Balloon Pilot Licence - Hot Air Balloon
Demo: BPL/H
Real exam questions to try for free — no registration needed.
What kind of information should be included in an urgency message?
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The correct answer includes: nature of the problem, important info for support, pilot's intentions, position, heading, and altitude. This ensures effective assistance. Other options miss key elements like pilot's intentions or the nature of the problem.
The correct transponder code for emergencies is...
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7700 is the international transponder code for general emergencies. 7000 is for VFR flights, 7500 for hijacking, and 7600 for radio failure. Only 7700 alerts ATC to an emergency situation.
What is the correct designation of the frequency band from 118.000 to 136.975 MHz used for voice communication?
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The frequency range 118.000 to 136.975 MHz is in the VHF band. LF, MF, and HF are different bands not used for aviation voice communication.
What is the approximate speed of electromagnetic wave propagation?
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The correct answer is 300,000 km/s because electromagnetic waves (like light) travel in a vacuum at about 300,000 kilometers per second. The other options in m/s or 123,000 are too low or in the wrong unit.
An ATIS is valid for...
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The correct answer is 30 minutes because an ATIS broadcast is typically valid for 30 minutes. 10, 45, and 60 minutes are either too short or too long and do not match the official standard.
In case of radio communication failure within a CTR (control zone), the pilot has to...
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The correct answer is: Continue the ride according to last clearance, in case of imminent danger land immediately. This is correct because you must follow the last ATC clearance. The other options are incorrect as they do not comply with radio failure procedures in control zones.
Which of the following options states a correct position report?
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The correct answer is: DEABC, "N", 2500 ft. It includes callsign, reporting point, and altitude—these are the key elements of a position report. The other options are incomplete, use incorrect formats, or lack necessary details.
A wind shear is...
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The correct answer is: a vertical or horizontal change of wind speed and wind direction. Wind shear means sudden changes in wind speed or direction. The other options describe specific phenomena, slow changes, or require a certain speed change, which is not accurate.
Which weather phenomenon is typically associated with wind shear?
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Thunderstorms are often linked to strong wind shear, both horizontal and vertical, due to intense updrafts, downdrafts, and sudden changes in wind direction and speed. The other weather phenomena usually do not cause significant wind shear.
When do you expect wind shear?
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Wind shear often occurs in the presence of an inversion, as wind speed and direction can change rapidly with height. Passing a warm front, calm wind in cold weather, or summer days with calm winds are less likely to cause wind shear.
Before setup, the ground crew team has to be informed about correct behaviour at sudden critical situations how?
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The correct answer is 'by the balloon pilot' because the pilot is responsible for safety. The other options are incorrect: instruction is not only at gusty winds, not at least two days before, and not necessarily twice.
The stretch-out of the envelope of a hot-air balloon should be made:
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The envelope is stretched out to the lee side of the basket so the wind doesn't blow it over the basket. The luv side, sunward, or sun-averted sides are not relevant for safe and controlled inflation.
What has to be expected during descent above a heated water surface?
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Above a heated water surface, rising warm air causes the aircraft to descend faster, so the rate of descent increases. The other answers are incorrect because they refer to horizontal speed or state the opposite effect.
What has to be considered at moderate wind speeds during a balloon ride across mountainous area with cloud-free sky?
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At moderate wind speeds in mountainous areas, lee waves and strong up- and downdrafts occur due to the terrain. These can affect balloon flight safety. The other options are incorrect as they do not typically occur in these conditions.
Under which conditions, no harzards should be expected for a balloon ride?
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High pressure areas before sunset usually mean calm, stable weather with little wind or turbulence. Close to showers, thunderstorms, or approaching fronts, there is a higher risk due to turbulence and sudden weather changes.
What wind conditions should be expected in the vicinity of showers or thunderstorms?
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Near showers or thunderstorms, strong gusts from variable directions occur due to turbulent air from up- and downdrafts. The other options are incorrect because the wind is not steady or calm in these conditions.
How may passengers assist the balloon pilot during landing preparation?
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Passengers may assist by stowing loose parts, which increases safety during landing. Activating vents, emergency opening, or pull rope is the pilot's responsibility, as these actions require specific expertise.
What are primary criteria for selecting a landing site? 1. Obstacle situation 2. Elevation of the site 3. Strength of surface wind
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All three criteria—obstacle situation, elevation, and surface wind strength—are important because they all affect landing safety and feasibility. Considering only two of them is not sufficient for a safe landing.
On summerdays with calm winds, the balloon pilot has to expect:
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On calm summer days, the sun heats the ground strongly, creating heated surface layers. This is what the balloon pilot must expect. The other options are incorrect, as inversions, wind shear, and cold air pools occur under different weather conditions.
What has to be expected by the balloon pilot during descent in deeply cooled layers close to the ground?
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The correct answer is 'Floating on top of the cold air layer' because cold air is denser, causing the balloon to float. The other options are incorrect: the balloon won't start climbing, there is no sudden airspeed change, and descent does not increase in cold layers.
In case of a water landing, when should the life jackets be inflated?
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Life jackets should be inflated only after leaving the basket. Inflating them earlier can hinder exit or cause entrapment. Inflating before or during landing is dangerous, as jackets may restrict movement and make evacuation harder.
Why has a secondary ingnition source be available during a ride with a hot-air balloon?
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A secondary ignition source is needed to re-ignite the burner or pilot flames after flameout. The other options are incorrect because they do not relate to the safe operation of the burner during flight.
What action has to be considered by the pilot of a hot-air balloon with a double-burner installation, in case one burner valve fails?
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The ride can be continued by using the remaining burner, as the double-burner system is designed for such failures. Stopping immediately, shutting down both burners, or making an emergency call is not necessary if one burner still works.
What may be the consequence, if gas containers of a hot-air balloon are refilled at temperatures below 0 °C by volume (80%)?
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Filling gas containers to 80% at below 0°C means the gas expands as it warms. At higher temperatures, this can cause overfilling. The other options do not correctly describe the result of this process.
During setup of a hot-air balloon, the hull is damaged with a hole with a size of 1.50 m x 1.00 m. Is Take-Off permitted?
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Take-off is only allowed if the operating handbook explicitly permits it. The other answers are incorrect because reduced loading, passenger agreement, or immediate repair without handbook reference do not guarantee airworthiness.