How Long Does It Take to Become a Hot Air Balloon Pilot?

Being a hot air balloon pilot is a unique experience for sure. You'll fly your own balloon, use adrenaline-rush weather conditions to your advantage, and you'll be able to enjoy the wonders of sunrise or sunset from the highest point possible. Fortunately, the requirements and training required are less extensive than they would be for flying an airplane.

Depending upon your location, a student pilot must fulfill specific requirements for obtaining a pilot license. There’s no set time frame on becoming a hot air balloon pilot. It depends on the individual and how they want to achieve their career goals. However, in general, it ranges from a few weeks to several months or even a year. The actual time it takes is dependent on how focused the student pilot is, prior experience, and instructor recommendations. Here are some factors that may affect the time duration of becoming a balloon pilot.

Factors To Consider

Training Time

The requirements, laws, and regulations to become a licensed pilot and start a career in hot air ballooning vary per country. That's why it's crucial to check the requirements of where you live. Moreover, different licenses require a different level of training.

For example, in most countries that have private licenses and commercial licenses, commercial licenses have more requirements. Some countries also have student licenses, which generally have less requirements than a standard private or commercial license.

Your Comfort and Preparedness

If you want to get a pilot's license, you probably are not scared of flying. It is necessary to feel comfortable flying in the skies. There is no exact time to say when you're ready and comfortable. But one thing is for sure, keep learning and practicing, and you’re more likely to get there.

You also need to be prepared to take the various exams required to be a pilot. While some tests involve actually flying a balloon, many countries have other knowledge exams that you’ll need to pass as well. If you’re prepared for these, you’ll do well on them and won’t have to repeat any of the exams. If not, then it could take longer.