Meet the FAA's minimum requirements to become a student pilot. You must be 14 years of age and be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language.
There is no medical certificate required for balloon pilots; however, you must not have a condition that would prevent you from safety operating the aircraft. If you are rated to fly any other type of aircraft that requires a medical certificate, that certificate must be maintained.
Obtain a Student Pilot Certificate from the local FAA office or Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). If you already have an FAA airman's certificate to fly another type of aircraft, a new student certificate is not required.
Complete a minimum of 10 hours of flight training that includes at least six flights with an instructor training on the private pilot operation. Two flights of a minimum of 1 hour each must be completed within 60 days of taking the practical examination.
Complete one controlled ascent to 2,000 feet above the takeoff point during a training flight.
Complete one solo flight in a balloon with an airborne heater.
Pass both the written FAA Knowledge Test and Practical Knowledge (oral and flight) test administered by a FAA examiner or DPE.
The written and oral examinations cover topics that include preflight planning and procedures, airport operations, aircraft maneuvers, emergency procedures, performance maneuvers, Federal Aviation Regulations, the use of performance charts and calculating weight and balance, and post flight procedures. All of these topics should be sufficiently covered in flight training and book study. The typical student should plan to study three hours for every hour spent with a flight instructor.