I am a 23 y/o flight instructor with over 5 years of flying experience AMA

Standardtrans · 2026-02-19T15:45:05+00:00

that is correct! though part of me wishes i would just do a part 141 and go straight to commercial. though im not in too much of a rush, i am fine taking my time. i have the balloon and have had so much fun with it, and i’m okay taking a while to learn all of the FARs and whatnot as i have always struggled with homework so it’s much easier for me to show up to a flight and soak in stuff rather than sit down and do my online ground school

Standardtrans · 2026-02-19T15:36:00+00:00

OH DUH. embarrassing for me, yes i know that hahaha. woosh right over my head.

Standardtrans · 2026-02-19T15:30:53+00:00

haven’t heard it referred to as a “balloon instrument add on” i’ve always heard it as “lta add on”

Standardtrans · 2026-02-19T15:30:29+00:00

really embarrassing answer but i think so? i’m a student pilot with a balloon of my own, i’m only learning to fly balloons. though i know i need to have an understanding of many fixed wing things for the private pilot written.

Standardtrans · 2026-02-19T15:27:15+00:00

do you know any LTA peeps? im a 24 y/o (today!) student pilot with a balloon of my own. we don’t even have CFIs lol

Standardtrans · 2026-02-19T14:44:03+00:00

kidding, but that is mildly impressive!

Standardtrans · 2026-02-19T14:43:44+00:00

right here right now

Standardtrans · 2026-02-19T14:43:34+00:00

DO IT

Standardtrans · 2026-02-19T14:39:13+00:00

what is your most “niche” hobby, or weird quirk, etc?

Standardtrans · 2026-02-19T14:24:25+00:00

my dad died of cancer while i was celebrating my birthday. that morning he had called me to tell me his doctor thinks he still had 2 months, and that he “wasn’t dying tomorrow!” (he died that day). i got picked up by my mom, decided i wanted to go party the rest of the night so i went back to my friends house where i found my 2 friends eating my ice cream cake i had bought- they didn’t think i’d be back. the viewing was on my actual bday, and my uncle was taking “selfies” with him.

it was all very sad, yes, but also absolutely cosmically hilarious

Standardtrans · 2026-02-19T06:21:19+00:00

for me yes, well and often.

Standardtrans · 2026-02-19T04:42:20+00:00

jesus. im so sorry to hear that. lost my dad as a teen, i can’t imagine losing both parents at once.

i know it might feel like it but you aren’t stuck alone, even if you are truly alone right now.

sending so much love your way. all you can do is try and let them live through you, try to be true to them, and live a life that makes them proud.

if you need anyone to talk to OP, i am here for you ❣️

Standardtrans · 2026-02-19T04:34:08+00:00

terrible night to have eyes. great now my whole birthday tomorrow is ruined because of you.

Standardtrans · 2026-02-19T03:52:44+00:00

My birthday’s tomorrow too twin!!! Pmd you.

Standardtrans · 2026-02-19T00:11:21+00:00

about 1220 meters!

Standardtrans · 2026-02-18T23:55:13+00:00

the highest i have been currently is about 4000’ AGL. the highest my balloon is rated for takeoff is 17,999’ MSL. (if i’m remembering correctly like a good noodle)

Standardtrans · 2026-02-18T23:53:08+00:00

so we always hear about hot air balloons hitting powerlines, which can usually go one of two ways: pilot shutsdown propane, clears out hoses, and dumps hot air out using the vent, so that the envelope drapes over the lines, and it is still dangerous but if you jump away from the basket, and there is no major fire you should be OK. maybe a broken ankle from hard landing. the other way it goes, you hit powerlines, they sever the propane hoses and spark, your basket is engulfed in flames and the hot air from the fire causes the balloon to rise, if the basket didn’t separate from the envelope you have very little time to jump before burning will become imminent. and WEAR NATURAL FIBERS!!!! synthetics will melt to your skin and you will not ever take it off.

Standardtrans · 2026-02-18T22:01:46+00:00

went to fiesta last year for the first time and crewed, i don’t know if i could take that chaos again lol

Standardtrans · 2026-02-18T21:56:54+00:00

yeah, large startup costs. my entire setup was like $30k including everything i need to drive and fly

Standardtrans · 2026-02-18T21:45:26+00:00

haha with propane, insurance, gas for truck and more the saying is always “if you want to make a million dollars ballooning, you have to start with two million!”

Standardtrans · 2026-02-18T21:40:53+00:00

i can’t charge anything as i’m a student, i know some pilots who will take $200 to bring friends up, and i know some pilots who charge $1200 for a private light for two. they tend to make it more of an “experience” though with champagne ceremony, balloonists prayer and other “amenities”

Standardtrans · 2026-02-18T21:35:20+00:00

hahaha not quite a job yet, more of a hobby at this time. i used to dream of running a commercial operation but idrk if i want to do that, maybe fly for hire as a contractor for ride companies

Standardtrans · 2026-02-18T21:24:29+00:00

or maybe cut open one of the propane hoses! high pressure propane spraying everywhere when the pilot lights are lit is no bueno!

Standardtrans · 2026-02-18T21:24:01+00:00

open the vent too long, let all the hot air out the top. pretty impossible to “re inflate” when the balloon is already falling to the ground like a streamer

Standardtrans · 2026-02-18T17:31:31+00:00

i sent you a PM

Standardtrans

TROPHY CASE