From your address it would appear that you are in the UK - if not, ignore what follows!
To obtain a UK Private Balloon Pilots Licence you are required to pass written examinations in air law, meteorology, navigation, balloon systems and human performance. Have a minimum 16 hours under tuition (at least 4 of which are with a BBAC appointed instructor, others may be with any licensed balloon pilot) and have passed a flight test conducted by an examiner.
Three ways of getting there, in order of cost (the time it will take to get your licence is also the same order):
1. Go to a balloon flying school, use their balloon, gas, insurance etc. and it'll cost at least GBP(£)150 per hour.
2. Buy your own second-hand balloon (huge variety of prices but you can get all you need including the trailer for anything between GBP(£)4000 - 10,000. You shouldn't then have much of a problem finding a pilot willing to fly with you at no charge - most are happy to increase their log of hours with no depreciation or cost against their own balloon. Even some instructors will do it FOC with your own balloon.
3. Find a local balloon and pilot and offer *to do anything for them*!! Get up at 5.00 am to crew, don't shy at any of the physical work, don't say 'I'm sorry I can't make it on Mon/Tues whatever' unless a close relative passes away. You've gotta be their slave
Then, if they're decent people they'll let you have flights sometimes, get time on the burner and finally accept you as their PUT. Well, that at least is how I treat truly dedicated crew who want to fly.
