Yes – although actually what you must have to fly is a pilot certificate. (A certificate is proof that a skill is obtained and recognized by a governing agency. In pilot lingo, it’s referred to as your “ticket.”) There are two levels of balloon pilot ratings. The first is a private pilot rating, where the pilot must have at least 10 hours of flight time in free balloons, which must include six flights under the supervision of an instructor. The private pilot must pass a written test, an oral exam and a pilot proficiency check ride prior to being issued a private pilot’s certificate.
The second rating is that of commercial pilot. The commercial pilot must have at least 35 hours of flight time, of which at least 20 must be in balloons (the remaining 15 hours may be in other aircraft). The pilot must pass an additional written test, an oral exam and a pilot proficiency check ride prior to being issued a commercial pilot’s license. The holder of a commercial pilot’s license may operate a balloon for hire and may give flight instruction. For additional requirements on both ratings, please consult FAA regulation part 61 for details.
