FAA CBH Knowledge Test — Commercial Pilot Balloon - Hot Air

Under 14 CFR Part 61, what privileges does a commercial pilot certificate with a lighter-than-air balloon rating grant to the holder?

• ACarrying passengers or property for compensation or hire, and giving flight instruction i…
• BCarrying passengers for hire only if holding a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating
• COperating international commercial air carrier flights under Part 121 regulations
• DConducting scheduled commuter air service flights under Part 135 regulations

Does a commercial hot air balloon pilot exercising commercial privileges (such as passenger rides for hire) require an FAA medical certificate?

• ANo, commercial balloon pilots are exempt from holding an FAA medical certificate under 14…
• BYes, a Second-Class FAA medical certificate is required for all commercial operations
• CYes, a Third-Class FAA medical certificate renewed every 24 months is required
• DNo, but a BasicMed doctor examination must be completed every 48 months

To maintain currency as a commercial balloon pilot, what flight review requirements must be satisfied under 14 CFR § 61.56?

• ACompletion of a flight review consisting of at least 1 hour of ground instruction and 1 h…
• BCompletion of a flight review consisting of 2 hours of flight training every 12 calendar…
• CA pilot logbook audit by an FAA inspector every 36 calendar months
• DPassing a written knowledge exam every 24 calendar months

To act as pilot-in-command of a hot air balloon carrying passengers for hire, what recent flight experience is required by 14 CFR § 61.57?

• AAt least 3 takeoffs and 3 landings to a full stop in a balloon within the preceding 90 da…
• BAt least 5 hours of flight time in a balloon within the preceding 30 days
• CAt least 10 tethered flights and 1 free flight within the preceding 60 days
• DAt least 3 takeoffs and 3 landings in any category of aircraft within the preceding 90 da…

A commercial hot air balloon pilot wishes to provide flight instruction to a student pilot. Under 14 CFR § 61.133, what condition must be met?

• AThe commercial balloon pilot may give flight instruction in a balloon without holding a f…
• BThe pilot must hold a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate with a lighter-than-a…
• CThe pilot must log at least 500 hours of commercial balloon flight time before providing…
• DThe student must obtain prior written approval from the local FSDO before training begins

What is the minimum safe altitude requirement under 14 CFR § 91.119 when operating a hot air balloon over a congested area of a city or town?

• AAn altitude allowing, if a power unit fails, an emergency landing without undue hazard to…
• BAt least 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet a…
• CAt least 500 feet above the surface or any obstacle
• DNo altitude restriction applies to lighter-than-air aircraft under any circumstance

What are the basic VFR weather minimums for operating a hot air balloon in Class G airspace below 1,200 feet AGL during daylight hours?

• A1 statute mile flight visibility and clear of clouds
• B3 statute miles flight visibility and 500 feet below clouds
• C5 statute miles flight visibility and 1,000 feet above clouds
• D1/2 statute mile flight visibility and 1,000 feet horizontal cloud clearance

What are the daytime VFR weather minimums for a hot air balloon operating in Class E airspace below 10,000 feet MSL?

• A3 statute miles visibility; cloud clearance: 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet…
• B1 statute mile visibility; clear of clouds
• C3 statute miles visibility; clear of clouds at all times
• D5 statute miles visibility; 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 1 statute mile horizontal

According to 14 CFR § 91.113, what is the right-of-way order when a hot air balloon, a glider, and an airplane converge at the same altitude?

• AThe hot air balloon has right-of-way over both the glider and the airplane
• BThe glider has right-of-way over the balloon and the airplane
• CThe power-driven airplane has right-of-way over the unpowered balloon
• DAll three aircraft must turn right immediately regardless of aircraft category

Under 14 CFR § 91.17, what are the alcohol restrictions for crewmembers operating a commercial hot air balloon?

• AWithin 8 hours after consuming alcohol, or while having a blood alcohol concentration (BA…
• BWithin 12 hours after consuming alcohol, or while having a blood alcohol concentration (B…
• CWithin 24 hours after consuming alcohol, with zero tolerance for any measurable alcohol
• DWithin 4 hours after consuming alcohol, provided the pilot feels fully alert

Under 14 CFR § 91.409, how often must a hot air balloon undergo an annual inspection to remain airworthy?

• AWithin the preceding 12 calendar months
• BEvery 100 flight hours or 6 months, whichever comes first
• CEvery 24 calendar months
• DEvery 36 calendar months

A commercial hot air balloon is used for carrying passengers for hire. What additional maintenance inspection requirement applies under 14 CFR § 91.409(b)?

