What Training Opportunities Does AAAA Offer for Balloon Pilots and Crew?

The Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association (AAAA) offers four main training tracks: Private Pilot Ground School, Commercial Pilot Ground School, and Balloon Crew Training. Private and Commercial Ground School are each available in two formats — in person and online — while Crew Training is offered online. The online courses are described as available 24/7, so you can start them on your own schedule. In-person sessions are listed as "TBD," meaning dates are announced later rather than fixed on the page.

Training options at a glance

Only the in-person Private Pilot Ground School shows a price on the page ($199.00). The site does not publish prices for the other courses, so check the individual course pages for current details.

How to get started

1. Go to the AAAA website and find the Training Opportunities section.
2. Choose the track that matches your goal: Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, or Crew.
3. Select the format — in person or online — where both are offered.
4. Follow the "Get Details" link for that course to see scheduling, requirements, and registration.

The expected result is a course detail page where you can confirm dates, cost, and how to enroll.

Choosing between formats

• Online (24/7): Best if you want to study on your own schedule or don't live near Albuquerque. The page states these are available around the clock.
• In person: Best if you want scheduled classroom instruction and local contact. Note that in-person dates are listed as TBD, so you'll need to check back or contact AAAA for the next session.

Beyond the core courses

AAAA also lists workshops and seminars under the same Training Opportunities area, with a "Get Details" link for the full list. One recurring example is the Fiesta Safety Seminar, which has its own registration link on the site. These are worth checking if you want shorter, event-based learning rather than a full ground school.

Practical notes

• The site's online store sells related materials, including the Aviation Instructor's Handbook ($20.00) and Telling Isn't Teaching ($19.00), which may supplement your training.
• AAAA describes itself as the largest ballooning community in the world and frames its mission as "Promoting Hot-Air Ballooning Through Education & Community," so training is a core part of what the organization does.
• For current dates, prices, and registration, use the "Get Details" links rather than relying on the summary above — the page shows some dates as TBD.