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How can someone become a balloon pilot?

To become a balloon pilot, you have to undergo either a theoretical examination or a practical examination.

The theoretical subjects are navigation, meteorology, knowledge of balloon materials, legislation, radiotelephone and physiology.

These theoretical courses may be taken at any aviation school in Portugal, since the theoretical test is the same as the one required for an aircraft pilot certificate. The practical classes consist of flying lessons with an instructor who can attend Windpassenger, for example. It is mandatory to carry out 16 to 20 hours of ballooning, including a solo flight.

Only then can you apply for the practical test. A complete Class 2 medical check-up is also mandatory.

The price of a ballooning course is around €7000 and the duration of the course is a year on average.

After the course, you must first complete a total of 150 hours of balloon travel for 2-3 people before you can travel in balloons of greater capacity and passenger balloons
To become a balloon pilot, you have to undergo either a theoretical examination or a practical examination.

The theoretical subjects are navigation, meteorology, knowledge of balloon materials, legislation, radiotelephone and physiology.

These theoretical courses may be taken at any aviation school in Portugal, since the theoretical test is the same as the one required for an aircraft pilot certificate. The practical classes consist of flying lessons with an instructor who can attend Windpassenger, for example. It is mandatory to carry out 16 to 20 hours of ballooning, including a solo flight.

Only then can you apply for the practical test. A complete Class 2 medical check-up is also mandatory.

The price of a ballooning course is around €7000 and the duration of the course is a year on average.

After the course, you must first complete a total of 150 hours of balloon travel for 2-3 people before you can travel in balloons of greater capacity and passenger balloons
To become a balloon pilot, you have to undergo either a theoretical examination or a practical examination.

The theoretical subjects are navigation, meteorology, knowledge of balloon materials, legislation, radiotelephone and physiology.

These theoretical courses may be taken at any aviation school in Portugal, since the theoretical test is the same as the one required for an aircraft pilot certificate. The practical classes consist of flying lessons with an instructor who can attend Windpassenger, for example. It is mandatory to carry out 16 to 20 hours of ballooning, including a solo flight.

Only then can you apply for the practical test. A complete Class 2 medical check-up is also mandatory.

The price of a ballooning course is around €7000 and the duration of the course is a year on average.

After the course, you must first complete a total of 150 hours of balloon travel for 2-3 people before you can travel in balloons of greater capacity and passenger balloons

Can you go around the world in a hot air balloon?

There have been several attempts to travel the world in a hot air balloon.

Many of these attempts resulted in failure. But in March 1999, this feat was achieved by the Breitling Orbiter 3. 41 year old Bertrand Piccard and 51 year old Brian Jones were onboard.

The journey comprised no less than 46,795 kilometers, which they were able to fly in 19 days, 21 hours and 55 minutes.On a journey like this, the pilot tries to ride the jet stream. This is a strong current to a height of approximately 10,000 meters.

Once inside this stream, it’s possible to go around the world.

However, the altitude is too high, the cold considerable and the air thin. So it is not possible to make such a journey in a normal balloon.

An enclosed cabin that protects well against the sun and the cold as well as provisioned with a wide range of instruments is necessary.

One should also carry provisions, oxygen and water for the entire journey.
The cabin is heavier than a wicker basket though, so you should have a much larger and robust balloon.
There have been several attempts to travel the world in a hot air balloon.

Many of these attempts resulted in failure. But in March 1999, this feat was achieved by the Breitling Orbiter 3. 41 year old Bertrand Piccard and 51 year old Brian Jones were onboard.

The journey comprised no less than 46,795 kilometers, which they were able to fly in 19 days, 21 hours and 55 minutes.On a journey like this, the pilot tries to ride the jet stream. This is a strong current to a height of approximately 10,000 meters.

Once inside this stream, it’s possible to go around the world.

However, the altitude is too high, the cold considerable and the air thin. So it is not possible to make such a journey in a normal balloon.

An enclosed cabin that protects well against the sun and the cold as well as provisioned with a wide range of instruments is necessary.

One should also carry provisions, oxygen and water for the entire journey.
The cabin is heavier than a wicker basket though, so you should have a much larger and robust balloon.
There have been several attempts to travel the world in a hot air balloon.

Many of these attempts resulted in failure. But in March 1999, this feat was achieved by the Breitling Orbiter 3. 41 year old Bertrand Piccard and 51 year old Brian Jones were onboard.

The journey comprised no less than 46,795 kilometers, which they were able to fly in 19 days, 21 hours and 55 minutes.On a journey like this, the pilot tries to ride the jet stream. This is a strong current to a height of approximately 10,000 meters.

Once inside this stream, it’s possible to go around the world.

However, the altitude is too high, the cold considerable and the air thin. So it is not possible to make such a journey in a normal balloon.

An enclosed cabin that protects well against the sun and the cold as well as provisioned with a wide range of instruments is necessary.

One should also carry provisions, oxygen and water for the entire journey.
The cabin is heavier than a wicker basket though, so you should have a much larger and robust balloon.


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