FAA SPB Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Lighter-Than-Air (Balloon)

What medical qualification does 14 CFR § 61.23 require to exercise the privileges of a Sport Pilot Certificate with balloon privileges?

• AMust hold at least a Third-Class FAA Medical Certificate
• BNone. No medical certificate and no driver's license are required, although § 61.53 still…
• CMust obtain a BasicMed medical examination endorsement every 24 calendar months
• DMust hold a valid U.S. driver's license

According to 14 CFR § 61.83(b), what is the minimum age required to be eligible for a Student Pilot Certificate restricted to balloon operations?

• A14 years of age
• B16 years of age
• C17 years of age
• D18 years of age

What is the minimum age requirement under 14 CFR § 61.305 to be issued a Sport Pilot Certificate with a Lighter-Than-Air (Balloon) rating?

• A14 years of age
• B16 years of age
• C17 years of age
• D18 years of age

Under 14 CFR § 61.315, how many passengers may a pilot holding a Sport Pilot Certificate carry on a hot air balloon flight?

• ANo passengers; sport pilots must fly solo
• BNot more than one passenger
• CUp to three passengers, provided weight limits are not exceeded
• DUnlimited passengers, as long as the flight is not for compensation or hire

What does 14 CFR § 61.315(c)(5) now say about a sport pilot flying a hot air balloon at night?

• AFlight is permitted at night if the balloon is equipped with position lights
• BNight flight is prohibited except as provided in § 61.329, which requires 3 hours of nigh…
• CNight flight is prohibited without exception
• DNight flight is permitted only within 5 nautical miles of the departure site

Under 14 CFR § 61.315(c)(11), what maximum altitude limitation applies to a sport pilot operating an aircraft, including a balloon, unless authorized by a specific logbook endorsement?

• A5,000 feet MSL
• B10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher
• C12,500 feet MSL
• D18,000 feet MSL

To operate a balloon as a sport pilot within Class B, C, or D airspace, or at an airport located within Class B, C, or D airspace, what requirement must be met under 14 CFR § 61.325?

• AHold a Private Pilot Certificate or higher
• BReceive ground and flight training and a specific logbook endorsement from an authorized…
• CFile an IFR flight plan with ATC 2 hours prior to launch
• DEquip the balloon with a two-way VHF radio and transponder regardless of electrical system

Under 14 CFR § 61.56, what is the maximum time interval allowed between flight reviews for a pilot to continue acting as pilot in command of a balloon?

• A12 calendar months
• B24 calendar months
• C36 calendar months
• D60 calendar months

To act as pilot in command of a balloon carrying a passenger under 14 CFR § 61.57(a), what recent flight experience must the pilot have accomplished within the preceding 90 days?

• AAt least 3 takeoffs and landings as sole manipulator of the controls of a balloon
• BAt least 5 hours of flight time in a balloon
• CAt least 1 takeoff and landing in a balloon of the same envelope volume
• DAt least 10 hours of flight time including 2 tethered inflations

Under 14 CFR § 61.60, if a pilot changes their permanent mailing address, how many days do they have to notify the FAA Airman Certification Branch in writing before their certificate privileges are suspended?

• A14 days
• B30 days
• C60 days
• D90 days

Under 14 CFR § 91.17, what are the restrictions regarding alcohol consumption for a crewmember of a balloon?

• AWithin 12 hours after the consumption of any alcoholic beverage, or with 0.08 percent by…
• BWithin 8 hours after the consumption of any alcoholic beverage, or while having 0.04 perc…
• CWithin 24 hours after alcohol consumption, or while under the influence of any alcohol
• DWithin 4 hours after alcohol consumption, or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02 p…

Under 14 CFR § 91.103, what preflight action is required of a pilot in command prior to initiating any flight not in the vicinity of an airport?

