Technical Knowledge and Aerostatics (Balloon) This syllabus presupposes a knowledge and understanding already attained at PPL level.

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1 Subject No 29 Technical Knowledge and Aerostatics (Balloon) Note: This syllabus is primarily based on a balloon designed above cubic feet maximum. Each subject has been given a subject number and each topic within that subject a topic number. These reference numbers will be used on knowledge deficiency reports and will provide valuable feed back to the examination candidate. This syllabus presupposes a knowledge and understanding already attained at PPL level. Sub Topic 29.2 Airframe Part 1 Technical Knowledge Explain the major components of a conventional Hot Air Balloon system and the loading that they must be designed to accept Explain the effects of the application of a load to the structure during: (a) flying; (b) tethering; (c) landing Briefly describe the basic function and construction of the following components used in Hot Air Balloon envelopes: (a) methods of attachment envelope; (b) construction, types of design; (c) materials used, strength, and ancillaries Explain the effects of a load on the fully inflated envelope while the balloon is: (a) on the ground; (b) in the air Describe the function of the primary flight controls Explain the function of the cross over valve and the reason/precautions for its use State the requirements which a deflation system must be able to meet Describe the pilot checks of the: (a) basket; (b) burner frame; (c) envelope State the procedure for tether flights Fire Protection List the common extinguisher agents and state any precautions when using them

2 29.6 Burners and their limitations State the basic difference and the use of Double, Triple and Quad burner configurations used on various Hot Air Balloons Distinguish between various manufacturer s burner systems, major components and operation differences State the fundamental principles of operation of a burner system With the aid of diagrams identify the main components of the burner system Explain the need for various fuel pressures State the limits for Nitrogen pressurised fuel tanks and the associated problems Explain the principal features of a typical ignition system Explain the purpose and principle of a variable pilot light flame height and the use of a pilot light heat bar Explain the operation and correct handling of the main burner system Explain the purpose and typical procedure for conducting burner checks Distinguish between fuel pressure and power output Fuel Systems and Fuel List and explain the components of a simple fuel system: (a) fuel tank; (b) master tank; (c) slave tank; (d) pressure relief valve (PRV); (e) vapour adjustment and valve; (f) main liquid valve; (g) quick shut off valve (QSO); (h) bent and straight dip tubes; (i) refuelling vent and max fuel level; (j) outboard venting; (k) fuel filling lines; (l) fuel supply lines liquid and vapour; (m) TEMA and REGO fittings; (n) manifold systems; (o) fuel quantity gauges Distinguish the causes and effects of abnormal fuel leak conditions and the measures which can be taken to avoid them.

3 Explain the formation and impact of ice on the hose connection and valve system Explain the correct management of the fuel system, including fuel tank selection and handling of master and slave tanks Explain the means, associated hazards and limits to pressurise the fuel tanks Describe the procedure to be used to check on the contents of a fuel tank Describe the general rules for fuelling of tanks in the basket and in a trailer, including any special precautions Burner Handling Describe the importance for correct lubrication of burner control valves Describe the correct method of leak detection at the burner and control valves Distinguish between the indications of a possible leak due to a system malfunction while using the burner Explain the reason for cooling a burner at the end of a flight List and explain the safety precautions to be taken before starting the burners Explain the procedures and correct handling for: (a) starting the burner; (b) alternative manual starting methods when starting by normal means fails; (c) control of main burner without pilot lights; (d) control by use of tank valves; (e) stopping the burner Describe the possible cause of a sudden burner failure in flight, and remedies which may be available to a pilot during subsequent trouble checks Electrical Systems Describe the types of systems that can be used to determine envelope temperatures Explain the mechanical means of indicating envelope over temperature Describe the principles for operation of the electrical systems Explain the indications of electrical systems malfunction, and state the actions available to the pilot to deal with the problem Describe the use of, and explain the operating precautions of a: (a) radio; (b) transponder Pressure Instruments

4 State the pressure requirements of the basic pressure instruments With the aid of a diagram, explain the principle of operation of an altimeter Explain the meanings of subscale settings QNH, QFE, and QNE State the effect of pressure setting errors on altimeter indication State the effect of air mass temperature at constant QNH on altimeter indications State the serviceability checks and the accepted indication tolerances of an altimeter With the aid of a diagram, explain the principle of operation of a vertical speed indicator (VSI) Explain the serviceability checks for a VSI Magnetic Compass With the aid of a diagram, define magnetic variation State the serviceability checks for a direct reading compass. Part II Aerostatics (Principles of Flight) Flying Controls Describe the methods and restrictions of gaining or loosing height Explain the maximum time for pulling and holding the RED LINE on a normal parachute vent With respect to a Smart, Lock top and RDS system state the operation and safety requirements of both the RED LINE and the Candy line Describe the use of turning vents, and their precautions with respect to altitude Explain the effects and dangers of rapid ascent or descent and the effect of excess heat to the envelope Define parachute floating and the associated dangers Describe the affect of a scoop on an inflated Hot Air balloon on the ground and in flight Take-off and Landing Performance Explain the effect of altitude on aircraft performance Given various pressures and temperatures: (a) calculate aerodrome pressure altitude, given aerodrome elevation and prevailing QNH;

5 (b) explain how to determine pressure altitude by using an altimeter Describe and calculate density altitude, given pressure altitude and temperature Describe the effect of the following factors on performance; (a) balloon weight; (b) temperature and pressure; (c) humidity; (d) wind component; (e) upper wind component; (f) contaminants/damage to envelope surface Explain the hazards of wind shear in the initial climb out, and on the approach to landing Describe the effects of FALSE LIFT Aircraft Loading Explain the reason for operating with correct loading Define the following terms; (a) empty aircraft weight; (b) aircraft prepared for service weight; (c) payload; (d) zero fuel weight; (e) gross weight; (f) maximum certified take-off weight (MCTOW); (g) minimum certified landing weight Given combinations weight, altitude and temperature calculate: (a) available lift; (b) minimum fuel pressure for calculated available lift; (c) Minimum Landing Mass (MLM) Explain permitted damage to each of the following components before operation of the balloon is deemed to be unsafe: (a) fabric patches; (b) load bearing tapes; (c) wire ropes; (d) burner, fuel system, and piping; (e) pressure gauge, regulator, on-off valve, self sealing couplings; (f) steel and aluminium fuel cylinders State the minimum safety equipment required on a commercial balloon operation Describe a typical brief for:

6 (a) crew chief and ground crew actions; (b) passenger actions and control; (c) inflation fan control; (d) crowd control Describe the inflation and landing hazards including: (a) tie off precautions; (b) downwind hazards, including during take-off and landing; (c) false lift; (d) weighing off.