BALLOON FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR ENDORSEMENTS

The following examples are recommended by AC61-65D for use by authorized instructors when endorsing logbooks, providing written statements for airmen applying for written or practical tests, and when certifying accomplishment of requirements for pilot operating privileges.  Each endorsement shall include the instructor's signature, date of signature, and certificate number.  The reference FAR is provided for each endorsement.

Student Pilot Endorsements

¨        For pre-solo aeronautical knowledge:  § 61.87(b)

I certify that (Name of pilot) has satisfactorily completed a pre-solo knowledge exam of § 61.87(b) for the (make & model balloon).

[Date]  S/S       Chester W. Goodschnook          16853901

NOTE:  Each of the following endorsements shall contain a signature block with all of the information as depicted above.

¨        For pre-solo flight training:  § 61.87(c)

I certify that (name of pilot) has received the required pre-solo training in a (make & model balloon).  I have determined (he/she) has demonstrated the proficiency of § 61.87(k) and is proficient to make solo flights in a (make & model balloon).  

NOTE:  The instructor may want to stipulate additional limitations (weather, wind, etc.) on any solo endorsement.

¨        For solo (each additional 90 day period):  § 61.87(n)

I certify that (name of pilot) has received the required training to qualify for solo flying.  I have determined (he/she) meets the applicable requirements of § 61.87(n) and is proficient to make solo flights in a (make & model balloon).

¨        For solo flight in Class “B” airspace:  § 61.95(a)

I certify that (name of pilot) has received the required training of FAR § 61.95(a).  I have determined (he/she) is proficient to conduct solo flights in (name of Class B) airspace.

¨          Endorsement to certify completion of prerequisites for a practical test:  FAR § 61.39(a)(6)

I have given (name of pilot) flight instruction in preparation for the (private/commercial) lighter-than-air balloon practical test within the preceding 60 days and find (him/her) competent to pass the test and to have satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas in which the applicant was shown to be deficient by (his/her) airman written test.    

  Private Pilot Endorsements  

¨        For aeronautical knowledge:  §§ 61.35(a)(1) 61.103(d) and 61.105

I certify that (name of pilot) has received the required training of § 61.105.  I have determined that (he/she) is prepared for the Private Pilot-Balloon knowledge test.

¨        For flight proficiency:  §§ 61.103(f) 61.107(b)(8) and 61.109(h)

I certify that (name of pilot) has received the required training of § 61.107(b)(8) & 61.109(h).  I have determined that (he/she) is prepared for the Private Pilot-Balloon practical test.  

¨        For flight proficiency:  §§ 61.103(f) 61.107(b)(8) and 61.109(h)

I certify that (name of pilot) has received the required training of § 61.107(b)(8) & 61.109(h).  I have determined that (he/she) is prepared for the Private Pilot-Balloon practical test.  

Commercial Pilot Endorsements  

¨        For aeronautical knowledge:  §§ 61.35(a)(1) and 61.123(c)

I certify that (name of pilot) has received the required training of § 61.125.  I have determined that (he/she) is prepared for the Commercial Pilot-Balloon knowledge test.

¨        For flight proficiency: §§ 61.123(e) and 61.127

I certify that (name of pilot) has received the required training of § 61.127(b)(8) and 61.129(h).  I have determined that (he/she) is prepared for the Commercial Pilot-Balloon practical test.

Additional Endorsements

¨        To act as Pilot In Command of an aircraft in solo operations when the pilot does not hold an appropriate category/class rating:  § 61.31(d)(3)

I certify that (name of pilot) has received the training required by § 61.31(d)(3) to serve as a PIC in a balloon.  I have determined that (he/she) is prepared to serve as PIC in a (make & model balloon).

NOTE:  The instructor may want to stipulate additional conditions (weather, wind, etc.) in the above endorsement.

NOTE:  This endorsement does not have to be renewed every 90 days unless the instructor places that limitation in the applicant’s personal logbook.

¨        To obtain an additional category or class rating:  FAR § 61.63(b) or (c).

I certify that (name of pilot) holder of (type) pilot certificate # (___) has received the required training for an additional Lighter-Than-Air, Balloon category and class rating.  I have determined that (he/she) is prepared for the (name of the practical test) for a Lighter-Than-Air, Balloon category and class rating.  

¨        To remove the “Limited to Hot Air Balloons with Airborne Heater” restriction from an existing LTA Balloon Certificate:  FAR § 61.109(h) or 61.129(h)

I certify that I have given (name of pilot) holder of (type) pilot certificate # (___) the ground and flight training required by FAR [61.105(b)/61.125(b); 61.107(b)(8)/61.127(b)(8); and 61.109(h)(1)/61.129(h)(1)] to act as a (Private/Commercial) Pilot in Command of a Gas Balloon.  I have determined that (he/she) is competent to perform the duties as the Pilot in Command of a Gas Balloon.  

¨        For retesting after failure of a knowledge or practical test:  FAR § 61.49.

I certify that (name of pilot) has received the additional (flight and/or ground) training as required by § 61.49.  I have determined that (he/she) is prepared for the (name of the knowledge/practical test).

NOTE:  In the case of a failed knowledge test, the instructor may complete the endorsement in the space provided at the bottom of the applicant’s airman knowledge test report.  The instructor must sign the block provided for the instructor's recommendation on the reverse side of FAA Form 8710-1 for each retake of a practical test.

¨        For completion of flight review:  FAR § 61.56(a) & (c)

I certify that (name of pilot) holder of (type) pilot certificate #(      ) has satisfactorily completed a Flight Review as required by

§ 61.56 on (mm/dd/yy).

NOTE:  The instructor should log the one hour of ground instruction that is required to complete the Flight Review in the pilot’s logbook.

NOTE:  No logbook entry reflecting unsatisfactory performance may be made - the entry should reflect dual instruction only.

¨        For completion of a phase of the FAA-pilot proficiency award program (WINGS):  § 61.56(e)

I certify that (name of pilot) holder of (type) pilot certificate #(      ) has satisfactorily completed Phase # ___ of the WINGS program on (mm/dd/yy).

¨        Review of a home study curriculum:   § 61.35(a)(1)

I certify have reviewed the home study curriculum of (name of pilot).  I have determined (he/she) is prepared for the (name of knowledge test).