On April 4 the final rule for 14 CFR Parts 1, 161, 141, and 143 was published in the Federal Register. This event represents the culmination of more than ten years of research and writing by the Federal Aviation Administration.
The last major revision of Part 61 was published in 1974. Since that time there have been 41 amendment and 3,616 exemptions issued by the FAA for Part 61. Because this rule impacts a broad spectrum of flight the FAA received more than 5,400 comments to the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (95-11) issued in August of 1995.
The major issue for ballooning was the proposed flight instructor rating for balloons. Almost 900 individuals, organizations, and government agencies responded to this single item. With only a few exceptions the comments were opposed to such a rating. The FAA agreed with the arguments that opposed the rating and withdrew the proposal.
In the September, 1995 issue of Balloon Life several additional areas of interest were highlighted. Those items included: the definition of the word balloon; the term "supervised pilot-in-command"; Supervised PIC cross-country for student pilots; possession of pilot certificate; who may train and endorse an applicant for a flight certificate; use of written syllabus; recent flight experience; "Balloonport" operations; private certificate must be earned before commercial certificate; and aeronautical knowledge.
The FAA bowed to the wishes of the general aviation community and dropped the term supervised pilot-in-command term. Likewise, the FAA heeded the suggestion by the balloon community that the term Balloonport not be used. Supervised PIC cross-country is not in the final rule and the requirement for cross-country balloon flight has been deleted.
The FAA also withdrew the mandate that a written syllabus be used when training.
In the proposed rule the FAA changed the recent flight experience to three take-offs and landings to a full stop in the last ninety days. The full stop requirement was not included in the final rule, allowing touch and go landings. The exception being that landings at night must be to a full stop. Also the requirement for the flight to be in a "traffic pattern at the recommended traffic pattern altitude for the airport" was deleted.
In the area of aeronautical knowledge greater emphasis has been placed on decision making and judgement.
Unless receiving training from an approved Part 141 flight school an applicant for a commercial rating must earn their private certificate first. A change from just being able to go straight to commercial from student. The largest impact will be in the LTA community where total flight hours are considerably less than those for powered flight.
The new rule requires that a pilot certificate must either be in the pilot's physical possession or readily accessible in the aircraft.
The new rule also refined the term balloon, pilot-in-command time and flight time.
In the original NPRM there was no requirement for an applicant for private or commercial balloon ratings to make a flight to a certain altitude above the launch site. This was a change from the previous regulation. In the final rule, however, the FAA inserted new altitude requirement without comment. These new requirements are lower than the previous regulation.
In general the new Part 61 has few changes specifically related to balloon ratings.
The final rule takes effect 120 days (August 2, 1997) after it was published in the Federal Register.
Below are excerpts of the new rule that deal with ballooning. To request a copy of the full document that includes a discuss of the various issues submit your request to: FAA Office of Rulemaking, Attention: ARM-1, 800 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20591. Or you may call (202) 267-9680. Ask for Docket No. 25910.
The document can also be obtained through the Internet. Balloon Life has established a direct link to download the file, either in a Word 7.0 text format or Adobe pdf format at FAR Part 61
PARTÊ1ÊÐ DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
¤Ê1.1 General definitions.
Balloon means a lighter than air aircraft that is not engine driven, and that sustains flight through the use of either gas buoyancy or an airborne heater.
Flight time means:
(1) Pilot time that commences when an aircraft moves under its own power for the purpose of flight and ends when the aircraft comes to rest after landing; or
(2) For a glider without self launch capability, pilot time that commences when the glider is towed for the purpose of flight and ends when the glider comes to rest after landing.
Pilot in command means the person who: (1) has final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of the flight; (2) has been designated as pilot in command before or during the flight; and (3) holds the appropriate category, class, and type rating, if appropriate, for the conduct of the flight.
¤Ê61.51 Pilot logbooks.
(a) Training time and aeronautical experience. Each person must document and record the following time in a manner acceptable to the Administrator:
(1) Training and aeronautical experience used to meet the requirements for a certificate, rating, or flight review of this part.
(2) The aeronautical experience required for meeting the recent flight experience requirements of this part.
(b) Logbook entries. For the purposes of meeting the requirements of paragraphÊ(a) of this section, each person must enter the following information for each flight or lesson logged:
(1) GeneralÊÐ
(i) Date.
