IFR Rated Balloon Pilots

[bcrosby]

Transport Canada shows 31 IFR rated balloon ratings.

(http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/s ... s-2300.htm)

I didn't think you were allowed to fly a balloon in IMC?

[kp1]

The chart shows 31 Balloon Instructors not Instrument Ratings.

[Tiny Tyke]

I was so excited when I opened this post.......what a let down.

[niss]

How can you fly a balloon in IMC?

[bcrosby]

The chart shows 31 Balloon Instructors not Instrument Ratings.

hahah oh man.. You're right. Wow, I totally didn't read that right.

Ok then.. nevermind!

Sorry I got everyone all worked up

[C-FABH]

How can you fly a balloon in IMC?

"Special VFR" equipped with a GPS, altimeter, and two-way radio. On the plus side, you probably won't have to deal with icing conditions if you're in a hot air balloon!

[kp1]

I was so excited when I opened this post.......what a let down.

Sorry to burst your bubble!

[crazy_aviator]

Balloon 549 cleared drct. (downwind) to FIELD descend to 2 feet past hydropole !!

[Shadowfax]

IMC in a balloon would be totally cool (and literally too). But sure as sh&t the pilot would get disoreintated and flip her over....

[Big Pistons Forever]

ATC: ballon XYZ say estimate for XXXXX intersection

Ballon XYZ: Tomorrow

[Tiny Tyke]

It must be possible with blimps and airships!

[mbav8r]

Probably, but they have directional control, whereas a balloon is at the mercy of the wind.

[Siddley Hawker]

What kind of timepiece do they use, a calendar?

[Panama Jack]

How do you shoot an ILS in a balloon? And how long does it take?

I guess IFR in a balloon is OK if you don't care where you're going and don't want to see where you are going either.

[TG]

I did a hot balloon ride last summer in Florida, that is quite nice actually and involve a lot more about preparations and weather deductions than I would have thought.
By playing with wind speed, directions and altitudes, they can "steer" the balloon and predict before launch in which field they will land. Including alternates if the initial doesn't work

The guy flying it was telling me that his instructor was one of the first to get a hot balloon license in Florida and it went basically like this.

FAA inspector:" I'm not climbing into this!"
Future hot balloon licensed pilot:" ...What do we do then !?"
FAA inspector:" I tell you what, go up, I want to loose sight of you and if you manage to come back here with the truck following you and all your gear in less than two hours...You have your license!"

They did so.