How Do You Become a Hot Air Balloon Pilot?

Did you know Ben Franklin witnessed the first human flight? No, he wasn't with the Wright Brothers in Kitty Hawk. In fact, it was 120 years earlier in 1783 when two aeronauts floated over Paris in a hot air balloon. Franklin described watching the balloon's majestic ascent in his journal.In the early days of ballooning, experiments with balloon fuels and designs occasionally had catastrophic results. Since then, the safety of flying a balloon has come a long way. Today, ballooning is one of the safest and most beautiful modes of human flight for aeronauts, passengers and people on the ground.In this episode, you’ll hear from Kim and Adam Magee, founders of The Balloon Training Academy and FAA Safety Team representatives. The Magees share how they got started in ballooning, the training process for balloon pilots (who are known as aeronauts) and advice for aspiring aeronauts.Learn how aeronauts communicate with their ground crew and other users of the national airspace, and about the technologies and tricks balloonists use to track wind patterns. Get a glimpse into the vibrant culture of ballooning, from creatively shaped balloons to unforgettable events with spectacular traditions—like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta where over 500 hot air balloons traverse the skies above New Mexico.Ballooning can be both safe and exciting. The FAA has rules for student, private and commercial aeronauts that help keep everyone safe. We require commercial aeronauts to hold medical certificates when flying paying passengers and work with the Balloon Federation of America on an accreditation program.  If you’re interested in learning more, go to FAASafety.gov and contact the Balloon Federation of America.   Meet Our Guests  Adam and Kimberly Magee are the Co-Founders of The Balloon Training Academy and FAA Safety Team Representatives. Adam, the Academy's President, is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Designated Pilot Examiner, the 2019 FAA Flight Instructor of the Year, and the 2021 FAA Safety Team Representative of the Year. Kimberly, the Academy's Vice President, holds 6 World Records and 9 National Records in hot air ballooning. She is the recipient of the Balloon Federation of America’s Shields-Trauger Award, the organization's highest honor.