(ii) Total flight time.
(iii) Location where the aircraft departed and arrived, or for lessons in an approved flight simulator or an approved flight training device, the location where the lesson occurred.
(iv) Type and identification of aircraft, approved flight simulator, or approved flight training device, as appropriate.
(v) The name of a safety pilot, if required by ¤Ê91.109(b)Êof this chapter.
(2) Type of pilot experience or trainingÊÐ
(i) Solo.
(ii) Pilot in command.
(iii) Second in command.
(iv) Flight and ground training received from an authorized instructor.
(v) Training received in an approved flight simulator or approved flight training device from an authorized instructor.
(3) Conditions of flightÊÐ
(i) Day or night.
(ii) Actual instrument.
(iii) Simulated instrument conditions in flight, an approved flight simulator, or an approved flight training device.
(c) Logging of pilot time. The pilot time described in this sectionÊmay be used to:
(1) Apply for a certificate or rating issued under this part; or
(2) Satisfy the recent flight experience requirements of this part.
(d) Logging of solo flight time. Except for a student pilot acting as pilot in command of an airship requiring more than one flight crewmember, a pilot may log as solo flight time only that flight time when the pilot is the sole occupant of the aircraft.
(e) Logging pilot-in-command flight time.
(1) A recreational, private, or commercial pilot may log pilot in command time only for that flight time during which that person isÊÐ
(i) The sole manipulator of the controls of an aircraft for which the pilot is rated; or
(ii) Except for a recreational pilot, when acting as pilot in command of an aircraft on which more than one pilot is required under the type certification of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is conducted.
(2) An airline transport pilot may log as pilot in command time all of the flight time while acting as pilot-in-command of an operation requiring an airline transport pilot certificate.
(3) An authorized instructor may log as pilot in command time all flight time while acting as an authorized instructor.
(4) A student pilot may log pilot in command time when the student pilotÊÐ
(i) Is the sole occupant of the aircraft;
(ii) Has a current solo flight endorsement as required under ¤Ê61.87 of this part; and
(iii) Is undergoing training for a pilot certificate or rating, is acting as pilot in command of an airship requiring more than one flight crewmember, or is logging pilot-in- command flight time to obtain the pilot-in-command flight experience requirements for a pilot certificate or aircraft rating.
(h) Logging training time.
(1) A person may log training time when that person receives training from an authorized instructor in an aircraft, approved flight simulator, or approved flight training device.
(2) The training time must be logged in a logbook and must:
(i) Be endorsed in a legible manner by the authorized instructor; and
(ii) Include a description of the training given, the length of the training lesson, and the instructor's signature, certificate number, and certificate expiration date.
(i) Presentation of required documents.
(1) Persons must present their pilot certificate, medical certificate, logbook, or any other record required by this partÊfor inspection upon a reasonable request byÊÐ
(i) The Administrator;
(ii) An authorized representative from the National Transportation Safety Board; or
(iii) Any Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer.
(2) A student pilot must carry the following items in the aircraft on all solo cross country flights as evidence of the required instructor clearances and endorsementsÊÐ
(i) Pilot logbook;
(ii) Student pilot certificate; and
(iii) Any other record required by this section.
(3) A recreational pilot must carry his or her logbook with the required instructor endorsements on all flights when serving as pilot in command or as a required flight crewmember for flights of more than 50Ênautical miles from an airport where training was received.
¤Ê61.56 Flight review.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (f) of this section, a flight review consists of a minimum of 1Êhour of flight training and 1Êhour of ground training. The review must include:
(1) A review of the current general operating and flight rules of partÊ91 of this chapter; and
(2) A review of those maneuvers and procedures that, at the discretion of the person giving the review, are necessary for the pilot to demonstrate the safe exercise of the privileges of the pilot certificate.
(c) Except as provided in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section, no person may act as pilot in command of an aircraft unless, since the beginning of the 24th calendar month before the month in which that pilot acts as pilot in command, that person has:
(1) Accomplished a flight review given in an aircraft for which that pilot is rated by an appropriately rated instructor certificated under this partÊor other person designated by the Administrator; and
(2) A logbook endorsed by the person who gave the review certifying that the person has satisfactorily completed the review.
