United States Federal Aeronautical Regulations Part 103 allows an excellent opportunity to fly for those who have longed to be a pilot but have not had the opportunity to gain a pilot certificate. For those seeking to fly hot air balloons, Part 103 allows one to fly certain balloons without a pilot certificate, annual inspection, registration, etc., and with next to zero bureaucratic interference.

The regulations allow solo flight in any hot air balloon which weighs 155 pounds or less empty. The weight of the envelope, burner(s), basket, fuel tanks, and structural equipment count towards the total empty weight. The propane fuel for the burners is not counted; only the weight of the actual tanks.

There is no maximum fuel limit for propane carried, unless the propane is being used for forward propulsion. In the case of a "powered" balloon, the maximum empty weight would be raised to the powered ultralight limit of 254 pounds. There is a carrying limit of 5 gallons for any fuel used for forward propulsion.

Apex Balloons can manufacture any possible style/design of Ultralight hot air balloons and airships. Please contact us with any requirements or design suggestions you may have.