flight to further define the flight’s progress. The advantage of the OODA Loop Model is that it may be cumulative. Also, multiple cycles in different stages of completion may be occurring at any given point in the flight. 

## Balloon Certificate Eligibility Requirements 

To be eligible to fly a balloon solo, an applicant must be at least 14 years of age and demonstrate satisfactory aeronautical knowledge on a test developed by a flight instructor. Flight training must be received and logged for the maneuvers and procedures in 14 CFR part 61 that are appropriate to the make and model of aircraft to be flown. Only after all of these requirements are met can a flight instructor endorse a student's certificate and logbook for solo flight. 

To be eligible for a sport pilot certificate with a balloon endorsement, an applicant must be at least 16 years of age, complete the specific training and flight time requirements described in 14 CFR part 61, pass a knowledge test, and successfully complete a practical test. A sport pilot certificate with balloon endorsement authorizes piloting a balloon with a maximum takeoff gross weight of 1,320 pounds or less. Satisfactory proficiency and safety must also be demonstrated. 

To be eligible for a private pilot certificate with a balloon rating, an applicant must be at least 16 years of age, complete the specific training and flight time requirements described in 14 CFR part 61, pass a knowledge test, and successfully complete a practical test. A private pilot certificate allows a pilot to carry passengers, but he or she may not receive compensation. The FAA has specified the aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency that must be demonstrated to earn a private certificate as listed below. 

## Aeronautical Knowledge, Private Pilot, 14 CFR Part 61, Section 61.105. 

(a) General. A person who is applying for a private pilot certificate must receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home- study course on the aeronautical knowledge areas of paragraph (b) of this section that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought. 

(b) Aeronautical knowledge areas. 

1. Applicable Federal Aviation Regulations of this chapter that relate to private pilot privileges, limitations, and flight operations; 

2. Accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety Board; 

3. Use of the applicable portions of the Aeronautical Information Manual and FAA Advisory Circulars; 

4. Use of aeronautical charts for VFR navigation using pilotage, dead reckoning, and navigation systems; 

5. Radio communication procedures; 

6. Recognition of critical weather situations from the ground and in flight, windshear avoidance, and the procurement and use of aeronautical weather reports and forecasts; 

7. Safe and efficient operation of aircraft, including collision avoidance, and recognition and avoidance of wake turbulence; 

8. Effects of density altitude on takeoff and climb performance; 

9. Weight and balance computations; 

10. Principles of aerodynamics, powerplants, and aircraft systems; 

11. Stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery techniques for the airplane and glider category ratings; 

12. Aeronautical decision-making and judgment; and 

13. Preflight action that includes— 

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. (1997, July 30). 14 CFR part 61, section 61.105. Retrieved on 19 January 2007 from http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies. 

## Flight Proficiency, Private Pilot, 14 CFR Part 61, Section 61.107 

(a) General. A person who applies for a private pilot certificate must receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on the areas of operation of this section that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought. 

(b) Areas of operation. 

i. How to obtain information on runway lengths at airports of intended use, data on takeoff and landing distances, weather reports and forecasts, and fuel requirements; and 

ii. How to plan for alternatives if the planned flight cannot be completed or delays are encountered. 