(d) A person who has, within the period specified in paragraphÊ(c) of this section, passed a pilot proficiency check conducted by an examiner, an approved pilot check airman, or a U.S. Armed Force, for a pilot certificate, rating, or operating privilege need not accomplish the flight review required by this section.
(e) A person who has, within the period specified in paragraphÊ(c) of this section, satisfactorily accomplished one or more phases of an FAA sponsored pilot proficiency award program need not accomplish the flight review required by this section.
(f) A person who holds a current flight instructor certificate who has, within the period specified in paragraphÊ(c) of this section, satisfactorily completed a renewal of a flight instructor certificate under the provisions in ¤Ê61.197 need not accomplish the 1Êhour of ground training specified in paragraphÊ(a) of this section.
(g) The requirements of this sectionÊmay be accomplished in combination with the requirements of ¤Ê61.57 and other applicable recent experience requirements at the discretion of the person conducting the flight review.
¤Ê61.57 Recent flight experience: Pilot in command.
(a) General experience.
(1) Except as provided in paragraphÊ(e) of this section, no person may act as a pilot in command of an aircraft carrying passengers or as a required pilot on board an aircraft that requires more than oneÊpilot flight crewmember unless that person has made at least three takeoffs and three landings within the preceding 90Êdays, andÊÐ
(i) The person acted as the sole manipulator of the flight controls; and
(ii) The required takeoffs and landings were performed in an aircraft of the same category, class, and type (if a type rating is required), and, if the aircraft to be flown is an airplane with a tailwheel, the takeoffs and landings must have been made to a full stop in an airplane with a tailwheel.
(2) For the purpose of meeting the requirements of paragraphÊ(a)(1), a person may act as a pilot in command of an aircraft under day VFR or day IFR, provided no persons or property are carried on board the aircraft, other than those necessary for the conduct of the flight.
(3) The takeoffs and landings required by paragraphÊ(a)(1) of this sectionÊmay be accomplished in an approved flight simulator or an approved flight training device that isÊÐ
(i) Approved by the Administrator for landings; and
(ii) Used in accordance with an approved course conducted by a training center certificated under partÊ142 of this chapter.
(b) Night takeoff and landing experience.
(1) Except as provided in paragraphÊ(e) of this section, no person may act as pilot in command of an aircraft carrying passengers during the period beginning 1Êhour after sunset and ending 1Êhour before sunrise, unless within the preceding 90Êdays that person has made at least three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop during the period beginning 1Êhour after sunset and ending 1Êhour before sunrise.
(2) The takeoffs and landings required by paragraphÊ(b)(1) of this sectionÊmay be accomplished in a flight simulator that isÊÐ
(i) Approved by the Administrator for takeoffs and landings, if the visual system is adjusted to represent the period described in paragraphÊ(b)(1) of this section; and
(ii) Used in accordance with an approved course conducted by a training center certificated under partÊ142 of this chapter.
SubpartÊCÊÐ Student Pilots
¤Ê61.83 Eligibility requirements for student pilots.
To be eligible for a student pilot certificate, an applicant must:
(b) Be at least 14 years of age for the operation of a glider or balloon.
(c) Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, then the Administrator may place such operating limitations on that applicant's pilot certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft.
¤Ê61.87 Solo requirements for student pilots.
(a) General. A student pilot may not operate an aircraft in solo flight unless that student has met the requirements of this section. The term "solo flight," as used in this subpart, means that flight time during which a student pilot is the sole occupant of the aircraft, or that flight time during which the student acts as a pilot in command of a gas balloon or an airship requiring more than one flight crewmember.
(b) Aeronautical knowledge. A student pilot must demonstrate satisfactory aeronautical knowledge on a knowledge test that meets the requirements of this paragraph:
(1) The test must address the student pilot's knowledge ofÊÐ
(i) Applicable sections of parts 61Êand 91 of this chapter;
(ii) Airspace rules and procedures for the airport where the solo flight will be performed; and
(iii) Flight characteristics and operational limitations for the make and model of aircraft to be flown.
(2) The student's authorized instructor mustÊÐ
(i) Administer the test; and
(ii) At the conclusion of the test, review all incorrect answers with the student before authorizing that student to conduct a solo flight.