• AFiling a formal flight plan with the nearest Flight Service Station (FSS)
• BBecoming familiar with all available information concerning that flight, including weathe…
• CObtaining written authorization from landowners at all intended touchdown locations
• DConducting a 10-minute ground burn test of the propane system

In accordance with right-of-way rules under 14 CFR § 91.113(e), which aircraft has right-of-way over all other engine-driven aircraft in flight?

• AAn airplane on final approach to land
• BA balloon
• CA glider
• DAn airship

Under 14 CFR § 91.113(d), when two balloons are converging at approximately the same altitude, which balloon has the right-of-way?

• AThe balloon to the other's right
• BThe balloon to the other's left
• CThe balloon at the higher altitude
• DThe balloon with the larger envelope volume

How does 14 CFR § 91.119 treat minimum safe altitudes for balloon operations compared to fixed-wing aircraft?

• ABalloons must meet the same § 91.119(b) and (c) minimums as other aircraft, because the l…
• BBalloons may be operated below the prescribed minimum altitudes under § 91.119(d) wheneve…
• CBalloons are prohibited from flying below 500 feet AGL under any circumstances
• DBalloons must comply with airplane minimum safe altitudes unless operating under a Specia…

What are the basic VFR weather minimums under 14 CFR § 91.155 for operating a balloon in Class G airspace during daylight hours at 1,200 feet AGL or less?

• A3 statute miles flight visibility and 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet horizo…
• B1 statute mile flight visibility and clear of clouds
• C5 statute miles flight visibility and 1,000 feet above and below clouds
• D3 statute miles flight visibility and clear of clouds

Under 14 CFR § 91.155, what minimum flight visibility and cloud clearance are required to operate a balloon VFR in Class E airspace below 10,000 feet MSL?

• A1 statute mile visibility and clear of clouds
• B3 statute miles visibility; 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontal f…
• C3 statute miles visibility and clear of clouds
• D5 statute miles visibility; 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 1 statute mile horizo…

What is the minimum flight visibility required by 14 CFR § 91.155 for VFR operations in Class D airspace?

• A1 statute mile
• B3 statute miles
• C5 statute miles
• DClear of clouds with no minimum visibility

What cloud clearance requirement applies to a balloon operating VFR within Class B airspace under 14 CFR § 91.155?

• A500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet horizontal
• B1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 1 mile horizontal
• CClear of clouds
• D2,000 feet horizontal and 500 feet vertically

Under 14 CFR § 91.211(a)(1), at what cabin pressure altitude must the required minimum flight crew be provided with and use supplemental oxygen for that part of the flight that is of more than 30 minutes duration?

• AAbove 10,000 feet MSL up to and including 12,000 feet MSL
• BAbove 12,500 feet MSL up to and including 14,000 feet MSL
• CAbove 14,000 feet MSL up to and including 15,000 feet MSL
• DAbove 15,000 feet MSL

Under 14 CFR § 91.211(a)(2), at cabin pressure altitudes above 14,000 feet MSL, what oxygen requirement applies to the minimum flight crew of an unpressurized balloon?

• AOxygen is required only if the flight duration exceeds 30 minutes
• BFlight crew must be provided with and use supplemental oxygen during the entire flight ti…
• CSupplemental oxygen is optional up to 18,000 feet MSL
• DPassengers must use supplemental oxygen, but crew use is recommended only

Under 14 CFR § 91.409(a)(1), how often must a balloon undergo an annual inspection to remain airworthy?

• AEvery 100 flight hours
• BWithin the preceding 12 calendar months
• CEvery 24 calendar months
• DEvery 36 calendar months

When is a 100-hour inspection required for a balloon under 14 CFR § 91.409(b)?

• AFor all balloon flights regardless of usage
• BWhen carrying any person (other than a crewmember) for hire, or giving flight instruction…
• COnly when operating in Class B or C controlled airspace
• DOnly after an envelope fabric repair exceeding 12 inches

Which set of documents must be on board a balloon during flight to satisfy 14 CFR § 91.203 and standard operating regulations?

