Erik Cornelison, Author at HAWK Aviators

September 21, 2025September 23, 2025

Hot Air Balloon Tether Training

Four HAWK adults teamed up with local community pilots for hands-on hot air balloon tether training. The session focused on key skills including coordination procedures, tether operations, and crew resource management, ensuring everyone is prepared for safe and efficient flights.

Hot Air Balloon Tether Training: Tethered Balloon Shadow Courtesy & Copyright Erik Cornelison, Photographer — Tethered Balloon Shadow
Courtesy & Copyright Erik Cornelison, Photographer

Hot Air Balloon Tether Training: Inflating the Tethered Balloon Courtesy & Copyright Erik Cornelison, Photographer — Inflating the Tethered Balloon
Courtesy & Copyright Erik Cornelison, Photographer

Operation of Hot Air Balloons with Airborne Heaters, FAA Manual ac91-71, https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/ac91-71.pdf

Balloon Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-11, https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/FAA-H-8083-11.pdf

Balloon Federation of America, https://bfa.net

Exam Preparation Courses, The Balloon Training Academy, https://www.theballoontrainingacademy.com/exam-preparation-courses/

Hot Air Balloon Tether Training – Return to top

February 9, 2025February 9, 2025

Cherokee Inspection Tear-Down

Guided by IA/A& P Jerry Friedman, HAWK Team Prepares the Cherokee for Inspection Courtesy & Copyright HAWKaviators, Erik Cornelison, Photographer — Guided by IA/A& P Jerry Friedman, HAWK Team Prepares the Cherokee for Inspection
Courtesy & Copyright HAWKaviators, Erik Cornelison, Photographer

This week at HAWK Aviators, our young aviation enthusiasts got hands-on experience with one of our aircrafts, the Piper Cherokee. Under the supervision of Jerry, our very experienced A&P, A/I (and electrical engineer), the kids embarked on the exciting project of starting the annual inspection. They learned the intricacies of aircraft maintenance, from checking the engine’s health to ensuring all electrical systems are in top condition. This real-world experience not only deepens their understanding of aircraft mechanics but also ignites their passion for aviation, all while under the watchful eye of a true professional. Stay tuned for more updates as our young aviators continue in the learning journey.

HAWK Team Preparing the Cherokee for Inspection Courtesy & Copyright HAWKaviators, Erik Cornelison, Photographer — HAWK Team Preparing the Cherokee for Inspection
Courtesy & Copyright HAWKaviators, Erik Cornelison, Photographer

Removing Cowling Courtesy & Copyright HAWKaviators, Erik Cornelison, Photographer — Removing Cowling
Courtesy & Copyright HAWKaviators, Erik Cornelison, Photographer

December 7, 2024December 8, 2024

Hot Air Balloon Introduction

On our latest educational outing, the HAWK Youth Aviation Group introduced our young members to the world of hot air ballooning, expanding their knowledge beyond fixed-wing aircraft, motor gliders and FAA ground school and flight training.

Under the guidance of our experienced mentors, the youth participants were actively involved in:

Laying out the Balloon: The team carefully spread the balloon on the ground, preparing for inflation.
Inspection: each member learned how to inspect the balloon for safety, identifying key components and checking for any potential issues.
Safety Education: We covered essential safety aspects of ballooning, including crewing responsibilities and emergency procedures.
Cold Inflation: The group practiced cold inflating the balloon, followed by detailed inspection of the parachute top, ensuring it was correctly installed and operational.
Turning Vents: Instructions on how to manage the turning vents were given, teaching control over the balloon descent and landing procedures.
Inflation and Burner Operation: With the balloon fully inflated, several kids had the opportunity to operate the hot air balloon burner under strict supervision, experiencing firsthand the mechanics of balloon operation.

Parents and adult volunteers were integral to the success of the day, assisting with the inflation process and providing additional guidance.

This event not only served as a practical introduction to hot air ballooning but also reinforced the importance of teamwork, safety, and hands-on-learning with aviation.

According to Google, the average annual salary of a hot air balloon pilot in 2024 is $130,000.
Hot Air Balloon Introduction