NOTE: Steps 1–7 have been omitted from this reference. To  view these steps, reference the manual listed in the title of  the section text.  Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. (1997, July 30). 14  CFR part 61, section 61.107. Retrieved on 19 January 2007  from http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies. To be eligible for a commercial pilot certificate with a balloon  rating, an applicant must be 18 years of age, complete the  specific training requirements described in 14 CFR part  61, pass the required knowledge tests, and pass another  practical test.  The FAA has specified the aeronautical knowledge and flight  proficiency that must be demonstrated to earn a commercial  certificate as listed below. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. (1997, July 30). 14  CFR part 61, section 61.125. Retrieved on 19 January 2007  from http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies. 8. For a lighter-than-air category rating with a  balloon class rating: i.  Preflight preparation; ii.  Preflight procedures; iii. Airport operations; iv.  Launches and landings; v. Performance maneuvers; vi. Navigation; vii. Emergency operations; and viii. Postflight procedures. 5.  Safe and efficient operation of aircraft; 6.  Weight and balance computations; 7.  Use of performance charts; 8.  Significance and effects of exceeding aircraft  performance limitations; 9.  Use of aeronautical charts and a magnetic  compass for pilotage and dead reckoning; 10. Use of air navigation facilities; 11. Aeronautical decision-making and judgment; 12. Principles and functions of aircraft systems; 13. Maneuvers,procedures,andemergencyoperations  appropriate to the aircraft; 14. Night and high-altitude operations; 15. Procedures for operating within the National  Airspace System; and 16. Procedures for flight and ground training for  lighter-than-air ratings. (a) General. A person who applies for a commercial pilot  certificate must receive and log ground and flight  training from an authorized instructor on the areas  of operation of this section that apply to the aircraft  category and class rating sought. (b) Areas of operation. 8.  For a lighter-than-air category rating with a  balloon class rating: i.  Fundamentals of instructing; ii.  Technical subjects; iii. Preflight preparation; iv.  Preflight lesson on a maneuver to be  performed in flight; v.  Preflight procedures; vi. Airport operations; vii. Launches and landings; viii. Performance maneuvers; ix. Navigation; x.  Emergency operations; and xi. Postflight procedures. 4.  Meteorology to include recognition of critical  weather situations, windshear recognition and  avoidance, and the use of aeronautical weather  reports and forecasts; 3.  Basic aerodynamics and the principles of  flight; 2.  Accident reporting requirements of the National  Transportation Safety Board; 1.  Applicable Federal Aviation Regulations of this  chapter that relate to commercial pilot privileges,  limitations, and flight operations; (b) Aeronautical knowledge areas. (a) General. A person who applies for a commercial  pilot certificate must receive and log ground training  from an authorized instructor, or complete a home-  study course, on the aeronautical knowledge areas of  paragraph (b) of this section that apply to the aircraft  category and class rating sought. 1-14 Flight Proficiency, Commercial Pilot, 14 CFR  Part 61, Section 61.127. Aeronautical Knowledge, Commercial Pilot,  14 CFR Part 61, Section 61.125.