Regulation Text
§ 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.
Research Notes
Research Notes — § 61.115 Balloon Rating: Limitations (Private Pilot)
Regulatory Context
Section 61.115 specifies that a private pilot certificate with a balloon rating does not authorize: carrying passengers for hire, acting as PIC for compensation or hire (beyond general § 61.113 exceptions), or operating an airship (which requires a separate airship class rating). These limitations reflect the unique safety considerations of balloon operations — altitude control, weather sensitivity, and landing unpredictability.
Airship vs. Balloon Distinction
Section 61.115(b) states that a balloon rating does not authorize operations in an airship. While obvious to most pilots, this addresses a historical ambiguity where "lighter-than-air" could be read to cover both balloons (non-powered) and airships (powered). The private pilot certificate with a balloon rating is category/class specific.
Regulatory Cross-References
- 14 CFR § 61.113 — general private pilot privileges and limitations
- 14 CFR § 61.5(b)(3) — lighter-than-air category, balloon and airship classes
- 14 CFR § 61.109(f) — aeronautical experience requirements for balloon rating
Source: 14 CFR § 61.115 — eCFR.gov