AC 61-125

FAA-S-8081-18 U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration

COMMERCIAL PILOT Practical Test Standards for

LIGHTER-THAN-AIR

•• BALLOON

•• AIRSHIP MAY 1997

FLIGHT STANDARDS SERVICE Washington, DC 20591

COMMERCIAL PILOT

LIGHTER-THAN-AIR Practical Test Standards 1997

FLIGHT STANDARDS SERVICE Washington, DC 20591

FAA-S-8081-18 NOTE Material in FAA-S-8081-18 will be effective May 1, 1997. All previous editions of the Commercial Pilot – Lighter-Than-Air (Balloon and Airship) Practical Test Standards will be obsolete as of this date.

FAA-S-8081-18

FOREWORD The Commercial Pilot — Lighter-Than-Air Practical Test Standards (PTS) book has been published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish the standards for commercial 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. Both commercial pilots exercising flight instructor privileges and applicants should find these standards helpful during training and when preparing for the practical test.

Thomas C. Accardi Director, Flight Standards Service

FAA-S-8081-18i

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION1

General Information1

Practical Test Standard Concept2

Practical Test Book Description2

Practical Test Standard Description2

Use of the Practical Test Standards Book4

Commercial Pilot — Lighter-Than-Air Practical Test

Prerequisites5

Aircraft and Equipment Required for

the Practical Test6

Examiner Responsibility6

Satisfactory Performance6

Unsatisfactory Performance7

Crew Resource Management (CRM)7

Applicant’s Use of Checklists8

Use of Distractions During Practical Tests8

Metric Conversion Initiative8

Flight Instructor Responsibility8

Instrument Privileges — Airship9

SECTION 1: LIGHTER-THAN-AIR — BALLOON

CONTENTS1-i

ADDITIONAL RATING TABLE1-v

APPLICANT’S PRACTICAL TEST CHECKLIST1-vii

EXAMINER’S PRACTICAL TEST CHECKLIST1-ix

AREAS OF OPERATION:

I. FUNDAMENTALS OF INSTRUCTING1-1

II. TECHNICAL SUBJECTS1-4

III. PREFLIGHT PREPARATION1-7

IV. PREFLIGHT LESSON ON A MANEUVER TO BE

PERFORMED IN FLIGHT1-10

V. PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES1-11

VI. AIRPORT OPERATIONS1-14

VII. LAUNCHES AND LANDINGS1-15

VIII. PERFORMANCE MANEUVERS1-18

IX. NAVIGATION1-22

X. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS1-23

XI. POSTFLIGHT PROCEDURES1-25

FAA-S-8081-18 ii SECTION 2: LIGHTER-THAN-AIR — AIRSHIP

CONTENTS2-i

ADDITIONAL RATING TABLE2-v

APPLICANT’S PRACTICAL TEST CHECKLIST2-vii

EXAMINER’S PRACTICAL TEST CHECKLIST2-ix

AREAS OF OPERATION:

I. FUNDAMENTALS OF INSTRUCTING2-1

II. TECHNICAL SUBJECTS2-4

III. PREFLIGHT PREPARATION2-9

IV. PREFLIGHT LESSON ON A MANEUVER TO BE

PERFORMED IN FLIGHT2-12

V. PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES2-13

VI. AIRPORT OPERATIONS2-16

VII. TAKEOFFS, LANDINGS, AND GO-AROUNDS2-18

VIII. PERFORMANCE MANEUVERS2-21

IX. NAVIGATION2-23

X. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS2-25

XI. POSTFLIGHT PROCEDURES2-28

FAA-S-8081-181

INTRODUCTION General Information The Flight Standards Service of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has developed this practical test book as the standard to be used by FAA inspectors and designated pilot examiners when conducting commercial pilot — lighter-than-air (balloon and airship) practical tests.

Commercial lighter-than-air pilots exercising instructor privileges are expected to use this book when preparing applicants for practical tests.

Applicants should be familiar with this book and refer to these standards during their training.

Information considered directive in nature is described in this practical test book in terms such as “shall” and “must” indicating the actions are mandatory. Guidance information is described in terms such as “should” and “may” indicating the actions are desirable or permissive but not mandatory.

The FAA gratefully acknowledges the valuable assistance provided by many individuals and companies who contributed their time and talent in assisting with the revision of these practical test standards.

These practical test standards may be accessed through the FedWorld Information System by computer modem at 703-321-3339. It may also be accessed on the Internet at http://www.fedworld.gov/pub/faa-att/faa-att.htm.

This address goes to the index of training and testing files in the FAA-ATT Library on FedWorld. Subsequent changes to these standards, in accordance with AC 60-27, Announcement of Availability: Changes to Practical Test Standards, will be available through FedWorld and then later incorporated into a printed revision.

