BPL requirements

A BPL will allow you to act as Pilot in Command (PIC) on balloons and hot-air airships.

You cannot act as PIC and receive any kind of payment unless you hold a commercial operation rating.

Balloons are categorised in the following classes and groups:

• Hot-air balloon class
  • Group A: an envelope capacity up to 3,400m³ (120,069ft³)
  • Group B: an envelope capacity between 3,401m³ (120,070ft³) and 6,000m³ (211,888ft³)
  • Group C: an envelope capacity between 6,001m³ (211,889ft³) and 10,500m³ (370,804ft³))
  • Group D: an envelope capacity of more than 10,500m³ (370,804ft³)
• Gas balloon class
• Mixed balloon class
• Hot-air airship class

Training course and experience requirements

You will need to complete theoretical knowledge training.

You will need to complete 16 hours of flight instruction in either a hot-air balloon that is in group A of that class, or a gas balloon, including at least:

1. 12 hours of dual flight instruction
2. 10 inflations and 20 take-offs and landings
3. 1 supervised solo flight with a minimum flight time of 30 minutes

Theoretical knowledge examination and practical skill test

You will need to pass the nine theoretical knowledge examinations.  After this, you will need to pass a practical skill test with a flight examiner.

Medical requirements

Information about medical requirements is available on the following page:

• https://www.caa.co.uk/general-aviation/pilot-licences/applications/medical/

Extension of privilege to another balloon group or class

You will only be allowed to fly balloons in the same class or group in which you took your skill test.

If you wish to extend the privileges of your licence to another group within the hot-air balloon class, you must complete at least:

1. 2 instruction flights with an instructor on a balloon of the relevant group; and
2. the following minimum number of hours of flight time as PIC on balloons:

• at least 100 hours if privileges for group B balloons are sought
• at least 200 hours if privileges for group C balloons are sought
• at least 300 hours if privileges for group D balloons are sought

If you wish to extend the privileges of your licence to another class, you must complete a training course including dual instructional flights and a skill test with an examiner.

Recency requirements

To keep your licence current, you must have completed the following in the relevant class of balloon:

Either:

• within the last 24 months before the planned flight, at least 6 hours of flight time as PIC, including 10 take-offs and landings, and within the last 48 months before the planned flight, at least one training flight with an instructor

Or

• within the last 24 months before the planned flight, a proficiency check with an examiner

In the case of a pilot who is qualified to fly more than one class of balloon, in order to exercise privileges in the other balloon class or classes, you must have completed at least three hours of flight time as PIC (or flying dual or solo under the supervision of an instructor) on each additional balloon class within the last 24 months.

If you do not comply with the requirements above you will need to complete the following:

• pass a proficiency check with an examiner in a balloon of an appropriate class.

Addition of tethered hot-air balloon flight rating

The tethered hot-air balloon flight rating can be added if you complete the following requirements:

1. Have privileges for the hot-air balloon class
2. Complete at least two tethered hot-air balloon instruction flights with an instructor

Addition of night rating

The night rating can be added if you complete the following requirement:

1. Complete at least two instruction flights with an instructor at night of at least one hour each

Addition of commercial operation rating

You can only act as PIC and receive any kind of payment if you hold a commercial operation rating.  The exception to this is for holders of a BPL with instructor or examiner privileges, who can be paid for the following:

1. Flight instruction
2. Conducting skill tests and proficiency checks for any associated ratings and endorsements.

The commercial operation rating can be added if you:

1. Are 18 years of age or over
2. Have completed 50 hours of flight time and 50 take-offs and landings as PIC on balloons
3. Have the privileges for the class of balloon in which the privileges of the commercial operation rating will be exercised
4. Have passed a skill test with an examiner on a balloon in the relevant class demonstrating the competence required for commercial balloon operations

Further information

Further information can be found in the Regulations and the associated Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material for Part-BFCL on the following page:

• https://www.caa.co.uk/uk-regulations/aviation-safety/basic-regulation-the-implementing-rules-and-uk-caa-amc-gm-cs/balloons/