1. BUILDING CAP’S TEAM
... FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW
CAP Balloon Operations Update Carlton Sumner National Chief of Training

2. Lesson Objective Review changes to CAP Balloon Operations
Review the new CAPF 5B
Discuss future development of Balloon Operations in CAP

3. CAP Balloon Operations
Integration of hot air balloon policies into national guidance on balloon operations.
Addition of balloon operations in the CAPR 60-1
Creation of “CAP Hot Air Balloon Flight Operations” documentation located on the Aircraft Ops & Stan/Eval page of the national website.

4. CAP Balloon Operations
Safety Enhancements to Hot Air Balloon Operations include:
Sizes are limited to AX6-AX8
This will allow for a wide range of operations without exposing the organization to “commercial” balloon flying.
Balloon pilot qualifications are tracked by the “bottom end” make when receiving a CAPF 5B.
This allows for added safety as manufacturer differences are most significant when assembling the basket and burners. Remember that you can pair different manufacturer bottom ends with different envelopes.
Wind limitations are 10 knots, actual or forecast.

5. CAP CAPF 5B Annual Exams can be either powered or glider
There is a balloon specific questionnaire (CAPF 5Q-B)
There is a balloon specific flight evaluation form (CAPF 5B)
Please make sure you read the instruction page on the back of the CAPF 5B. Most questions can be answered if you follow the guidance found in the instructions.
All of these forms can be found on the Aircraft Ops & Stan/Eval page of the national website.

6. Future of CAP Ballooning
Inclusion of written guidance for CAP Cadet O-Flights in a hot air balloon – CAPP 52-7
Future possibility of using CAP Cadet O-Flight money (federally appropriated money assigned by CAP/USAF) for Cadet O-Flights in hot air balloons
Future creation of a National Balloon Procedures Manual
This would be similar to the Glider Program Procedures Manual

7. Questions?
Feedback?

8. …Citizens Serving Communities!
Civil Air Patrol
…Citizens Serving Communities! 8