FAA Repairman Certificate – Light-Sport
Aircraft (LSA) Inspection – Balloon Exam
Practice Test Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of the envelope in a hot air balloon?
A. To provide directional control
B. To support the gondola
C. To contain the heated air that provides lift
D. To regulate pressure at altitude
Rationale: The envelope holds the heated air, which makes the balloon
buoyant and allows it to ascend.
2. The material commonly used for a hot air balloon envelope is:
A. Canvas
B. Ripstop nylon
C. Polyester film
,D. Vinyl
Rationale: Ripstop nylon is lightweight, heat-resistant, and strong enough
to contain hot air without tearing.
3. What component of a hot air balloon controls ascent and descent?
A. Parachute valve
B. Basket
C. Burner
D. Fuel system
Rationale: The burner heats the air inside the envelope, increasing lift for
ascent; reducing heat allows descent.
4. The basket in a hot air balloon is typically constructed from:
A. Woven wicker
B. Aluminum
C. Fiberglass
D. Steel tubing
Rationale: Wicker provides flexibility, durability, and light weight, making
it ideal for absorbing landing impact.
5. Which FAA regulation governs the certification and maintenance of light-
sport aircraft?
,A. Part 21
B. Part 43
C. Part 65
D. Part 91
Rationale: 14 CFR Part 43 outlines maintenance, preventive maintenance,
rebuilding, and alteration standards.
6. What is the maximum takeoff weight for a lighter-than-air light-sport
aircraft (balloon)?
A. 500 pounds
B. 660 pounds
C. 850 pounds
D. 1000 pounds
Rationale: FAA defines LSA balloons as having a maximum takeoff weight
not exceeding 660 pounds.
7. What type of fuel is most commonly used in hot air balloons?
A. Aviation gasoline
B. Diesel fuel
C. Propane
D. Butane
Rationale: Propane is clean-burning, efficient, and provides the high heat
output required for balloon flight.
, 8. What document must a repairman hold to perform annual inspections on
an experimental LSA balloon?
A. Private Pilot Certificate
B. Repairman Certificate (LSA – Inspection)
C. Mechanic Certificate
D. Airframe Certificate
Rationale: A Repairman Certificate with LSA-Inspection rating authorizes
annual condition inspections on owner aircraft.
9. The parachute valve at the top of a balloon envelope is used to:
A. Add more lift
B. Release hot air for descent or landing
C. Prevent overpressure
D. Cool the air inside
Rationale: Opening the parachute valve allows hot air to escape,
decreasing lift and enabling descent.
10. A balloon’s fuel tank should be inspected for:
A. Air leaks
B. Corrosion, damage, and secure fittings
C. Burner flame color
Aircraft (LSA) Inspection – Balloon Exam
Practice Test Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of the envelope in a hot air balloon?
A. To provide directional control
B. To support the gondola
C. To contain the heated air that provides lift
D. To regulate pressure at altitude
Rationale: The envelope holds the heated air, which makes the balloon
buoyant and allows it to ascend.
2. The material commonly used for a hot air balloon envelope is:
A. Canvas
B. Ripstop nylon
C. Polyester film
,D. Vinyl
Rationale: Ripstop nylon is lightweight, heat-resistant, and strong enough
to contain hot air without tearing.
3. What component of a hot air balloon controls ascent and descent?
A. Parachute valve
B. Basket
C. Burner
D. Fuel system
Rationale: The burner heats the air inside the envelope, increasing lift for
ascent; reducing heat allows descent.
4. The basket in a hot air balloon is typically constructed from:
A. Woven wicker
B. Aluminum
C. Fiberglass
D. Steel tubing
Rationale: Wicker provides flexibility, durability, and light weight, making
it ideal for absorbing landing impact.
5. Which FAA regulation governs the certification and maintenance of light-
sport aircraft?
,A. Part 21
B. Part 43
C. Part 65
D. Part 91
Rationale: 14 CFR Part 43 outlines maintenance, preventive maintenance,
rebuilding, and alteration standards.
6. What is the maximum takeoff weight for a lighter-than-air light-sport
aircraft (balloon)?
A. 500 pounds
B. 660 pounds
C. 850 pounds
D. 1000 pounds
Rationale: FAA defines LSA balloons as having a maximum takeoff weight
not exceeding 660 pounds.
7. What type of fuel is most commonly used in hot air balloons?
A. Aviation gasoline
B. Diesel fuel
C. Propane
D. Butane
Rationale: Propane is clean-burning, efficient, and provides the high heat
output required for balloon flight.
, 8. What document must a repairman hold to perform annual inspections on
an experimental LSA balloon?
A. Private Pilot Certificate
B. Repairman Certificate (LSA – Inspection)
C. Mechanic Certificate
D. Airframe Certificate
Rationale: A Repairman Certificate with LSA-Inspection rating authorizes
annual condition inspections on owner aircraft.
9. The parachute valve at the top of a balloon envelope is used to:
A. Add more lift
B. Release hot air for descent or landing
C. Prevent overpressure
D. Cool the air inside
Rationale: Opening the parachute valve allows hot air to escape,
decreasing lift and enabling descent.
10. A balloon’s fuel tank should be inspected for:
A. Air leaks
B. Corrosion, damage, and secure fittings
C. Burner flame color
