Ballooning > Regulations > FAA

• FAA Sport Pilot NPRM - The FAA has proposed new certification requirements for light-sport aircraft, pilots and repairmen. The proposal is intended to provide flying enthusiasts with safe and cost-effective option. These are small, light, non-commercial, two-person aircraft/balloons with different rules for learning to fly, easier to manufacture and certify, and different repair rules.
  
   
• FAR INDEX - The official Federal Aviation Regulations online. This FAA index makes it easy to find the part you're looking for.
  
   
• FAA Online Services - Official US government site to change your address as a pilot, order a replacement pilot certificate (or temporary certificate), or have your social security number removed.
  
   
• FAR Part 1 - Definitions and Abbreviations - The official FAA definitions of aviation terminology as written into the law.
  
   
• FAR Part 31 - Airworthiness Standards - Manned Free Balloons - The complete text straight from the FAA. Includes flight and strength requirements, design construction, equipment, operating limitations, and instructions for continued airworthiness.
  
   
• FAR Part 43 - Maintenance and Preventative Maintenance - Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) covering maintenance of aircraft, plus rebuilding or altering aircraft and preventative maintenance.
  
   
• FAR Part 45 - Identification and Registration Marking - The actual regulations covering N-numbers, dataplates, and other required identification.
  
   
• FAR Part 47 - Aircraft Registration - FAA requirements, rules, and fees for registering aircraft in the USA.
  
   
• FAR Part 61 - Pilot Certification - FAA rules for getting and keeping a pilot's license. Includes student, private, commercial and flight instructor ratings.
  
   
• FAR Part 67 - Medical Standards and Certification - FAA requirements for Airman Medical Certificates. These are not usually required for balloonists, but many Canadian festivals require US pilots to have a Second Class medical.
  
   
• FAR Part 91 - General Operating and Flight Rules - The most relevant section - the actual rules on flying a balloon. Complete text from the FAA site.
  
   
• FAR Part 101 - Moored Balloons, Kites, Unmanned Free Balloons and Rockets - This FAR is most useful for understanding why a tethered balloon doesn't fit any of these categories.
  
   
• FAA vs. Bradens Balloons - Fascinating legal case where a repair station stood up to the FAA and won! The little guy can win sometimes. Surprisingly entertaining to read, and a little more outrageous than you'd expect.
  
   
• FAR Part 103 - Ultralight Balloons - Official FAA rules for building, flying, and certifying an ultralight aircraft. These lightweight, one person balloons may be homebuilt or constructed by an established manufacturer. You do not need a pilot license to fly an ultralight.
  
   
• FAR Part 105 - Parachute Jumping - The law has requirements for both pilots and jumpers to follow. Review this before letting anyone jump from your balloon!
  
   
• FAR Part 141 - Pilot Schools - Rules for establishing and running a part 141 pilot training school. These schools are allowed to train students in fewer hours than normal flight instructors.
  
   
• FAR Part 145 - Repair Stations - FAA Requirements for Aircraft Repair Stations. Includes certification, personnel needed, procedures, and reporting.
  
   
• Tethered vs. Moored Balloons - August 1996 Balloon Life article that states that a hot air balloon may NOT be operated under part 101 (moored balloons).