(c) Pre solo flight training. Prior to conducting a solo flight, a student pilot must have:
(1) Received and logged flight training for the maneuvers and procedures of this sectionÊthat are appropriate to the make and model of aircraft to be flown; and
(2) Demonstrated satisfactory proficiency and safety, as judged by an authorized instructor, on the maneuvers and procedures required by this sectionÊin the make and model of aircraft or similar make and model of aircraft to be flown.
(k) Maneuvers and procedures for pre solo flight training in a balloon. A student pilot who is receiving training in a balloon must receive and log flight training for the following maneuvers and procedures:
(1) Layout and assembly procedures;
(2) Proper flight preparation procedures, including preflight planning and preparation, and aircraft systems;
(3) Ascents and descents;
(4) Landing and recovery procedures;
(5) Emergency procedures and equipment malfunctions;
(6) Operation of hot air or gas source, ballast, valves, vents, and rip panels, as appropriate;
(7) Use of deflation valves or rip panels for simulating an emergency;
(8) The effects of wind on climb and approach angles; and
(9) Obstruction detection and avoidance techniques.
(l) Limitations on student pilots operating an aircraft in solo flight. A student pilot may not operate an aircraft in solo flight unless that student pilot has received:
(1) An endorsement from an authorized instructor on his or her student pilot certificate for the specific make and model aircraft to be flown; and
(2) An endorsement in the student's logbook for the specific make and model aircraft to be flown by an authorized instructor, who gave the training within the 90Êdays preceding the date of the flight.
(n) Limitations on flight instructors authorizing solo flight.
(1) No instructor may authorize a student pilot to perform a solo flight unless that instructor hasÊÐ
(i) Given that student pilot training in the make and model of aircraft or a similar make and model of aircraft in which the solo flight is to be flown;
(ii) Determined the student pilot is proficient in the maneuvers and procedures prescribed in this section;
(iii) Determined the student pilot is proficient in the make and model of aircraft to be flown;
(iv) Ensured that the student pilot's certificate has been endorsed by an instructor authorized to provide flight training for the specific make and model aircraft to be flown; and
(v) Endorsed the student pilot's logbook for the specific make and model aircraft to be flown, and that endorsement remains current for solo flight privileges, provided an authorized instructor updates the student's logbook every 90Êdays thereafter.
(2) The flight training required by this sectionÊmust be given by an instructor authorized to provide flight training who is appropriately rated and current.
¤Ê61.89 General limitations.
(a) A student pilot may not act as pilot in command of an aircraft:
(1) That is carrying a passenger;
(2) That is carrying property for compensation or hire;
(3) For compensation or hire;
(4) In furtherance of a business;
(5) On an international flight, except that a student pilot may make solo training flights from Haines, Gustavus, or Juneau, Alaska, to White Horse, Yukon, Canada, and return over the province of British Columbia;
(6) With a flight or surface visibility of less than 3Êstatute miles during daylightÊhours or 5Êstatute miles at night;
(7) When the flight cannot be made with visual reference to the surface; or
(8) In a manner contrary to any limitations placed in the pilot's logbook by an authorized instructor.
(b) A student pilot may not act as a required pilot flight crewmember on any aircraft for which more than oneÊpilot is required by the type certificate of the aircraft or regulations under which the flight is conducted, except when receiving flight training from an authorized instructor on board an airship, and no person other than a required flight crewmember is carried on the aircraft.
SubpartÊEÊÐ Private Pilots
¤Ê61.103 Eligibility requirements: General.
To be eligible for a private pilot certificate, a person must:
(b) Be at least 16Êyears of age for a rating in a glider or balloon.
(c) Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, then the Administrator may place such operating limitations on that applicant's pilot certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft.
(d) Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:
(1) Conducted the training or reviewed the person's home study on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in ¤Ê61.105(b) of this partÊthat apply to the aircraft rating sought; and
(2) Certified that the person is prepared for the required knowledge test.
(e) Pass the required knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in ¤Ê61.105(b) of this part.
(f) Receive flight training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:
(1) Conducted the training in the areas of operation listed in ¤Ê61.107(b) of this partÊthat apply to the aircraft rating sought; and
(2) Certified that the person is prepared for the required practical test.
(g) Meet the aeronautical experience requirements of this partÊthat apply to the aircraft rating sought before applying for the practical test.
(h) Pass a practical test on the areas of operation listed in ¤Ê61.107(b) of this partÊthat apply to the aircraft rating sought.
