Flight Training Information
North West

Statutory Requirements for the application of a Private Pilots Licence Balloons and Airships:-

1. Minimum of 16 hrs. flight time to be completed in not less than 6 separate flights
under supervision.

2. Minimum of 4 separate flights to be completed with an approved instructor / examiner the rest may be completed with any suitably licensed pilot.

3. Pass written examinations in Air Law, Meteorology and Navigation, Airmanship and Balloon Systems, and Human Performance Limitations.

4. Pass a General Flight Test with a qualified examiner.

5. Complete a Solo Flight of not less than 30 minutes under supervision.

In practise approximately 20 one hour flights are required to reach the required standard to pass a general flight test. It is recommended that the first flight at least be with an instructor to assess then at five hours ten hours and fifteen hours. Ground school training can be arranged or publications advised for self teaching.

To arrange a flight an absolute minimum of three people are required, two to fly in the
Balloon and one to drive the retrieve vehicle. After watching weather reports for a suitable flying slot to appear, the Airmet Aviation Report must then be obtained on the day of the flight. The report will then be used with the aid of the instructor/pilot to make a flight plan. The crew will then be briefed with help from the instructor/pilot prior to rigging and inflating the balloon.

Balloon Hire with insurance (77)	£77.00 per flying hour
Fuel – Propane Gas 20p per ltr. apprx.	£15.00
Instruction	£50.00
Retrieve Vehicle Hire	£15.00
Crew/Driver	£20.00

Some of the above costs can be saved by using own retrieve vehicle and crew, also some of the flights can be made with suitably qualified and approved pilots to save on instruction costs.

Ground school charges by arrangement.

For further information contact Graeme Church Chief Pilot and Instructor