This Balloon Flying Handbook introduces the basic pilot knowledge and skills that are essential for piloting balloons. It introduces pilots to the broad spectrum of knowledge that will be needed as they progress in their pilot training. This handbook is for student pilots, as well as those pursuing more advanced pilot certificates. Student pilots learning to fly balloons, certificated pilots preparing for additional balloon ratings or who desire to improve their flying proficiency and aeronautical knowledge, and commercial balloon pilots teaching balloon students how to fly should find this handbook helpful. This book introduces the prospective pilot to the realm of balloon flight and provides information and guidance to all balloon pilots in the performance of various balloon maneuvers and procedures. Table of Contents: Chapter 1, Introduction to Balloon Flight Training; Chapter 2, Hot Air Balloon Design, Systems, and Theory; Chapter 3, Preflight Planning; Chapter 4, Weather Theory and Reports; Chapter 5, The National Airspace System; Chapter 6, Layout to Launch; Chapter 7, In-flight Maneuvers; Chapter 8, Landing and Recovery; Chapter 9, Aeromedical Factors; Chapter 10, The Instructional Process; Chapter 11, The Gas Balloon; Appendix, Vapor Pressures of LP Gases, Pibal Plotting Grid, Balloon Flight Checklists, Pibal Velocity Versus Size, Log Book Endorsement Formats, Lift Table for Helium and Hydrogen Standard Temperatures and Pressures; Glossary and Index. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is an agency of the United States Department of Transportation with authority to regulate and oversee all aspects of civil aviation in the U.S. (National Airworthiness Authority). The Federal Aviation Act of 1958 created the group under the name "Federal Aviation Agency", and adopted its current name in 1967 when it became a part of the United States Department of Transportation. The Federal Aviation Administration's major roles include: Regulating U.S. commercial space transportation. Regulating air navigation facilities' geometry and Flight inspection standards. Encouraging and developing civil aeronautics, including new aviation technology. Issuing, suspending, or revoking pilot certificates. Regulating civil aviation to promote safety, especially through local offices called Flight Standards District Offices. Developing and operating a system of air traffic control and navigation for both civil and military aircraft. Researching and developing the National Airspace System and civil aeronautics. Developing and carrying out programs to control aircraft noise and other environmental effects of civil aviation.
