to a vertical position.
6. Positions and secures the vent/deflation lines.
7. Completes an appropriate checklist.
F. TASK: BASKET/GONDOLA MANAGEMENT REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits commercial pilot knowledge by explaining the elements of basket/gondola management.
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.
G. TASK: PRE-LAUNCH CHECK REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits commercial pilot knowledge by explaining the elements of a pre-launch check.
2. Reviews wind conditions, temperatures, and obstructions.
3. Performs final instrument check.
4. Ensures that vent/deflation lines are positioned and secured properly.
5. Accomplishes final coordination with ground crew, including signals and emergency procedures.
6. Accomplishes pre-launch checklist and confirms that the balloon is in safe operating condition.
7. Brings balloon to equilibrium.
8. Divides attention in and around the basket/gondola. Ensures no conflict with traffic prior to launch.
FAA-S-8081-18 1-14 VI. AREA OF OPERATION:
AIRPORT OPERATIONS TASK: RADIO COMMUNICATIONS REFERENCES: AC 61-21, AC 61-23; AIM.
Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits commercial pilot knowledge of the elements of radio communications by explaining:
1. Selection and use of appropriate radio frequencies.
2. Recommended procedure and phraseology for radio voice communications.
3. Receipt, acknowledgment of, and compliance with, ATC clearances and other instructions.
FAA-S-8081-181-15 VII. AREA OF OPERATION:
LAUNCHES AND LANDINGS A. TASK: NORMAL LAUNCH REFERENCES: AC 91-71; How To Fly A Balloon; Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits commercial pilot knowledge by explaining the elements of 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 wind conditions and presence of false lift.
6. Appropriately controls lift-off and initial ascent.
B. TASK: LAUNCH OVER OBSTACLE REFERENCES: AC 91-71; Balloon Digest.
NOTE: If conditions do not allow an additional launch to be performed, the applicant’s knowledge of this TASK shall be evaluated orally.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits commercial pilot knowledge by explaining the elements of a launch over an obstacle.
2. Determines height of the obstacle.
3. Considers distance to the obstacle relative to the wind conditions.
4. Recognizes presence of false lift.
5. Lifts off and acts decisively so as to clear the obstacle safely.
FAA-S-8081-18 1-16 C. TASK: APPROACH TO LANDING REFERENCES: AC 91-71; How To Fly A Balloon; Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits commercial pilot knowledge by explaining the elements of an approach to landing.
2. Considers the wind conditions, landing area, obstructions, and surface, and selects the most suitable touchdown point.
3. Stows loose articles and secures equipment, as appropriate.
4. Ensures that each occupant is thoroughly briefed and positioned properly in accordance with landing conditions.
5. Check fuel tanks for quantity and selection and completes an appropriate checklist.
6. Establishes the appropriate approach profile and rate(s) of descent.
7. Makes a timely decision to abort the approach, if necessary.
D. TASK: STEEP APPROACH TO LANDING REFERENCES: AC 91-71; How To Fly A Balloon; Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits commercial pilot knowledge by explaining the elements of a steep approach to landing.
2. Selects a landing site relative to wind speed and direction.
3. Briefs occupants and secures equipment.
4. Uses vents and burner controls properly to land balloon and control ground travel.
5. Exhibits timing, judgment, and control throughout the approach and landing.
6. Aborts landing, if requested by examiner.
FAA-S-8081-181-17 E. TASK: NORMAL LANDING REFERENCES: How To Fly A Balloon; Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits commercial pilot knowledge by explaining the elements of a normal landing.
2. Prepares vent/deflation system for use.
3. Touches down within the selected area or aborts the landing and ascends, if requested by examiner.
4. Uses burner controls and vent/deflation system properly to stabilize balloon on landing.
5. Stabilizes balloon prior to occupants exiting.
F. TASK: HIGH-WIND LANDING REFERENCES: How To Fly A Balloon; Balloon Flight Manual.
NOTE: If a high-wind condition does not exist, the applicant’s knowledge of this TASK shall be evaluated orally.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits commercial pilot knowledge by explaining the elements of a high-wind landing.
2. Ensures a thorough briefing to include positioning of occupants and securing of equipment.
3. Identifies hazards associated with a high-wind landing.
4. Selects a landing site appropriate for high-wind conditions.
5. Prepares vent/deflation system for use.
6. Uses burner controls and vent/deflation system to land the balloon and control ground travel.
7. Touches down within the selected area or aborts the landing and ascends, if requested by examiner.
8. Extinguishes pilot lights and shuts off fuel, as appropriate.
FAA-S-8081-18 1-18 VIII. AREA OF OPERATION:
PERFORMANCE MANEUVERS A. TASK: ASCENTS REFERENCES: AC 91-71; How To Fly A Balloon.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits commercial pilot knowledge by explaining the elements of ascents.
2. Transitions from level flight to ascent, as specified by the examiner.
3. Ascends at a specified rate, ±50 feet (20 meters) per minute.
4. Transitions from ascent to level flight at an altitude specified by the examiner, ±50 feet (20 meters).
B. TASK: ALTITUDE CONTROL (LEVEL FLIGHT) REFERENCES: AC 91-71; How To Fly A Balloon.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits commercial pilot knowledge by explaining the elements of 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, ±50 feet (20 meters).
