NOTE: Steps 1–7 have been omitted from this reference. To view these steps, reference the manual listed in the title of the section text. 

8. For a lighter-than-air category rating with a balloon class rating: 

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. (1997, July 30). 14 CFR part 61, section 61.107. Retrieved on 19 January 2007 from http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies. 

To be eligible for a commercial pilot certificate with a balloon rating, an applicant must be 18 years of age, complete the specific training requirements described in 14 CFR part 61, pass the required knowledge tests, and pass another practical test. 

The FAA has specified the aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency that must be demonstrated to earn a commercial certificate as listed below. 

## Aeronautical Knowledge, Commercial Pilot, 14 CFR Part 61, Section 61.125. 

(a) General. A person who applies for a commercial 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 commercial pilot privileges, limitations, and flight operations; 

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

3. Basic aerodynamics and the principles of flight; 

4. Meteorology to include recognition of critical weather situations, windshear recognition and avoidance, and the use of aeronautical weather reports and forecasts; 

i. Preflight preparation; 

ii. Preflight procedures; 

iii. Airport operations; 

iv. Launches and landings; 

v. Performance maneuvers; 

vi. Navigation; 

vii. Emergency operations; and 

viii. Postflight procedures. 

5. Safe and efficient operation of aircraft; 

6. Weight and balance computations; 

7. Use of performance charts; 

8. Significance and effects of exceeding aircraft performance limitations; 

9. Use of aeronautical charts and a magnetic compass for pilotage and dead reckoning; 

10. Use of air navigation facilities; 

11. Aeronautical decision-making and judgment; 

12. Principles and functions of aircraft systems; 

13. Maneuvers,procedures,andemergencyoperations appropriate to the aircraft; 

14. Night and high-altitude operations; 

15. Procedures for operating within the National Airspace System; and 

16. Procedures for flight and ground training for lighter-than-air ratings. 

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. (1997, July 30). 14 CFR part 61, section 61.125. Retrieved on 19 January 2007 from http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies. 

## Flight Proficiency, Commercial Pilot, 14 CFR Part 61, Section 61.127. 

(a) General. A person who applies for a commercial 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. 

8. For a lighter-than-air category rating with a balloon class rating: 

i. Fundamentals of instructing; 

ii. Technical subjects; 

iii. Preflight preparation; 

iv. Preflight lesson on a maneuver to be performed in flight; 

v. Preflight procedures; 

vi. Airport operations; 

vii. Launches and landings; 

viii. Performance maneuvers; 

ix. Navigation; 

x. Emergency operations; and 

xi. Postflight procedures. 