This publication may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.

Comments regarding this publication should be sent to:

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Flight Standards Service Airman Testing Standards Branch, AFS-630 P.O. Box 25082 Oklahoma City, OK 73125

FAA-S-8081-18 2 Practical Test Standard Concept Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61 specifies the areas in which knowledge and skill shall be demonstrated by an applicant before issuance of a commercial pilot certificate with the associated category and class ratings. This regulation provides the flexibility that permits the FAA to publish practical test standards containing specific TASKS in which competency shall 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 evaluation of commercial pilot applicants.

Practical Test Book Description This book contains the practical test standards for commercial pilot — lighter-than-air.

Section 1 Lighter-Than-Air, Balloon Section 2 Lighter-Than-Air, Airship The Commercial Pilot — Lighter-Than-Air Practical Test Standards include the AREAS OF OPERATION and TASKS for the issuance of an initial commercial pilot certificate and for the addition of category and/or class ratings to that certificate.

Practical Test Standard Description AREAS OF OPERATION are phases of the practical test arranged in a logical sequence within each standard. They begin with Fundamentals of Instructing and end with Postflight Procedures. TASKS are knowledge areas, flight procedures, or maneuvers appropriate to an AREA OF OPERATION. However, the examiner may conduct the practical test in any sequence that results in a complete and efficient test.

In Section I, an abbreviation within parentheses immediately following a TASK title refers to the type of balloon to which that TASK applies.

Absence of an abbreviation indicates the TASK is appropriate for all balloons.

LBG Lighter-Than-Air, Balloon (Gas) LBH Lighter-Than-Air, Balloon (with Airborne Heater) NOTE is used to emphasize special considerations required in the AREA OF OPERATION or TASK.

FAA-S-8081-183 REFERENCE identifies the publication(s) that describes the TASK.

Descriptions of TASKS are not included in the standards because this information can be found in the REFERENCES listed for each TASK.

Publications other than those listed may be used as references if their content conveys substantially the same meaning as the referenced publication. REFERENCES listed in this book include the current revisions of the following publications:

14 CFR part 1 Definitions and Abbreviations 14 CFR part 43 Maintenance, Preventative Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration 14 CFR part 61 Certification: Pilots and Flight Instructors 14 CFR part 91 General Operating and Flight Rules NTSB 830 Notification and Reporting of Aircraft Accidents and Incidents AC 00-2 Advisory Circular Checklist AC 00-6 Aviation Weather AC 00-45 Aviation Weather Services AC 60-14 Aviation Instructor's Handbook AC 61-21 Flight Training Handbook AC 61-23 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge AC 61-65 Certification: Pilots and Flight Instructors AC 61-67 Stall Spin Awareness Training AC 61-84 Role of Preflight Preparation AC 61-98 Currency and Additional Qualification Requirements for Certificated Pilots AC 61-101 Presolo Written Test AC 90-48 Pilots’ Role in Collision Avoidance AC 91-13 Cold Weather Operation of Aircraft AC 91-71 Operation of Hot Air Balloons with Airborne Heaters A/FD Airport/Facility Directory AIM Aeronautical Information Manual NOTAM’s Notices to Airmen Other Balloon Digest (Balloon Federation of America) How To Fly A Balloon (Balloon Publishing Co.)

Aerostatics (US Air Corps) Balloon and Airship Flight Manuals Navigation Equipment Operations Manuals Selected Navigation Charts Each TASK has an Objective consisting of a series of elements. The examiner determines that the applicant meets the TASK Objective through the demonstration of competency in various elements of knowledge and/or skill. The Objectives of TASKS in certain AREAS OF OPERATION, such as Fundamentals of Instructing and Technical Subjects, include only knowledge elements.

FAA-S-8081-18 4 Use of the Practical Test Standards Book The FAA requires that all practical tests be conducted in accordance with the appropriate Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standard and the policies set forth in the INTRODUCTION. Commercial pilot applicants shall be evaluated in all TASKS included in the AREAS OF OPERATION of the appropriate practical test standard.

In preparation for each practical test, the examiner shall develop a written “plan of action.” The “plan of action” shall include all TASKS (unless noted otherwise) in each AREA OF OPERATION. The “plan of action ” for a practical test for the addition of an aircraft category and/or class rating shall include the required AREAS OF OPERATION and TASKS as indicated in the table at the beginning of each standard. Any TASK selected for evaluation during a practical test shall be evaluated in its entirety.

The examiner is not required to follow the precise order in which AREAS OF OPERATION and TASKS appear in this book. The examiner may change the sequence or combine TASKS with similar Objectives to have an orderly and efficient flow of the practical test.