• AIt must undergo a 100-hour inspection within the preceding 100 hours of time in service
• BIt must undergo a burner rebuild every 50 hours of flight time
• CIt must undergo a structural fabric tear test every 6 calendar months
• DIt must undergo an FAA FSDO ramp inspection prior to every commercial ride flight

If a commercial hot air balloon is equipped with an ATC transponder for operations in controlled airspace, how often must the transponder be tested and inspected under 14 CFR § 91.413?

• AWithin the preceding 24 calendar months
• BWithin the preceding 12 calendar months
• CWithin the preceding 100 hours of flight time
• DPrior to every flight in Class B airspace

What certificates and documents must be aboard a hot air balloon during a commercial passenger flight?

• AAirworthiness Certificate, Registration Certificate, Operating Limitations (AFM/RFM), and…
• BAirworthiness Certificate, Pilot Logbook, Insurance Policy, and FAA Form 337
• CCommercial Pilot Certificate, Medical Certificate, Radio Station License, and NTSB Incide…
• DRegistration Certificate, Manufacturer Invoice, Passenger Ticket Stubs, and Flight Review…

Under 14 CFR § 91.211, when is supplemental oxygen required for the minimum flight crew during a high-altitude balloon flight?

• AAt cabin pressure altitudes above 12,500 feet MSL up to and including 14,000 feet MSL, fo…
• BAt all altitudes above 10,000 feet MSL regardless of duration
• COnly when flying above 18,000 feet MSL in Class A airspace
• DAt cabin pressure altitudes above 12,000 feet MSL for any duration exceeding 15 minutes

At what pressure altitude must all passengers on a commercial hot air balloon flight be provided with supplemental oxygen under 14 CFR § 91.211?

• AAbove 15,000 feet MSL
• BAbove 14,000 feet MSL
• CAbove 12,500 feet MSL
• DAbove 10,000 feet MSL

Under NTSB Part 830, which of the following events requires immediate notification to the nearest National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) field office?

• AAn in-flight burner fire causing major structural damage to the envelope load tapes, or s…
• BA hard landing resulting in a scuffed basket shoe and minor passenger bruising
• CA thermal burn to the pilot's finger requiring basic first aid
• DA balloon envelope snag on a tree branch during landing resulting in a 6-inch fabric tear

Following an aircraft accident involving a commercial hot air balloon, within how many days must a formal written report (NTSB Form 6120.1) be filed with the NTSB under Part 830.15?

• AWithin 10 days after the accident
• BWithin 7 days after the accident
• CWithin 48 hours after the accident
• DWithin 30 days after the accident

Commercial hot air balloon ride operators carrying passengers for hire operate under which Federal Aviation Regulation operating part?

• A14 CFR Part 91 (General Operating and Flight Rules)
• B14 CFR Part 135 (Commuter and On-Demand Operations)
• C14 CFR Part 121 (Operating Requirements: Domestic, Flag, and Supplemental)
• D14 CFR Part 133 (Rotorcraft External-Load Operations)

Under 14 CFR § 61.3(l), to whom must a commercial balloon pilot present their pilot certificate and logbook upon reasonable request?

• AThe FAA Administrator, an authorized NTSB representative, or any federal, state, or local…
• BThe airport manager or local air traffic controller only
• CAny fare-paying commercial passenger onboard the flight
• DOnly an active FAA Aviation Safety Inspector from the local FSDO

What preflight action is required by 14 CFR § 91.103 for a commercial balloon flight away from the vicinity of the launch site?

• ABecoming familiar with all available information concerning that flight, including weathe…
• BFiling an official IFR flight plan with Air Traffic Control at least 1 hour prior to laun…
• CObtaining a written launch permit signed by the local city mayor
• DConducting a test flight of the balloon without passengers immediately prior to passenger…

Under 14 CFR § 91.15, under what condition may a commercial balloon pilot allow an object to be dropped from a balloon in flight?

• AIf reasonable precautions are taken to avoid creating a hazard to persons or property on…
• BObjects may never be dropped from a balloon under any circumstances
• COnly if prior written approval is granted by the Department of Transportation
• DOnly when flying over designated open water areas at least 3 miles offshore

What are the Special VFR (SVFR) weather minimums for a hot air balloon operating within Class D surface airspace under 14 CFR § 91.157?

• AAt least 1 statute mile flight visibility and remaining clear of clouds
• BAt least 3 statute miles flight visibility and 1,000 feet ceiling
• CAt least 5 statute miles flight visibility and 500 feet below clouds
• DSpecial VFR operations are prohibited for lighter-than-air aircraft

How must a commercial balloon pilot log flight time when acting as pilot-in-command (PIC) while giving flight instruction to a student pilot?