• AAirworthiness Certificate, Registration Certificate, Operating Limitations (Flight Manual…
• BPilot Logbook, Airworthiness Certificate, Maintenance Records, and FCC Radio Station Lice…
• CStudent Pilot Certificate, Medical Certificate, Sectional Chart, and Repair Log
• DAnnual Inspection Signoff, Bill of Sale, Insurance Policy, and Flight Instructor Endorsem…

Under 14 CFR § 91.15, when is a balloon pilot permitted to drop an object from a balloon in flight?

• ADropping objects from an aircraft is strictly prohibited under all circumstances
• BIf reasonable precautions are taken to avoid creating a hazard to persons or property on…
• COnly over designated agricultural drop zones with prior ATC clearance
• DOnly during declared inflight emergencies

Which regulation explicitly prohibits operating an aircraft, including a hot air balloon, in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another?

• A14 CFR § 91.13(a)
• B14 CFR § 61.315(b)
• C14 CFR § 91.205(c)
• D14 CFR § 43.13(a)

Who is primarily responsible under 14 CFR § 91.403(a) for maintaining a balloon in an airworthy condition, including compliance with Airworthiness Directives (ADs)?

• AThe designated flight instructor
• BThe owner or operator of the balloon
• CThe FAA Aviation Safety Inspector for the district
• DThe balloon envelope manufacturer

Under 14 CFR § 61.315(c)(1), may a holder of a Sport Pilot Certificate carry passengers or property for compensation or hire in a hot air balloon?

• AYes, provided the pilot has accumulated over 100 flight hours
• BNo, a sport pilot is strictly prohibited from flying for compensation or hire
• CYes, if operating within 25 nautical miles of the departure airport
• DYes, for passenger rides but not for cargo property transport

Under 14 CFR § 61.315(b), on what terms may a sport pilot share the operating expenses of a balloon flight with a passenger?

• AThe sport pilot may charge the passenger double the propane fuel cost
• BOnly fuel, oil, airport expenses, or aircraft rental fees may be shared, and the sport pi…
• CThe passenger must cover 100% of fuel and propane costs
• DThe sport pilot may receive a stipend if the flight is for a non-profit charity event

According to NTSB Part 830.5, which incident or accident requires immediate notification to the nearest National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) field office?

• AA minor fabric tear during inflation that is repaired before flight
• BAn in-flight fire or structural failure of the burner system causing substantial damage
• CA delayed departure due to unfavorable surface winds
• DA planned hard landing resulting in minor basket scuffing

What primary synthetic fabric is most commonly used in hot air balloon envelope construction due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and tear resistance?

• AUncoated heavy cotton canvas
• BRipstop nylon or Dacron polyester
• CStandard fiberglass weave
• DLaminated Kevlar sheet

Why is Nomex or fire-resistant fabric installed around the throat (skirt or scoop) of a hot air balloon envelope?

• ATo increase aerostatic lift near the bottom of the balloon
• BTo protect the lower envelope structure from radiant heat and direct flame contact during…
• CTo seal air inside the balloon during cold inflation
• DTo provide attachment points for the basket suspension cables

What is the primary function of polyurethane or silicone coatings applied to envelope fabric during manufacturing?

• ATo add structural weight for flight stability
• BTo seal the porous weave against air leakage and protect the fabric from ultraviolet (UV)…
• CTo eliminate static electricity accumulation during inflation
• DTo absorb heat from solar radiation to reduce propane consumption

How does a standard parachute top deflation valve maintain a tight seal in flight when the control line is released?

• AInternal air pressure inside the envelope forces the parachute fabric upward against the…
• BHeavy mechanical springs continuously pull the valve shut
• CVelcro fasteners automatically reseal the valve edges after each pull
• DA vacuum suction effect created by wind over the crown holds it closed

What distinguishes a Smart Vent or Quick Clearing System (QCS) from a standard parachute valve during flight operations?

• AA Smart Vent can only be opened after the basket contacts the ground
• BA Smart Vent allows both incremental venting in flight and rapid total crown opening for…
• CA Smart Vent operates automatically based on envelope temperature sensors
• DA Smart Vent uses electric motors to open and close the crown top

What is the primary function of the crown line attached to the top apex ring of the envelope during cold and hot inflation?

