United States Department of Transportation

Balloon Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-11B)

Balloon Flying Handbook Front (PDF)
Table of Contents (PDF)
Chapter 1: Introduction to Balloon Flight Training (PDF)
Chapter 2: Hot Air Balloon Design, Systems, & Theory (PDF)
Chapter 3: Preflight Planning (PDF)
Chapter 4: Weather Theory & Reports (PDF)
Chapter 5: The National Airspace System (PDF)
Chapter 6: Layout to Launch (PDF)
Chapter 7: In-flight Maneuvers (PDF)
Chapter 8: Landing & Recovery (PDF)
Chapter 9: Aeromedical Factors (PDF)
Chapter 10: The Instructional Process (PDF)
Chapter 11: The Gas Balloon (PDF)
Appendix A: Vapor Pressures of LP Gases (PDF)
Appendix B: Pibal Plotting Grid (PDF)
Appendix C: Balloon Flight Checklist (PDF)
Appendix D: Pibal Velocity Versus Size (PDF)
Appendix E: Log Book Endorsement Formats (PDF)
Appendix F: Lift Table for Helium & Hydrogen at Standard Temperatures & Pressures (PDF)
Glossary (PDF)

Last updated: Monday, December 23, 2024