The Educational Method of the Hot Air Balloon Pilot

Simple yet complex, totally irrational in their principles, hot-air balloons are nonetheless easily manoeuvred by playing with fire and wind, thanks to the know-how and skill of the aeronaut. Since their ultimate revival in 1960, they have undergone numerous evolutions in manufacturing materials and hot-air production. In a fast-moving world, where today's technology meets yesterday's science fiction, hot-air balloons still retain their magic, having survived the centuries to become the beautiful machines that grace our skies. The beauty of its shapes and colors, the majestic slowness of its movement that still intrigues, make it a dream machine that still excites the human imagination.
This manual is aimed at student pilots, instructors and all pilots, whatever their level. It brings together all the practical and theoretical knowledge they need to make the most of increasingly high-performance equipment. Regulations have evolved considerably in recent years, particularly at European level. Aeronauts must be perfectly familiar with them to ensure safe behavior in the skies used for a wide range of aeronautical activities, whether sporting, leisure, scientific, military or commercial.

Acknowledgements
Foreword. The teaching method
Introduction
1. Administrative formalities
2. General training program
3. Constructive training
4. Ground and in-flight lessons
I. Theoretical and practical training
I- History, Federation
2. Principles of ascent
3. Description of a hot-air balloon
4. Flight organization and preparation
5. Piloting principles
6. Flight and navigation instruments - oxygen
7. In-flight navigation
8. Radio communication procedures
9. Accidentology
10. Emergency procedures
11. Maintenance and periodic inspections
12. Special flights
13. Ground crew management
14. Hot-air balloon gatherings
II - Propane
1. Origins
2. Its characteristics
3. Its use
III - Meteorology
1. The study of the atmosphere
2. Meteorological phenomena
3. Observation
4. Preparing a weather report
IV - Regulations
1. Balloon pilots
2. Balloon operating conditions
3. Commercial flights
V- Air traffic
1. Rules of the air
2. Airspace
3. Air traffic control
VI - Risk management
2. Mental management
3. Pilot safety
Bibliography
Appendices
Table of contents