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The PTS for lighter-than-air aircraft are the FAA-S-8081- 17 (Private Pilot) and FAA-S-8081-18 (Commercial Pilot). Copies may be obtained by: 

• Downloading from the Regulatory Support Division, AFS-600, website at http://afs600.faa.gov. 

• Purchasing printed copies from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. 

The official online bookstore web site for the United States Government Printing Office is http://bookstore.gpo.gov. 

## Flight Safety Practices 

In the interest of safety and the development of good flight habits, the flight instructor and student pilot should follow certain basic flight safety practices and procedures in every flight operation. These include, but are not limited to, collision avoidance procedures including proper scanning techniques, use of checklists, runway incursion avoidance and other airspace operations, positive transfer of controls, and workload management. 

## Collision Avoidance 

All pilots must be alert to the potential for midair collision and near midair collisions. The general operating and flight rules 

in 14 CFR part 91 set forth the concept of “See and Avoid.” This concept requires that vigilance shall be maintained at all times, by each person operating an aircraft. Pilots should also keep in mind their responsibility for continuously maintaining a vigilant lookout regardless of the type of balloon being flown and the purpose of the flight. Most midair collision accidents and reported near midair collision incidents occur in good VFR weather conditions and during the hours of daylight. 

With regards to balloon operations, the argument can be made that any discussion of collision avoidance applies when dealing with operations close to the ground. When contour flying, or during an approach to a landing site, the potential of collision with trees, power lines, and other obstacles is increased. [Figure 1-4] The techniques used in collision avoidance can be extremely valuable, particularly in the evolution of a balloon flight, as the pilot is perhaps exposed more to the dangers of collision than any other aircraft. 

The “See and Avoid” concept relies on knowledge of the limitations of the human eye, and the use of proper visual scanning techniques to help compensate for these limitations. The importance of, and the proper techniques for, visual scanning should be taught to a student pilot at the very beginning of flight training. The competent flight instructor should be familiar with the visual scanning and collision 