However, the Objectives of all TASKS shall be demonstrated and evaluated during the practical test.

In AREAS OF OPERATION I, II, and IV, the term “instructional knowledge” means the “what,” “why,” and “how” of a subject matter topic, procedure, or maneuver. It also means that the applicant's discussions, explanations, and descriptions should follow the recommended teaching procedures and techniques explained in AC 60-14, Aviation Instructor's Handbook.

The examiner shall not simulate any condition that may jeopardize safe flight or result in possible damage to the aircraft.

The examiner shall place special emphasis upon areas of aircraft operation that are most critical to flight safety. Among these are precise aircraft control and sound judgment in decision making. Although these areas may or may not be listed under each TASK, they are essential to flight safety and should receive careful evaluation throughout the practical test. THE EXAMINER

SHALL ALSO EMPHASIZE COLLISION AVOIDANCE, CHECKLIST USAGE, AND USE OF DISTRACTIONS.

FAA-S-8081-185 Commercial Pilot — Lighter-Than-Air Practical Test Prerequisites An applicant for an initial commercial pilot certification practical test is required by 14 CFR part 61 to:

1. have reached the age of 18 years;

2. hold at least a private pilot certificate;1

3. have the prescribed aeronautical experience and training required for the category and class rating sought;

4. have passed the appropriate commercial pilot knowledge test since the beginning of the 24th month before the month in which the applicant takes the practical test; and

5. obtain an endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that the applicant has been given flight instruction in the AREAS OF OPERATION listed in 14 CFR part 61, section 61.127, for the commercial pilot rating sought in preparation for the practical test within 60 days preceding the date of application. The statement shall also state that the instructor finds the applicant competent to pass the practical test, and that the applicant has satisfactory knowledge of the subject area(s) in which a deficiency was indicated on the knowledge test report.2 An applicant already holding a commercial pilot certificate who applies for an additional category and/or class rating on that certificate must:

1. hold a commercial pilot certificate;

2. have the prescribed aeronautical experience and training required for the category and class rating sought;

3. pass an additional knowledge test for the rating sought (unless already rated in airplane, rotorcraft, or airship) since the beginning of the 24th month before the month in which he/she takes the practical test; and

4. obtain an endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that the applicant has been given flight instruction in the applicable AREAS OF OPERATION listed in 14 CFR part 61, section 61.127, for the commercial pilot rating sought in preparation for the practical test within 60 days preceding the date of application. The statement shall also state that the instructor finds the applicant competent to pass the practical test, and that the applicant has satisfactory knowledge of the subject area(s) in which a deficiency was indicated on the knowledge test report.2 1 This requirement is based on a proposed revision to 14 CFR part 61.

2 AC 61-65, Certification: Pilots and Flight Instructors, states that the instructor may sign the recommendation on the reverse side of FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application, in lieu of the previous statement, provided all appropriate 14 CFR part 61 requirements are substantiated by reliable records.

FAA-S-8081-18 6 Aircraft and Equipment Required for the Practical Test The applicant is required by 14 CFR part 61, section 61.45, to provide an airworthy, certificated aircraft for use during the practical test. This section further requires that the aircraft be capable of performing all appropriate TASKS for the commercial pilot rating sought and have no operating limitations which prohibit the performance of those operations.

Examiner3 Responsibility The examiner conducting the practical test is responsible for determining that the applicant meets the acceptable standards of knowledge and skill of each TASK within the appropriate practical test standard. The examiner makes this determination by accomplishing the Objective for each selected TASK, and includes an evaluation of the applicant's:

1. ability to apply fundamentals of instructing, when required;

2. knowledge of and ability to teach subject matter covered in required TASKS; and

3. ability to perform procedures and maneuvers included in the standards to the COMMERCIAL PILOT skill level.

Although it is the examiner’s primary concern to observe the applicant’s ability to skillfully and safely operate the aircraft, oral questioning may be used at any time during the practical test to determine that the applicant has a comprehensive knowledge of the TASKS and their related safety factors. During the flight portion of the practical test, the examiner shall evaluate use of visual scanning and collision avoidance procedures.

Satisfactory Performance The practical test is passed if, in the judgment of the examiner, the applicant demonstrates satisfactory performance with regard to:

1. knowledge of fundamentals of instructing;

2. knowledge of technical subject areas;

3. knowledge of flight instructor responsibilities concerning the pilot certification process;

4. knowledge of flight instructor responsibilities concerning log book entries and pilot certificate endorsements;

3 The word “examiner” is used throughout the standard to denote either the FAA inspector or FAA designated pilot examiner who conducts an official practical test.