Blog
The Balloon Training Academy does not provide technical or legal advice. Content on this page is for general information and discussion only, and is not a full analysis of the matters stated herein. The information provided may not be applicable in all situations, and readers should always seek specific advice from the Federal Aviation Administration and/or appropriate technical and legal experts (including the most current applicable guidelines) before taking any action with respect to any matters discussed herein

SFAR Amendment – 2
The FAA issued a final rule on September 30, 2020, that further amends Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 118. Aviation activity continues to increase, and the industry is beginning to address the backlog of required training, checking, and testing...

Airman Certification Standards
Did you know the Practical Test Standards will soon be replaced with the Airman Certification Standards? Take a peek at the new standards! First public viewing of the document!

SFAR Amendment
Today the FAA has published an amendment to the SFAR. It is important to note that the SFAR does NOT extend relief to pilots covered under the previous SFAR. For example, the old SFAR covered flight reviews due March – June 2020. The new SFAR added pilots due July –...

Kevin MacDonald Earns a Perfect Score!
Kevin MacDonald passes both his private and commercial FAA Knowledge Exam! He’s learning to fly and will be a certificated balloon pilot soon!

Conducting An Effective Flight Review
Learn how to conduct an effective flight review

FAA SFAR for COVID-19 Relief
For all the details, see the new Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) that covers Relief for certain persons and operations during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak. The SFAR is effective April 30. The Federal Register version is available at this...

Learn to fly hot air balloons – Timothy Cole II New Balloon Pilot!
When Timothy Cole II wanted to learn to fly hot air balloons, he turned to The Balloon Training Academy for hot air balloon training! Tim signed up for our Private Pilot Knowledge Test Prep Course to pass the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Exam. Tim writes, "I'd really...

How To Become A Hot Air Balloon Pilot
Learn how to become a hot air balloon pilot!

ADS-B and hot air balloons
Learn about the new ADS-B regulations and how it applies to hot air balloons.

What Size Balloon Should I Buy?
Learn about what size hot air balloon you should buy for your flight training. Learn to fly in the correct balloon size! Buy a balloon which helps you earn your pilot certificate!