How are balloon pilots licensed?

Balloon Pilot Certificates are issued by The Federal Aviation Administration to candidates who must pass a FAA written examination. Pilots must obtain a prescribed number of hours in a balloon, pass a flight test, make a solo flight to altitude,  and submit a medical statement. Balloons are registered like all other aircraft and are subject to regular air safety checks. The Federal Aviation Administration will not allow a balloon to be certified as airworthy unless these inspections and checks are conducted by authorized and certified maintenance personnel.