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 non-passenger operation rating or a commercial passenger 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. 4 hours of dual flight instruction
2. 10 inflations and 20 take-offs and 20 landings
3. One solo flight with a flight time of at least 30 minutes supervised by an FI(B) 

12 of the 16 hours of flight time required may consist of flights in which the applicant accompanies a BPL holder, who has a minimum of 50 hours flight time as PIC and who acts as PIC, for the purposes of practising appropriate balloon flying techniques; 

Theoretical knowledge examination and practical skill test

You will need to pass the six theoretical knowledge examination papers.  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.

Extension of privilege requirements can be found in BFCL.150. 

Recency requirements

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

Either:

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

Recency requirements can be found in BFCL.160.

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 ratings

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 non-passenger 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 non-passenger 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 non-passenger balloon operations

1. Are 18 years of age or over 
2. Have completed 100 hours of flight time and 100 take-offs and landings as PIC on balloons 
3. Have the privileges for the class of balloon in which the privileges of the commercial passenger operation rating will be exercised. 
4. On or after 1 October 2027, completed a commercial passenger operation rating training course at an ATO or DTO, which must include at least two flights with an FI(B) who holds a commercial passenger operation rating, and a ground course which must include at least six hours of theoretical knowledge instruction; and 
5. Passed a skill test on the relevant class of balloon during which the holder must demonstrate, to an FE(B), the competence required for commercial passenger balloon operations. 

Addition of rating requirements can be found in BFCL Subpart-ADD. 

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/