To learn more about hot-air ballooning, become part of the chase crew and learn about rigging and inflating the balloon, following the airborne balloon in the chase vehicle, and recovering and deflating the balloon. Then begin the flight instruction.

Your flight training must include at least six flights and ten hours for a private certificate, ten flights and 35 hours for a commercial. There are also a FAA written tests. You must be 14 years of age to apply for a student license, 16 to take the flight test for a private certificate, and 18 to take the flight test for the commercial certificate. There is no requirement for a medical certificate, however, you must sign a statement that you have no known medical defects which would make you unable to pilot a free balloon.

At Britannia Ballooning Adventures, we can provide instruction in our balloon or in your own balloon. To learn more about learning to pilot a hot-air balloon, call 845 621 0947, or write to Britannia Ballooning Adventures: paulw@britanniaballooning.com