flight to further define the flight’s progress. The advantage  of the OODA Loop Model is that it may be cumulative.  Also, multiple cycles in different stages of completion may  be occurring at any given point in the flight. To be eligible to fly a balloon solo, an applicant must be at  least 14 years of age and demonstrate satisfactory aeronautical  knowledge on a test developed by a flight instructor. Flight  training must be received and logged for the maneuvers and  procedures in 14 CFR part 61 that are appropriate to the  make and model of aircraft to be flown. Only after all of  these requirements are met can a flight instructor endorse a  student's certificate and logbook for solo flight.  To be eligible for a sport pilot certificate with a balloon  endorsement, an applicant must be at least 16 years of age,  complete the specific training and flight time requirements  described in 14 CFR part 61, pass a knowledge test,  and successfully complete a practical test. A sport pilot  certificate with balloon endorsement authorizes piloting  a balloon with a maximum takeoff gross weight of 1,320  pounds or less. Satisfactory proficiency and safety must  also be demonstrated. To be eligible for a private pilot certificate with a balloon  rating, an applicant must be at least 16 years of age, complete  the specific training and flight time requirements described  in 14 CFR part 61, pass a knowledge test, and successfully  complete a practical test. A private pilot certificate allows  a pilot to carry passengers, but he or she may not receive  compensation. The FAA has specified the aeronautical  knowledge and flight proficiency that must be demonstrated  to earn a private certificate as listed below. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. (1997, July 30). 14  CFR part 61, section 61.105. Retrieved on 19 January 2007  from http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies. Balloon Certificate Eligibility  Requirements 3.  Use of the applicable portions of the Aeronautical  Information Manual and FAA Advisory  Circulars; 4.  Use of aeronautical charts for VFR navigation  using pilotage, dead reckoning, and navigation  systems; 5.  Radio communication procedures; 6.  Recognition of critical weather situations from the  ground and in flight, windshear avoidance, and  the procurement and use of aeronautical weather  reports and forecasts; 7.  Safe and efficient operation of aircraft, including  collision avoidance, and recognition and  avoidance of wake turbulence; 8.  Effects of density altitude on takeoff and climb  performance; 9.  Weight and balance computations;  10. Principles of aerodynamics, powerplants, and  aircraft systems; 11. Stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin  recovery techniques for the airplane and glider  category ratings;  12. Aeronautical decision-making and judgment;  and 13. Preflight action that includes— i.  How to obtain information on runway  lengths at airports of intended use, data  on takeoff and landing distances, weather  reports and forecasts, and fuel requirements;  and ii.  How to plan for alternatives if the planned  flight cannot be completed or delays are  encountered. (a) General. A person who applies for a private 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. 2.  Accident reporting requirements of the National  Transportation Safety Board; 1.  Applicable Federal Aviation Regulations of this  chapter that relate to private pilot privileges,  limitations, and flight operations; (b) Aeronautical knowledge areas. (a) General. A person who is applying for a private  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. Flight Proficiency, Private Pilot, 14 CFR Part 61,  Section 61.107 Aeronautical Knowledge, Private Pilot, 14 CFR  Part 61, Section 61.105. 1-13