![]() ![]() Smaller or sport-sized balloons are for solo flights (pilot only) can start at $20,000. Sometimes members of chaser crews will volunteer to work in exchange for flight training, see the “Still not sure?” section below. ![]() During the flight, members of the chaser crew keep in contact with the pilot via two-way radio and ultimately meet them at the flight’s landing spot, where they help pack up the balloon and bring the pilot and any passengers back to where they started from. Because each flight is unique-pilots fly with the wind currents on flight day-pilots don’t know where they will land until they are in flight and need a chaser crew to follow their fight in van or other such vehicle on the streets below. Chaser crews are ground-based crew members who help balloonists inflate and deflate the balloon and assist with landings. You will also need a chaser crew on hand when you fly. Additionally, comprehensive insurance will cost anywhere from $500 to $1,200 annually. Others you will have to buy on your own, such as fuel for each flight (from $15 to $30 and up per hour) and the inflation fan ( $900 and up). Costs of these items can vary and some of them are included when you purchase a balloon. When buying a balloon, keep in mind you are buying a “flight system” that consists of the balloon (also called the envelope), the basket or gondola, fuel, burners and an inflation fan that is used to help inflate the envelope. So, how much will buying your own balloon set you back? Buying Your Balloonīalloons are expensive and range in size and purpose. The costs for training for a private license can range from $1,200 to $2,750, a commercial license can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500. Rates for pilot training vary depending on the license you want and whether or not you will use your own balloon or the school’s during your training (cheaper rates apply if you use your own). At a minimum the schools’ training programs must meet the FAR’s requirements, many offer more extensive programs that include more training time. Schools will help you log hours of ground and flight training and some offer additional study materials to help you pass the written test. There are a number of FAA-approved flight schools that offer training courses for a private or commercial license. A commercial license requires more experience- pilots must have at least thirty-five hours of flight time with additional ground experience and must pass a much more stringent written test. Training for a private license requires at least ten hours of flight instruction combined with additional hours of ground training and a written test. The requirements for each license are outlined by the Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 141. A private license allows you to fly solo in a balloon, a commercial license allows you to take people on rides in a balloon (all commercial pilots must hold a private pilot’s license). There are two kinds of pilots’ licenses available: private and commercial. Still interested? Start by getting your pilot’s license. ![]()
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