content_image/530662.jpg
learns a new principle or technique, but also broadens his or her application of those principles or techniques previously learned. Insistence on correct techniques and procedures from the beginning of training by the flight instructor ensures that the student pilot develops proper flying habit patterns. Any deficiencies in the maneuvers or techniques must immediately be emphasized and corrected. 

A flight instructor serves as a role model for the student pilot who observes the flying habits of his or her flight instructor during flight instruction, as well as when the instructor conducts other pilot operations. Thus, the flight instructor becomes a model of flying proficiency for the student who, consciously or subconsciously, attempts to imitate the instructor. For this reason, a flight instructor should observe recognized safety practices, as well as regulations during all flight operations. 

The student pilot who enrolls in a pilot training program commits considerable time, effort, and expense to achieve a pilot certificate. Many times a student judges the effectiveness of the flight instructor and the success of the pilot training program based on his or her ability to pass the requisite FAA practical test. A competent flight instructor stresses to the student that practical tests are a sampling of pilot ability compressed into a short period of time. The goal of a flight instructor is to train the “total” pilot. 

## Sources of Flight Training 

Flight training in the United States is conducted by FAA- approved pilot schools and training centers, non-certificated (14 CFR part 61) flying schools, and independent flight instructors. There are a limited number of part 141 balloon training programs in the United States with most balloon flight training being conducted by certificated commercial balloon pilots authorized to instruct under the authority of 14 CFR section 61.133 (a)(2)(ii)(a). 

FAA-approved schools are flight schools certificated by the FAA as pilot schools under 14 CFR part 141. [Figure 1-2] Application for certification is voluntary and the school must meet stringent requirements for personnel, equipment, maintenance, and facilities; and teach an established curriculum which includes a training course outline (TCO) approved by the FAA. A list of FAA certificated pilot schools and their training courses can be found in Advisory Circular (AC) 140-2, FAA Certificated Pilot School Directory. 

As noted above, the major source of balloon flight training in the United States is conducted by certificated commercial balloon pilots. Many of these individuals offer excellent training and meet or exceed the standards required of FAA- 

approved pilot schools, but not all flight instructors are equal. It is important for a student pilot to choose a flight instructor wisely, because a balloon flight training program is dependent upon the quality of the ground and flight instruction the student pilot receives. 

## $^{ }$Practical Test Standards (PTS) 

The FAA has developed Practical Test Standards [Figure 1-3] for FAA pilot certificates and associated ratings. These practical tests are administered by FAA ASIs and DPEs. 14 CFR part 61 specifies the areas of operation in which knowledge and skill must be demonstrated by the applicant. Since the FAA requires that all practical tests be conducted in accordance with the appropriate PTSs and the policies set forth in the introduction section of the PTS book, the pilot applicant should become familiar with this book during training. 

The PTS book is a testing document and not intended to be a training syllabus. An appropriately rated flight instructor is responsible for training the pilot applicant to acceptable standards in all subject matter areas, procedures, and maneuvers. Descriptions of tasks and information on how to perform maneuvers and procedures are contained in reference and teaching documents, such as this handbook. A list of reference documents is contained in the introduction section of each PTS book. 

<img src='content_image/530662.jpg'>

