Hot air balloon rides can be one of the most spectacular and exciting experiences a person can encounter. From the feeling of the fresh air that flows freely through the basket to the 360-degree bird’s eye view of the land around you, few experiences compare.

For some, flying, instead of merely riding in a hot air balloon would be the ultimate in thrill-seeking satisfaction. But, since a hot air balloon is a registered aircraft, not just anyone can hop in one and take a ride around town. There are specific private pilot’s license issued by the Civil Aviation Authority for ballooning and only with one of those can you take adventure seekers on a fantastic ride in the sky.

Though this process isn’t nearly as difficult as learning to fly a Boeing 747, it should still be taken seriously. The first thing you should do is join the British Balloon and Airship Club. This will allow you to meet other pilots, get a feel for the craft of balloon piloting and find the resources needed to get your license.

Once you’ve joined the BBAC, the next step would be to obtain a copy of both the Pilot Log Book and the BBAC Training Log Book and take a BBAC Landowner Relations course. This will allow potential balloon pilots the opportunity learn how to respect the countryside and maintain a positive working relationships with local farmers.

In addition, aspiring balloon pilots must:

• Have at least 16 hours of flying experience within 24 months
• Have flown at least six flights, four of which must be with an approved instructor from the BBAC
• Have a complete record of all training flights
• Pass a written exam
• Pass a solo flying test
• Be declared medically fit by a general practitioner

(Note: there is a different set of requirements for individuals looking for a commercial balloon license.)

Since the first flight by the Wright brothers, we have been obsessed with the excitement and adventure of flying. Some people are destined to defend freedom and morality by piloting a fighter plane into battle and others will be responsible for transporting millions of people safely around the world. But, for the rest of us who simply long for the freedom of gliding through the great blue yonder, a small single-piston light aircraft will do the job nicely.

After World War I, almost 60 private flying clubs began and about 5,000 private pilots became licensed in the UK. Today, the UK has more than 28,000 registered licensed private pilots. Are you ready to join them?

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulates all general aviation in the United Kingdom. General aviation is defined as any non-commercial air transport operation. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) grants Private Pilots Licenses (PPL) in the UK. With a PPL in the UK, a pilot may fly an aircraft but cannot receive any compensation, either monetary or in the form of rewards, for flying. To receive a PPL a pilot must complete a training course at a registered training facility/flight school. After completing the course, the applicant must pass a flight and written examination.

After getting your PPL, you may be in search of your own light aircraft to fly. Most private pilots command two or four seater, single piston engine planes. Some of the more popular models for small aircraft pilots are the Cessna 152 or 172 and the Piper PA28 Cherokee.

Pilots who can’t afford their own aircraft, however, can join one of the area’s local flying clubs and rent one of their small aircrafts. Many trendy small aircraft pilots invest in amateur built aircrafts like the Rutan-Long EZ or buy a vintage aircraft like the former WWII fighter jet the Hunter Hawker.

Flying the open skies as a private pilot, may be a daunting dream at first. However, if you are prepared with the right information, you will flying in no time! Piloting in the UK is governed by the Civil Aircraft Authority (CAA) as well as the Joint Aircraft Authority (JAA). The Joint Aviation Regulations (JAR) provide strict guidelines for all pilot candidates in participating European nations. These regulations must be followed perfectly in order to obtain your licence without delay.

The first step to obtaining your Private Pilot Licence (PPL) is to locate a flight school. Listings of JAA and CAA approved flight schools can be found by contacting the JAA and CAA directly. Upon obtaining a CAA PPL, this licence can be easily converted to a JAA license which gives the pilot license to fly in any JAA member nation. In addition, because of stricter guidelines in the UK, a CAA licence can easily be converted to an FAA licence for flying in the U.S.

Pilot training includes a minimum of 45 hours of flight time both with your trainer and on solo flights. You will also be required to participate in a theoretical knowledge course and pass written examinations prior to your licence approval. Not only will your flight and aircraft knowledge be tested, but also your medical state will be in question. The medical evaluation will be extensive to ensure the safety of both you and your passengers. Medical evaluations must be conducted by a CAA/JAA approved Aeromedical Examiner. The tests consist many facets including lung function and cardiological testing.

Once all written and medical testing is complete, a CAA examiner will administer your final test, the Skills Test. Upon successfully completing this test, you may apply for licensure. Although the process may seem labor intensive, the rewards of being a licenced pilot are well worth the all of the effort!