Elements

· Use of flight manual as source of information on operational characteristics, loading, performance and notations

Equipment

· Balloon Flight Manual

Instruction’s Actions

· Discuss the Balloon Flight Manual as the student's most important source of information on the aircraft

· Discuss operational characteristics, loading, performance and limitations including the adverse effects of exceeding the limits

· Compute operating weight and use of load charts taking into consideration seasonal and atmospheric conditions- age and condition of balloon

· Compute fuel pressure requirement

· Discuss minimum or required equipment list

· Discuss maximum continuous envelope temperature; never exceed envelope temperature, location and purpose of temperature tabs

· Discuss the effects of density altitude, wind and terrain on balloon performance

· Discuss maximum rates of ascent and descent for a student at 300 fpm or less

· Discuss the rule of thumb: limit descents to 500 fpm above 500 feet AGL, 400 fpm above 400 feet AGL, 300 fpm above 300 feet AGL, etc.

· Discuss altitude required to arrest excessive rates of descent

· Discuss fuel quantity and endurance

Student’s Actions

· Read and be knowledgeable about each chapter of the Balloon Flight Manual

· Listen, take notes and ask pertinent questions

Completion Standards

· The student should demonstrate by oral quiz that he understands the performance and limitations of the aircraft and the consequences of exceeding them.

· Calculate weight and pressure limitations by use of charts and other data for a student flight.

· Demonstrate competency to maintain safe ascent and descent rates and the dangers of exceeding them.