• ALog the time as both Pilot-in-Command (PIC) and Flight Instruction Given in the pilot log…
• BLog the time as Dual Received since another person is at the controls
• CLog the time as Second-in-Command (SIC) flight time
• DLog the time as Solo flight time because only one certificated pilot is aboard

When launching or landing a hot air balloon near a non-towered airport located in Class G airspace, what rule applies under 14 CFR § 91.126?

• AThe pilot must avoid flow of fixed-wing traffic or make all turns to the left unless othe…
• BThe pilot must maintain continuous two-way radio contact with the regional TRACON
• CThe pilot must obtain a landing clearance from the nearest FSS operator via telephone
• DThe balloon must remain at least 5 miles away from any non-towered airport boundary at al…

Under 14 CFR § 91.205(c), what equipment is specifically required on a hot air balloon for VFR flight during night hours?

• AApproved position lights (aviation red/green and white) and an adequate source of electri…
• BA dual-frequency VOR receiver and ILS glideslope antenna
• CA radar altimeter and synthetic vision system
• DAn operable landing gear retraction warning horn

What requirement applies to a hot air balloon operating within the Mode C Veil (within 30 nautical miles of a Class B primary airport) under 14 CFR § 91.215?

• AUnless granted a deviation by ATC, the balloon must be equipped with an operable Mode C a…
• BBalloons are automatically exempt from Mode C requirements within 30 NM of Class B airpor…
• CBalloons may operate freely provided they stay below 500 feet AGL
• DBalloons must maintain two-way radio communication with the airport tower at all times re…

A commercial pilot holding a Lighter-than-Air rating limited to Hot Air Balloons wishes to carry passengers in a Gas Balloon for compensation. What is required?

• AObtaining an additional class rating for Gas Balloons under 14 CFR Part 61
• BCompleting a 1-hour ground briefing with any private gas balloon pilot
• CLogging 5 hours of gas balloon solo time with no further practical test
• DNo additional action; hot air balloon commercial privileges cover gas balloons automatica…

Under 14 CFR § 61.60, within how many days must a certificated pilot notify the FAA Airmen Certification Branch after changing their permanent mailing address?

• A30 days
• B60 days
• C90 days
• D120 days

Under 14 CFR § 91.3, what authority does the pilot-in-command (PIC) possess during an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action?

• AThe PIC may deviate from any rule of Part 91 to the extent required to meet that emergency
• BThe PIC must obtain verbal approval from FAA Air Traffic Control before taking any emerge…
• CThe PIC may only deviate from altitude rules, but must comply with all airspace rules
• DThe PIC must land immediately at the nearest public airport regardless of wind conditions

What is the key difference in internal design between a liquid-withdrawal propane tank valve and a vapor-withdrawal propane tank valve in a hot air balloon system?

• ALiquid-withdrawal valves connect to a dip tube extending to the bottom of the cylinder, w…
• BLiquid-withdrawal valves use a brass float filter, whereas vapor valves use an aluminum m…
• CVapor-withdrawal valves operate at 300 psi higher pressure than liquid-withdrawal valves
• DLiquid-withdrawal valves draw propane vapor from the top, while vapor valves draw liquid…

Why are propane fuel cylinders for hot air balloons filled to a maximum of 80 percent of total liquid capacity (leaving a 20 percent vapor space)?

• ATo allow room for liquid propane thermal expansion as temperature increases, preventing d…
• BTo prevent liquid propane from freezing the main blast valve during high-output operation
• CTo ensure the pyrometer wiring remains ungrounded during flight
• DTo limit the total weight of the balloon basket to under 500 lbs

What is the primary function of the pre-heat vaporization coils installed on a hot air balloon burner assembly?

• ATo vaporize incoming liquid propane into a high-pressure gas before it reaches the burner…
• BTo cool the burner frame and protect the basket suspension cables from overheating
• CTo regulate propane pressure down to a constant 15 psi before entering the blast valve
• DTo collect unburned carbon deposits and prevent soot formation on the envelope

In a dual hot air balloon burner system, how are the pilot lights normally fueled and ignited?

• AFueled by propane vapor drawn from the tank vapor space (or liquid regulator) and ignited…
• BFueled by liquid propane directly from the bottom of the fuel tanks with no regulator
• CPowered by 12V DC electrical current continuously supplied from an onboard battery
• DFueled by compressed aviation kerosene stored in a secondary pressure tank

How does cold ambient temperature (e.g. 20°F / -7°C) affect propane tank pressure and burner performance?

