FAR 61.115 — Balloon Rating Limitations
FAR 61.115 explains balloon rating limitations on a private pilot certificate based on practical test type and how to remove them.
In Plain English
FAR 61.115 controls what type of balloon a private pilot can fly based on the balloon used for the practical test (checkride). There are two categories of balloons: a balloon with an airborne heater (hot air) and a gas balloon. Your certificate will be limited to the type you tested in.
- If you take the checkride in a balloon with an airborne heater, your certificate will be limited to balloons with an airborne heater.
- If you take the checkride in a gas balloon, your certificate will be limited to gas balloons.
To remove the limitation, you must:
- Obtain the required aeronautical experience in the other type of balloon, and
- Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor attesting to your experience and your ability to satisfactorily operate that other type of balloon.
Operationally, this matters because hot air and gas balloons handle very differently. The FAA wants pilots to demonstrate competence in each type before exercising privileges in it.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 61.115§ 61.115 Balloon rating: Limitations.
(a) If a person who applies for a private pilot certificate with a balloon rating takes a practical test in a balloon with an airborne heater:
(1) The pilot certificate will contain a limitation restricting the exercise of the privileges of that certificate to a balloon with an airborne heater; and
(2) The limitation may be removed when the person obtains the required aeronautical experience in a gas balloon and receives a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who attests to the person's accomplishment of the required aeronautical experience and ability to satisfactorily operate a gas balloon.
(b) If a person who applies for a private pilot certificate with a balloon rating takes a practical test in a gas balloon:
(1) The pilot certificate will contain a limitation restricting the exercise of the privilege of that certificate to a gas balloon; and
(2) The limitation may be removed when the person obtains the required aeronautical experience in a balloon with an airborne heater and receives a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who attests to the person's accomplishment of the required aeronautical experience and ability to satisfactorily operate a balloon with an airborne heater.
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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1You took your private pilot checkride in a hot air balloon. What limitation appears on your certificate?
Per FAR 61.115, the certificate will be limited to exercising privileges only in a balloon with an airborne heater.
Q2How do you remove the gas balloon limitation from your private pilot certificate?
Under FAR 61.115, you must obtain the required aeronautical experience in a balloon with an airborne heater and receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor attesting to your experience and ability to satisfactorily operate that type of balloon.
Q3If you trained and tested in a gas balloon, can you legally fly a hot air balloon as PIC on your private pilot certificate?
No. FAR 61.115 limits your privileges to gas balloons until you complete the required experience in a balloon with an airborne heater and receive the proper instructor endorsement to remove the limitation.
Studying for a checkride?
§61.113 Privileges & Limits
Private pilot compensation, pro-rata sharing, and BasicMed limits
§61.57 Recent Flight Experience
90-day passenger, night, and instrument currency rules
§61.89 Student Pilot Limitations
Solo student limits: no passengers, no compensation, minimum visibility
§61.51 Pilot Logbooks
Logging training, aeronautical experience, and recency for certificates
§61.23 Medical Certificate Duration
First-, second-, and third-class medical requirement and validity periods
Instrument Rating Requirements
IFR eligibility and aeronautical experience
Related Sections in Part 61