§ 61.137 - Free balloon rating: Aeronautical experience.

An applicant for a commercial pilot certificate with a free balloon rating must have the following flight time as pilot:

(a) If a gas balloon or a hot air balloon with an airborne heater is used, a total of at least 35 hours of flight time as pilot including—

(1) 20 hours in free balloons; and

(2) 10 flights in free balloons, including—

(i) Six flights under the supervision of a commercial free balloon pilot;

(ii) Two solo flights;

(iii) Two flights of at least 2 hours duration if a gas balloon is used, or at least 1 hour duration if a hot air balloon with an airborne heater is used; and

(iv) One ascent under control to more than 10,000 feet above the take-off point if a gas balloon is used or 5,000 feet above the take off point if a hot air balloon with an airborne heater is used.

(b) If a hot air balloon without an airborne heater is used, 10 flights in free balloons including—

(1) Six flights under the supervision of a commercial free balloon pilot; and

(2) Two solo flights.