Training

The Ballooning Society of Pikes Peak is desirous to expand the level of Balloons, Pilots and Crew members participating in Hot Air Ballooning in the Pikes Peak Region. With that in mind the Club Balloon Program was created. The Organizational and By Law documents are available for review below in the first section tab.

The Program is designed to offer an affordable entry level for pilots to obtain access to a hot air balloon system without the initial expense of that system. The Club owns the balloon and has a process for a Student Pilot, Private Pilot or Commercial Pilot to rent the system to fly. The Flight Operation Rules, Flight Limitations, Reservation Process, Defined Responsibilities, Operational Costs, Violations defined and Reporting process is defined in the Program Operations section. This second section defines the costs to join the Program and the related expenses to rent the system to operate. There is an initial membership to join the Club Balloon Program and then rental fees for each flight reservation.

Section Three is the Program Application and Rental Agreement that is executed by the student pilot and their Commercial Instructor Pilot.

Section four is the insurance application to RPS to have the renting parties added to the master BSOPP Balloon Club Insurance Policy.

As a novice wanting to learn to fly Lighter Than Air Hot Air Balloons you will need to complete a certified LTA Ground School. The (AAAA) Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association has an in person and on line training program that is exceptional. You may find them at

https://www.hotairballooning.org/education/balloon-pilot-ground-schools/

Once you complete and pass the Ground School you are qualified to take the FAA exam for your Student Pilot Certificate. With that in hand you are now eligible to start the flight training process and log your instruction time.