How to Pilot a Hot Air Balloon
As long as humans have walked the earth, the dream of flying has been alive. An exciting way to achieve that dream is to pilot a hot air balloon. But before the excitement begins, proper qualifications are required to take flight for any interested pilot.
The road to certification can be long for those interested and captivated by the thought of flying balloons as a career and as a hobby, similar to other types of pilots. It takes a year or longer to achieve the appropriate license with flight programs equipping pilots with everything they need to know upon certification. Pilots must pass a knowledge test that includes oral explanations of balloon flight protocol, and an actual flight test. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) test is also required for pilots seeking certification. Pilots are responsible for learning FAA regulations and regulations pertaining to the use of private lands for storing and launching balloons.
Once a pilot meets all the certification qualifications, training can begin. The time to become certified depends on finances, ability to learn quickly, and amount of time allocated toward training. Before take-off, pilots must learn how to collect weather reports, analyze data, and choose good places for launches. Then, a pilot learns basic flying rules and etiquette and how to maneuver the balloon in the air. The training also covers emergency situations, such as fires, running out of fuel, and bad weather conditions.
Come meet our pilots and crew and fly with us at the Up Up and Away Florida Hot Air Balloon Festival from February 28, 29, & March 1, 2020! We will host up to 30 hot air balloons, pilots, and crews. With a multitude of balloon sizes and shapes, we will transform Central Florida’s skyline into a mix of bright, brilliant colors as the balloons launch at the Sun n' Fun Expo Campus, home to the second largest aviation show in North America.
The festival will offer flights taking off over three days to the public, flying at sunrise and just before sunset daily, as well as afternoon tethered flights. An average balloon will carry up to four passengers and will last approximately one hour. Please note, all flights are weather permitting.
In addition to hot air balloon rides, this three-day festival will kickoff a weekend featuring picturesque balloon glows, various food and beverage options, arts and crafts vendors, live music, and fun for the entire family.