Pack
(1) Of balloon envelopes, stuffing the
envelope into its storage bag after a flight. (2) Of
balloon cold inflation, filling the envelope nearly
full of cold air with a very large fan.
Parachute Top
A deflation system wherein the
deflation port is sealed with a disc of balloon
fabric shaped like a parachute. Lines attached to
the edge of the parachute disc gather into a single
line that may be pulled down by the pilot in the
basket.
Pibal (Pilot Balloon Observations)
A small
helium-filled balloon sent aloft to help determine
wind direction, velocity, and stability.
PIC (Pilot in Command)
The pilot
responsible for the operation and safety of an
aircraft during flight.
Piezo
(pronounced pee-ate'zo). A piezoelectric
spark generator that is built into many modern
balloon heaters to ignite the pilot light.
Pilot Light
A small, continuously burning
flame used to ignite the main "blast" flame of a
balloon heater. |
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Pilotage
Navigation by visual reference to
landmarks.
Pinhole
Any small hole in a balloon envelope
smaller than the maximum dimensions allowed
for airworthiness.
Porosity
A condition of the envelope fabric that
allows hot air to escape. Excessive porosity
requires increased fuel use and results in higher
envelope temperatures.
Positive Control
"Control of all air traffic,
within designated airspace, by air traffic control."
(14 CFR part 1)
Powerplant
The engine or device that propels
an airplane, airship, or rotorcraft. The term does
not apply to balloons, which are considered to
be unpowered aircraft.
Preflight
All preparations, including gathering
information, assembly, and inspection performed
by the pilot before flight.
Pressure Relief Valve
A device in a propane
tank designed to release excess pressure which
may be caused by overfilling, overheating, or
excessive nitrogen pressurization to prevent
tank rupture. |
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Preventive Maintenance
Simple or minor
preservation operations and the replacement of
small standard parts not involving complex
assembly operations.
Prohibited Area
"Designated airspace within
which the flight of aircraft is prohibited." (14 CFR
part 1)
Propane
A colorless and orderless gas. Ethyl
mercaptan is added to propane to give it a
detectable odor. Propane weighs 4.2 lbs. per
gallon.
PTS (Practical Test Standard)
Book
containing areas of knowledge and skill that a
person must demonstrate competency in for the
issuance of pilot certificates or ratings.
Pull Test
A strength test in which a section of
envelope fabric is pulled to a definite pound
measurement to determine if it meets the
certification requirements for airworthiness.
Pyrometer
An instrument used to measure air
temperature inside the top of a balloon envelope.
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