TS 13312

TS 13312 is a vocational standard for the balloon instructor profession. It sets out the definition and classification of the occupation, together with the characteristics expected from the role and the measurement and evaluation of those characteristics. In practical terms, it provides a common framework for what the instructor role means and how competence in that role is to be assessed.

Professional definition and classification

A balloon instructor is a professional involved in training related to hot air balloon operations, combining flight knowledge, safe operating habits and instructional skill. In general technical context, standards of this kind help align job roles, training pathways and competence language by clarifying the boundaries of the profession and the core capability areas associated with it.

The scope here goes beyond naming the occupation. It also covers the characteristics expected of the instructor and the way those characteristics are measured and evaluated. That makes the standard useful as a structured competence reference, supporting more consistent treatment of knowledge, skill and professional conduct.

Key technical distinctions in balloon instruction

• Flight operations and basic balloon terminology
• The combined teaching and assessment function of the instructor
• A common reference for measuring professional competence
• The hot air balloon training context as distinct from other aviation training fields