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
Fly every flight like a check ride
Fly every flight like a check ride At the IBA safety seminar Pat Cannon’s presentation "Surviving a Ramp Check" included, in part, having a current aeronautical chart in the basket. Randy Stone raised his hand and mentioned he might be the dumbest person in the room...
*MULTIPLE*UPDATES* On Balloon Medicals
UPDATE ON BALLOON MEDICAL REGULATIONS Below is some insight on the upcoming medical regulations for balloons and timeline for implementation. From FAA To NTSB Date 05/06/2021 Type Official Correspondence Response -From Steve Dickson, Administrator: The Federal...
Adam Magee earns National FAA Safety Team Representative of the Year!
Adam Magee is recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration for his work improving hot air balloon safety and creating a positive safety culture. He was presented with the National FAA Safety Team Representative of the Year award by FAA Administrator Steve Dickson.
Zero Fatalities – Take the Pledge!
Taking a step back on safety By Adam Magee I was asked the other day, “Why are you so focused on safety?” The short answer is to prevent additional regulations. How does that work exactly? You might have heard the old saying that regulations are written in...
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...