• ATo open the parachute valve during emergency landings
• BTo control the lateral movement and vertical rise rate of the envelope as it fills with h…
• CTo ground electrical charges between the envelope and the basket
• DTo measure internal envelope temperature during inflation

Where is the temperature sensor (pyrometer probe) located inside a hot air balloon envelope?

• ANear the burner blast nozzles at the throat
• BAt or near the crown (highest point) inside the envelope
• CAttached to the basket suspension cables
• DInside the propane fuel cylinder dip tube

What is the purpose of a temperature indicator label (temp-label or melt tracker button) attached to the envelope crown?

• ATo transmit real-time digital temperature data to ATC
• BTo provide a non-resettable, permanent historical record of the maximum temperature reach…
• CTo shut off fuel flow automatically if envelope temperature exceeds 300°F
• DTo indicate ambient outside air density altitude

What is the typical maximum continuous operating temperature limit for standard ripstop nylon balloon envelopes?

• A150°F (65°C)
• B250°F (121°C)
• C350°F (177°C)
• D500°F (260°C)

What is the primary structural risk of routinely operating a hot air balloon envelope at or near its maximum allowable temperature?

• APermanent shrinkage of Nomex throat panels
• BThermal degradation of fabric coating, leading to increased porosity and reduced fabric s…
• CSpontaneous combustion of liquid propane in fuel lines
• DCorrosion of load tape carabiners

What form of fuel is drawn from the fuel cylinders to supply the main burner during normal flight operation of a hot air balloon?

• AVapor propane
• BLiquid propane
• CAviation gasoline (AvGas 100LL)
• DCompressed natural gas (CNG)

Why is liquid propane, rather than vapor propane, drawn from fuel cylinders to supply the main burner assembly?

• AVapor propane would freeze the blast valve immediately upon opening
• BLiquid propane provides the mass flow volume necessary to produce high thermal energy (BT…
• CLiquid propane burns with a silent flame that prevents alarming livestock
• DVapor propane cannot be ignited by pilot lights

What internal cylinder component ensures that liquid propane is drawn when the main fuel valve is opened on an upright fuel cylinder?

• AOutage tube
• BDip tube (siphon tube) extending to the bottom of the cylinder
• CPressure regulator spring
• DVapor baffle plate

What is the function of the vaporizing coils surrounding the main burner nozzles?

• ATo cool incoming fuel to prevent premature ignition
• BTo preheat incoming liquid propane using heat from the burner flame, expanding it into a…
• CTo collect unburned propane residue and route it to a slop tank
• DTo hold the pilot light flame assembly in place

What valve control on the burner is operated by the pilot to deliver bursts of high-pressure fuel to the main burner jets for altitude control?

• ABlast valve (main burner valve)
• BFixed liquid level gauge
• CCylinder outage valve
• DPilot regulator metering valve

What is the function of the pilot light assembly on a hot air balloon burner?

• ATo provide night lighting for basket instruments
• BTo provide a continuous standing flame that immediately ignites main burner blasts when t…
• CTo warm liquid fuel cylinders during cold weather
• DTo vent excess propane vapor from the fuel manifold

What is the purpose of the 'whisper valve' or 'liquid fire valve' feature found on many balloon burners?

• ATo inject water vapor into the burner to extinguish envelope fires
• BTo bypass the vaporizing coils and inject liquid propane directly for quiet operation ove…
• CTo bleed air from empty fuel hoses prior to engine start
• DTo restrict burner heat to 50% capacity during tethering

How does ambient temperature affect the internal vapor pressure of a propane fuel cylinder?

• AInternal pressure increases as ambient temperature drops
• BInternal pressure decreases significantly as ambient temperature drops
• CInternal pressure remains constant regardless of ambient temperature
• DInternal pressure fluctuates based on altitude but is unaffected by temperature