(i) Comply with the appropriate sections of this partÊthat apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought.
¤Ê61.105 Aeronautical knowledge.
(a) General. A person who is applying for a private pilot certificate must receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home study course on the aeronautical knowledge areas of paragraphÊ(b) of this sectionÊthat apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought.
(b) Aeronautical knowledge areas.
(1) Applicable Federal Aviation Regulations of this chapter that relate to private pilot privileges, limitations, and flight operations;
(2) Accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety Board;
(3) Use of the applicable portions of the "Aeronautical Information Manual" and FAA ACs;
(4) Use of aeronautical charts for VFR navigation using pilotage, deadÊreckoning, and navigation systems;
(5) Radio communication procedures;
(6) Recognition of critical weather situations from the ground and in flight, windshear avoidance, and the procurement and use of aeronautical weather reports and forecasts;
(7) Safe and efficient operation of aircraft, including collision avoidance, and recognition and avoidance of wake turbulence;
(8) Effects of density altitude on takeoff and climb performance;
(9) Weight and balance computations;
(10) Principles of aerodynamics, powerplants, and aircraft systems;
(11) Stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery techniques for the airplane and glider category ratings;
(12) Aeronautical decision making and judgment; and
(13) Preflight action that includesÊÐ
(i) How to obtain information on runway lengths at airports of intended use, data on takeoff and landing distances, weather reports and forecasts, and fuel requirements; and
(ii) How to plan for alternatives if the planned flight cannot be completed or delays are encountered.
¤Ê61.107 Flight proficiency.
(a) General. A person who applies for a private pilot certificate must receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on the areas of operation of this sectionÊthat apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought.
(b) Areas of operation.
(8) For a lighter than air category rating with a balloon class rating:
(i) Preflight preparation;
(ii) Preflight procedures;
(iii) Airport operations;
(iv) Launches and landings;
(v) Performance maneuvers;
(vi) Navigation;
(vii) Emergency operations; and
(viii) Postflight procedures.
¤Ê61.109 Aeronautical experience.
(h) For a balloon rating: 10Êhours of flight training that includes at least sixÊtraining flights in the areas of operation listed in ¤Ê61.107(b)(8) of this part, that includesÐ
(1) Gas balloon. If the training is being performed in a gas balloon, at least two flights of 2Êhours each that consists ofÊÐ
(i) At least oneÊtraining flight within 60Êdays prior to application for the rating on the areas of operation for a gas balloon;
(ii) At least oneÊflight performing the functions of pilot in command in a gas balloon; and
(iii) At least one flight involving a controlled ascent to 3,000Êfeet above the launch site.
(2) Balloon with an airborne heater. If the training is being performed in a balloon with an airborne heater, at leastÊÐ
(i) TwoÊflights of 1Êhour each within 60Êdays prior to application for the rating on the areas of operation appropriate to a balloon with an airborne heater;
(ii) OneÊsolo flight in a balloon with an airborne heater; and
(iii) At least one flight involving a controlled ascent to 2,000Êfeet above the launch site.
¤Ê61.113 Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (g) of this section, no person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as pilot in command of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire; nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft.
(b) A private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft in connection with any business or employment if:
(1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and
(2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.
(c) A private pilot may not pay less than the pro rata share of the operating expenses of a flight with passengers, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees.
(d) A private pilot may act as pilot in command of an aircraft used in a passenger carrying airlift sponsored by a charitable organization described in paragraphÊ(d)(7) of this section, and for which the passengers make a donation to the organization, when the following requirements are met:
(1) The sponsor of the airlift notifies the FAA Flight Standards District Office with jurisdiction over the area concerned at least 7Êdays before the event and furnishesÊÐ
(i) A signed letter from the sponsor that shows the name of the sponsor, the purpose of the charitable event, the date and time of the event, and the location of the event; and
(ii) A photocopy of each pilot in command's pilot certificate, medical certificate, and logbook entries that show the pilot is current in accordance with ¤¤Ê61.56 andÊ61.57 of this partÊand has logged at least 200Êhours of flight time.
(2) The flight is conducted from a public airport that is adequate for the aircraft to be used, or from another airport that has been approved by the FAA for the operation.
(3) No aerobatic or formation flights are conducted.
