Balloon The Rockies

Q: What is the difference between Part 141 school instruction and Part 61 instruction?

A: 141 schools are special aviation schools whose operational criteria is designed by the FAA to facilitate a more rapid and thorough completion of the airman certification process.
141 Chief Instructors face stringent requirements for approval. A minimum of 600 hours of Instruction (not simply flight time) must be documented to even be considered as a Chief Instructor. Once approved, 141 operators are regularly evaluated by the FAA concerning curriculum issues and new FAA changes, aircraft maintenance, required refresher studies, minimum student enrollment, and instruction techniques. The school must go through the approval process every 2 years regardless or its successful operation.

A local commercial pilot has been given the privilege of instruction by virtue of FAR Part 61. He (she) has no requirement to use a curriculum or to maintain instruction currency. There is no requirement for refresher courses or ongoing training.

Q: Should I take the FAA written test out there?

A: You certainly can. However, it is more efficient if you can get it done before you arrive. We can provide the assistance you need to pass from here if necessary. During your stay, we will be working on the oral test material, which is quite comprehensive. We also spend a great deal of time discussing real life balloon scenarios that you will experience. This kind of information hard is hard to get when back at home.

Q: I live in a flat area where there are lots of trees and wind. Will I be able to fly safely here after learning in mountainous terrain?

A: I have had great success training new pilots from Vermont to Florida, Alaska to Hawaii. Having flown balloons in most of the US and many parts of the world for 24 years, I understand what a new pilot will be up against in their local environment. The essence to flying safely anywhere is good control skills and good judgment. Aside from accomplishing the rating, we work mostly on control and judgment in different scenarios during the training. The student progresses to “tight landing” skills early in the training. Nothing about “tight landings” are left to chance. The student realizes early what maneuvers are necessary to execute a safe tight landing. The trick is to summon the concentration and fundamental skills necessary to accomplish it.With practice, skill and confidence comes. The new pilot leaves here as prepared as possible for the expected and unexpected conditions. Even so, I always suggest flying with a local pilot once or twice upon returning home if possible, to learn the lay of the land, local tricks, and any red zones that might be in the area.

Q: What do I do about housing out there?

A: You are welcome to stay at my house during your training. It is comfortable, quiet and free of distraction here. While there is no meal service, you are welcome to help yourself. We are situated on 5 acres just outside of beautiful Park City, UT.

If you wish to get a room, this is a ski resort and rooms are plentiful.

Q: Is it hard to get there?

A: Park City is located just 30 minutes down Interstate 80 from the Salt Lake City International Airport.

Q: I’m planning to buy a balloon. Should I buy one before I come or train in yours.

A: There are some advantages to training in your own balloon. The tuition is slightly less and you become familiar with your system.

However, most students arriving here know very little about the variety of balloon systems available on the market today. Their knowledge is based on crewing for one particular type or what they have heard from some pilots. This school setting allows the student to experience what makes a balloon really work and the features that matter to him/her. The repair station offers a chance to look at the different types of systems and talk with some of the owners. At graduation, the new pilot is better able to make a more informed decision on what he/she wants in a balloon system.