§ 61.115 Balloon rating: Limitations
14 CFR Part 61 — Subpart E—Private Pilots
Official text — 14 CFR § 61.115
REGULATION — LEGALLY BINDING(a) If a person who applies for a private pilot certificate with a balloon rating takes a practical test in a balloon with an airborne heater:
(1) The pilot certificate will contain a limitation restricting the exercise of the privileges of that certificate to a balloon with an airborne heater; and
(2) The limitation may be removed when the person obtains the required aeronautical experience in a gas balloon and receives a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who attests to the person's accomplishment of the required aeronautical experience and ability to satisfactorily operate a gas balloon.
(b) If a person who applies for a private pilot certificate with a balloon rating takes a practical test in a gas balloon:
(1) The pilot certificate will contain a limitation restricting the exercise of the privilege of that certificate to a gas balloon; and
(2) The limitation may be removed when the person obtains the required aeronautical experience in a balloon with an airborne heater and receives a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who attests to the person's accomplishment of the required aeronautical experience and ability to satisfactorily operate a balloon with an airborne heater.
Reproduced from the eCFR. Text as amended through 2026-07-31. Verify against the official source before relying on it operationally.
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Is this a regulation?
Yes — this is regulatory text and is legally binding.
Text published in the Code of Federal Regulations. Regulations are legally binding on pilots and operators.