(4) Each aircraft used for the charitable event holds a standard airworthiness certificate.
(5) Each aircraft used for the charitable event is airworthy and complies with the applicable requirements of subpartÊE of partÊ91 of this chapter.
(6) Each flight for the charitable event is made during day VFR conditions.
(7) The charitable organization is an organization identified as such by the U.S.ÊDepartment of Treasury.
(e) A private pilot may be reimbursed for aircraft operating expenses that are directly related to search and location operations, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees, and the operation is sanctioned and under the direction and control of:
(1) A local, State, or Federal agency; or
(2) An organization that conducts search and location operations.
(f) A private pilot who is an aircraft salesman and who has at least 200Êhours of logged flight time may demonstrate an aircraft in flight to a prospective buyer.
(g) A private pilot who meets the requirements of ¤Ê61.69 of this partÊmay act as pilot in command of an aircraft towing a glider.
¤Ê61.115 Balloon rating: Limitations.
(a) If a person who applies for a private pilot certificate with a balloon rating takes a practical test in a balloon with an airborne heater:
(1) The pilot certificate will contain a limitation restricting the exercise of the privileges of that certificate to a balloon with an airborne heater; and
(2) The limitation may be removed when the person obtains the required aeronautical experience in a gas balloon and receives a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who attests to the person's accomplishment of the required aeronautical experience and ability to satisfactorily operate a gas balloon.
(b) If a person who applies for a private pilot certificate with a balloon rating takes a practical test in a gas balloon:
(1) The pilot certificate will contain a limitation restricting the exercise of the privilege of that certificate to a gas balloon; and
(2) The limitation may be removed when the person obtains the required aeronautical experience in a balloon with an airborne heater and receives a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who attests to the person's accomplishment of the required aeronautical experience and ability to satisfactorily operate a balloon with an airborne heater.
SubpartÊFÊÐ Commercial Pilots
¤Ê61.123 Eligibility requirements: General.
To be eligible for a commercial pilot certificate, a person must:
(a) Be at least 18 years of age;
(b) Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, then the Administrator may place such operating limitations on that applicant's pilot certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft.
(c) Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:
(1) Conducted the required ground training or reviewed the person's home study on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in ¤Ê61.125 of this partÊthat apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought; and
(2) Certified that the person is prepared for the required knowledge test that applies to the aircraft category and class rating sought.
(d) Pass the required knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed ¤Ê61.125 of this part;
(e) Receive the required training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:
(1) Conducted the training on the areas of operation listed in ¤Ê61.127(b) of this partÊthat apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought; and
(2) Certified that the person is prepared for the required practical test.
(f) Meet the aeronautical experience requirements of this subpartÊthat apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought before applying for the practical test;
(g) Pass the required practical test on the areas of operation listed in ¤Ê61.127(b) of this partÊthat apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought;
(h) Hold at least a private pilot certificate issued under this partÊor meet the requirements of ¤Ê61.73; and
(i) Comply with the sections of this partÊthat apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought.
¤Ê61.125 Aeronautical knowledge.
(a) General. A person who applies for a commercial pilot certificate must receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor, or complete a home study course, on the aeronautical knowledge areas of paragraphÊ(b) this sectionÊthat apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought.
(b) Aeronautical knowledge areas.
(1) Applicable Federal Aviation Regulations of this chapter that relate to commercial pilot privileges, limitations, and flight operations;
(2) Accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety Board;
(3) Basic aerodynamics and the principles of flight;
(4) Meteorology to include recognition of critical weather situations, windshear recognition and avoidance, and the use of aeronautical weather reports and forecasts;
(5) Safe and efficient operation of aircraft;
(6) Weight and balance computations;
(7) Use of performance charts;
(8) Significance and effects of exceeding aircraft performance limitations;
(9) Use of aeronautical charts and a magnetic compass for pilotage and dead reckoning;
(10) Use of air navigation facilities;
(11) Aeronautical decision making and judgment;
(12) Principles and functions of aircraft systems;
(13) Maneuvers, procedures, and emergency operations appropriate to the aircraft;
(14) Night and high altitude operations;
(15) Procedures for operating within the National Airspace System; and
(16) Procedures for flight and ground training for lighter than air ratings.