• APropane vapor pressure decreases significantly, reducing burner BTU output and lift respo…
• BPropane vapor pressure increases exponentially, creating a blast valve overpressure hazard
• CLiquid propane freezes into solid slush inside the dip tube
• DBurner heat output remains identical because liquid propane density is unaffected by temp…

What method is approved by balloon manufacturers to maintain adequate fuel pressure during cold winter flight operations?

• ATop-pressurizing fuel tanks with dry gaseous nitrogen or using electric tank warming jack…
• BInjecting compressed oxygen into the liquid propane line during refueling
• CHeating the fuel tanks directly with an open propane hand torch prior to flight
• DMixing 10% aviation gasoline (AVGAS) into the propane tanks

What is the primary function of an instrument pyrometer in a hot air balloon?

• ATo measure and display the internal air temperature at the crown of the envelope
• BTo measure ambient outside air temperature at basket level
• CTo calculate groundspeed using infrared laser telemetry
• DTo monitor the pressure differential across the blast valve

What is the purpose of temperature-sensitive indicator patches (temp-tabs) attached inside the top crown of a hot air balloon envelope?

• ATo provide a permanent, non-resettable record of the maximum temperature reached by the c…
• BTo automatically trigger the parachute valve if the envelope overheats
• CTo measure fuel consumption rates during flight
• DTo change color back and forth continuously to show instantaneous cooling rates

How does a standard parachute top valve operate to control vertical descent during flight?

• APulling the control line opens the circular top valve to vent hot air; internal hot air p…
• BPulling the control line permanently rips open the top seam for rapid deflation on landing
• CReleasing the control line opens the valve, while pulling tight closes it
• DThe valve is motorized and controlled by an electric switch on the burner frame

What is the key functional difference between a standard parachute top valve line and a rip line (or Smart Top locks)?

• AThe parachute line allows reversible in-flight venting, while the rip line / smart top lo…
• BThe rip line is used exclusively for steering the balloon sideways, while the parachute l…
• CThe parachute line operates automatically via computer, while the rip line is purely manu…
• DThe rip line opens bottom throat vents, while the parachute line opens top envelope vents

Why is ripstop nylon or polyester coated with polyurethane or silicone in hot air balloon envelope construction?

• ATo reduce fabric air porosity (preventing hot air escape) and protect fibers from moistur…
• BTo make the fabric completely fireproof against direct blast valve contact
• CTo eliminate the need for structural load tapes along the vertical gores
• DTo increase fabric weight so the balloon stays grounded in high winds

What structural component of a hot air balloon envelope carries the total weight of the basket and payload?

• AThe vertical and horizontal structural load tapes sewn into the envelope seams
• BThe thin ripstop nylon panel fabric between gores
• CThe pyrometer thermocouple wiring conduit
• DThe throat fabric skirt and Nomex scoop

What is the purpose of the crown ring located at the apex of a hot air balloon envelope?

• ATo terminate and anchor all vertical structural load tapes at the top of the envelope
• BTo house the propane fuel pre-heat regulator
• CTo provide an attachment point for the burner suspension frame
• DTo seal the bottom throat opening during cold inflation

Commercial hot air balloon dual burner systems are typically rated to produce heat output in what thermal range?

• A12 million to 20 million British Thermal Units (BTU) per hour
• B50,000 to 100,000 BTU per hour
• C500,000 to 1 million BTU per hour
• D50 million to 100 million BTU per hour

At approximately what internal pressure is the safety pressure relief valve calibrated to open on ASME aircraft propane fuel tanks?

• A312 psi
• B100 psi
• C150 psi
• D600 psi

Why are high-pressure flexible fuel lines in balloon fuel systems constructed with stainless steel outer braiding?

• ATo provide abrasion resistance, prevent expansion under high pressure, and protect agains…
• BTo conduct electrical ground current from the burner to the ground cable
• CTo insulate liquid propane against atmospheric heat absorption
• DTo allow the pilot to bend fuel lines into sharp 90-degree kinks without flow restriction

Why is woven natural rattan wicker traditionally used for hot air balloon basket construction rather than rigid aluminum or fiberglass?

• AWicker provides flexibility and resilience to absorb landing impact forces without perman…
• BWicker is completely fireproof when exposed to liquid propane flames
• CWicker is 50% lighter than any composite or carbon fiber material
• DWicker prevents static electricity generation between fuel tanks

During an annual inspection, how is envelope fabric degradation from ultraviolet (UV) exposure evaluated under FAA standards?

• ABy performing a calibrated grab tensile strength test (using a fabric testing clamp) on d…
• BBy measuring fabric color fading against a standard color index card
• CBy weighing the envelope to detect mass loss from solar radiation
• DBy submerging fabric samples in a water tank to measure water absorption