Skip to main content

This is a new service - your feedback will help us to improve it.

Commercial Balloon Pilot

Regulators
  • Civil Aviation Authority
Nations
United Kingdom
Sectors
  • Transport

Regulatory or professional bodies

Primary regulator

Regulatory authority
Civil Aviation Authority
Address

Civil Aviation Authority
Aviation House
South Area
Gatwick Airport RH6

Email address
infoservices@caa.co.uk
Phone number
+44 (0)1293 567711

Regulation

Regulation summary

A Commercial Balloon Pilot flies passengers for hire and reward.

Regulation:
Under UK Regulation (EU) No, 1178/2011. UK Aircrew Regulation.

The minimum age to get the National UK CPL(B) is 18 and you will need to hold the following medical.
• An applicant for a UK CPL(B) restricted licence (aerial work) shall hold a valid Medical declaration or Part MED Class 1 or 2 or LAPL medical certificate.
• An applicant for a UK CPL(B) unrestricted licence shall hold a valid Part MED Class 1 or 2 medical certificate.

Regulation type

Licence

Reserved activities

N/A

Protected titles

N/A


Qualifications and experience

New professionals

Routes to qualification

Complete a training course at an Approved Training Organisation. Hold a UK Class 2 Medical. Complete theoretical examinations and undertaking flight training. Pass a skills test.

PL(B) theoretical examinations are administered by the CAA and have to be taken at an approved centre (see the examination page for further information - https://www.caa.co.uk/commercial-industry/pilot-licences/examinations/)

The following Theoretical Knowledge examinations are applicable:
• Aviation Law, Flight Rules and Procedures
• Human performance and limitations
• Navigation
• Meteorology
• Aircraft (General) Balloons
Credit: These subjects are common with Part FCL CPL licence in another aircraft category (aeroplane or helicopter).
Please refer to CAP 804 - https://www.caa.co.uk/cap804 Section 5, Part C, Subpart 2 for more information.
Passes in Theoretical Knowledge exams are valid for licence issue for 36 months from date of the last exam pass. All exams are to be completed within 6 sittings, 4 attempts at any one subject and all within an 18 month period from the date that the first exam is attempted (the timeframes defined in Part-FCL.025 are applied).

Professionals from outside the UK

Recognition for professionals outside the UK
All - there are routes to recognition for professionals from all countries
Summary of routes

The process of conversion of professional flight crew licences are stated within UK Regulation (EU) 2020/723 - https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/document-library/regulations/commission-delegated-regulation-eu-2020723


Registration

Registration requirements

The holder of a UK CPL(B) may exercise the privileges of the licence to fly non-EASA balloons registered in the UK that come within the privileges of the licence and the valid ratings included in the licence.
Training requirements differ depending on the aircraft category and training route you take.
However, in all cases, you must fulfill the class or type rating requirements for the aircraft you take your CPL skill test on


Legislation

Title of relevant act or charter

UK Regulation (EU) No. 1178/2011

Title of relevant act or charter

N/A

Licence Finder

You may need licences and permits to carry out certain activities in the UK. These are called authorisations. Use the licence finder to find what you need.