¤Ê61.127 Flight proficiency.
(a) General. A person who applies for a commercial pilot certificate must receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on the areas of operation of this sectionÊthat apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought.
(b) Areas of operation.
(8) For a lighter than air category rating with a balloon class rating:
(i) Fundamentals of instructing;
(ii) Technical subjects;
(iii) Preflight preparation;
(iv) Preflight lesson on a maneuver to be performed in flight;
(v) Preflight procedures;
(vi) Airport operations;
(vii) Launches and landings;
(viii) Performance maneuvers;
(ix) Navigation;
(x) Emergency operations; and
(xi) Postflight procedures.
¤Ê61.129 Aeronautical experience.
(h) For a balloon rating. A person who applies for a commercial pilot certificate with a lighter than air category and a balloon class rating must log at least 35Êhours of flight time as a pilot, which includes at least the following requirements:
(1) 20Êhours in balloons;
(2) 10Êflights in balloons;
(3) TwoÊflights in balloons as the pilot in command; and
(4) 10Êhours of flight training that includes at least 10Êtraining flights in balloons on the areas of operation listed in ¤Ê61.127(b)(8) of this part, which consists of at leastÊÐ
(i) For a gas balloonÊÐ
(A) TwoÊtraining flights of 2Êhours each in a gas balloon on the areas of operation appropriate to a gas balloon within 60Êdays prior to application for the rating;
(B) TwoÊflights performing the functions of pilot in command in a gas balloon on the appropriate areas of operation; and
(C) OneÊflight involving a controlled ascent to 5,000Êfeet above the launch site.
(ii) For a balloon with an airborne heaterÊÐ
(A) TwoÊtraining flights of 1Êhour each in a balloon with an airborne heater on the areas of operation appropriate to a balloon with an airborne heater within 60Êdays prior to application for the rating;
(B) TwoÊsolo flights in a balloon with an airborne heater on the appropriate areas of operation; and
(C) One flight involving a controlled ascent to 3,000Êfeet above the launch site.
¤Ê61.133 Commercial pilot privileges and limitations.
(a) Privileges.
(1) General. A person who holds a commercial pilot certificate may act as pilot in command of an aircraftÊÐ
(i) Carrying persons or property for compensation or hire, provided the person is qualified in accordance with this partÊand with the applicable parts of this chapter that apply to the operation; and
(ii) For compensation or hire, provided the person is qualified in accordance with this partÊand with the applicable parts of this chapter that apply to the operation.
(2) Commercial pilots with lighter than air category ratings. A person with a commercial pilot certificate with a lighter than air category rating mayÊÐ
(i) For an airshipÊÐ
(A) Give flight and ground training in an airship for the issuance of a certificate or rating;
(B) Give an endorsement on a pilot certificate for an airship;
(C) Endorse a student pilot certificate or logbook for solo operating privileges in an airship; and
(D) Act as pilot in command of an airship under IFR or in weather conditions less than the minimum prescribed for VFRÊflight.
(ii) For a balloonÊÐ
(A) Give flight and ground training in a balloon for the issuance of a certificate or rating;
(B) Give an endorsement on a pilot certificate for a balloon; and
(C) Endorse a student pilot certificate or logbook for solo operating privileges in a balloon.
(b) Limitations.
(2) If a person who applies for a commercial pilot certificate with a balloon rating takes a practical test in a balloon with an airborne heaterÊÐ
(i) The pilot certificate will contain a limitation restricting the exercise of the privileges of that certificate to a balloon with an airborne heater.
(ii) The limitation specified in paragraphÊ(b)(2)(i) of this sectionÊmay be removed when the person obtains the required aeronautical experience in a gas balloon and receives a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who attests to the person's accomplishment of the required aeronautical experience and ability to satisfactorily operate a gas balloon.
(3) If a person who applies for a commercial pilot certificate with a balloon rating takes a practical test in a gas balloonÊÐ
(i) The pilot certificate will contain a limitation restricting the exercise of the privileges of that certificate to a gas balloon.
(ii) The limitation specified in paragraphÊ(b)(3)(i) of this sectionÊmay be removed when the person obtains the required aeronautical experience in a balloon with an airborne heater and receives a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who attests to the person's accomplishment of the required aeronautical experience and ability to satisfactorily operate a balloon with an airborne heater.