A hot air balloon is a registered aircraft, the same as any fixed wing aircraft or helicopter. As  such the person in command must hold a valid Private Pilot's Lincense issued by the aviation authority specifically for ballooning.

Although anyone with average ability can fulfil the requirements for PPL outlined below, it is not an activity to be taken lightly. As a pilot  you must be sufficiently competent at operating the balloon and have such knowledge to be able to cope with any problems or circumstances that may arise. In addition you will be responsible for the lives of the people you might carry in the basket.

How to become a balloon pilot

1. Fitness: Anyone suffering from  epilepsy, fits, severe head injry, recurrent fainting, giddiness or blackouts, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, insulin controlled diabetes, any psychiatric disorder or any other disorder liable to cause incapacitation. can not be qualified.

2. Flight Training: Complete Minimum 16 hours flying experience approved by qualified instructor and successful pass a flight test and a solo flight test  supervised by pilot examiner.

3. Pass written examination composed the following subjects;
             - Aviation Law
             - Airmanship & Balloon System
             - Navigation
             - Meteorology
             - Human Performance and Limitation

The examinations vary from country to country. The license is not generally restricted to region or country although there are some country specific regulations.

Do not be daunted, the standard required is based on common sense, not  academic brilliance!

To fly commercially,  there is an extra commercial license examination to be taken. It involves more practical and theoretical requirement to enable the service as a pilot.  And the balloon needs a transport category certificate of air worthiness, and you are holding air operator's certificate.