C. TASK: DESCENTS REFERENCES: AC 91-71; How To Fly A Balloon.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits commercial pilot knowledge by explaining the elements of descents.
2. Transitions from level flight to descent, as specified by the examiner.
3. Descends at a specified rate, ±50 feet (20 meters) per minute.
4. Transitions from descent to level flight at an altitude specified by the examiner, ±50 feet (20 meters).
FAA-S-8081-181-19 D. TASK: RAPID ASCENT AND DESCENT REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits commercial pilot knowledge of the elements of a rapid ascent and descent by explaining:
1. Situations requiring use of a rapid ascent and descent.
2. Exceeding manufacturer’s limitations.
3. Potential problems with envelope distortions.
4. Time and altitude required to recover from a rapid descent.
5. Reasons for monitoring temperature control during a rapid ascent and descent.
E. TASK: CONTOUR FLYING (LBH) REFERENCE: How To Fly A Balloon.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits commercial pilot knowledge by explaining the elements of contour flying.
2. Uses controls properly to maintain the altitude desired based on appropriate clearance over terrain, obstacles and consistent with safety.
3. Considers effects of wind gusts, wind shear, thermal activity and orographic conditions.
4. Avoids overburning and overventing.
5. Divides attention between balloon control, ground track, and visual scanning.
F. TASK: HIGH ALTITUDE FLIGHT (LBG) REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits commercial pilot knowledge of the elements of high altitude flight by explaining:
1. Regulatory requirements for use of oxygen.
2. Physiological effects of high altitude flight.
3. Effects of high altitude on fuel system and performance.
4. Density altitude and its effects on flight characteristics.
5. Difficulties associated with altitude control.
FAA-S-8081-18 1-20 G. TASK: OBSTACLE AVOIDANCE (LBH) REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits commercial pilot knowledge of the elements of obstacle avoidance by explaining:
1. Importance of timely recognition of obstacles, particularly powerlines.
2. Techniques that can be used to avoid these obstacles.
3. Proper procedures to be used if collision is imminent.
H. TASK: TETHERING (LBH) REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits commercial pilot knowledge of the elements of tethering by explaining:
1. Recommended procedures to include number, strength, and location of lines in accordance with flight manual.
2. Size of area required, considering wind conditions and obstructions.
3. Effects of false lift and wind gusts.
4. Importance of briefing ground crew on procedures, to include crowd control.
I. TASK: WINTER FLYING REFERENCES: How To Fly A Balloon; Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits commercial pilot knowledge of the elements of winter flying by explaining:
1. Fuel pressure concerns and proper methods of pressurizing fuel tanks.
2. Equipment and preparation necessary for cold temperature operations.
3. Added concerns for fuel vaporization, leaks, and/or fire risk.
FAA-S-8081-181-21 J. TASK: MOUNTAIN FLYING REFERENCES: How To Fly A Balloon; Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits commercial pilot knowledge of the elements of mountain flying by explaining:
1. Proper preparation, equipment, and survival supplies necessary for flight over mountainous terrain.
2. Availability of and accessibility to landing areas.
3. Recognition of cloud formations and descending air currents on the leeward side of mountains as evidence of possible turbulence.
4. Caution required regarding windshear encounters and possible rapid weather changes.
FAA-S-8081-18 1-22 IX. AREA OF OPERATION:
NAVIGATION TASK: NAVIGATION REFERENCES: AC 61-21, AC 61-23.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits commercial pilot knowledge by explaining the elements of navigation.
2. Identifies airspace and altitude restrictions (if appropriate).
3. Identifies landmarks by relating surface features to chart symbols.
4. Verifies balloon’s position at all times.
5. Manages fuel properly.
6. Determines duration of the flight, considering—
a. availability of suitable landing areas.
b. fuel consumption.
c. wind and other atmospheric conditions.
d. obstacles.
7. Notes differences between planned flight and the actual flight.
FAA-S-8081-181-23 X. AREA OF OPERATION:
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS A. TASK: SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTIONS REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits commercial pilot knowledge of the elements of systems and equipment malfunctions, appropriate to the balloon used for the practical test, by explaining recommended pilot action for:
1. Pilot light flameout or failure.
2. Blast valve failure.
3. Fuel exhaustion.
4. Propane leak and/or fire.
5. Any other malfunction that may occur.
B. TASK: EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT AND SURVIVAL GEAR REFERENCES: AC 61-21; Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits commercial pilot knowledge of the elements of emergency equipment and survival gear, appropriate to the balloon used for the practical test, by explaining:
1. Location and purpose.
2. Method of operation or use.
3. Equipment appropriate for operation in various climates and types of terrain.
C. TASK: WATER LANDING REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits commercial pilot knowledge of the elements of a water landing by explaining:
1. The emergency conditions under which water landings are necessary.
2. Consideration for wind effects and water current.
3. Preparation required for contact with water, to include briefing passengers.
4. Procedure to be used after water contact.
FAA-S-8081-18 1-24 D. TASK: THERMAL FLIGHT REFERENCE: Balloon Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits commercial pilot knowledge of the elements of thermal flight by explaining:
1. Conditions that can cause thermal activity.
2. Recognition and effects of thermal activity on balloon flight.
3. Procedures that can be followed when encountering thermal activity.