(1) Annex 3 (requirements for balloon flight crew licensing (part-BFCL)) is amended as follows.
(2) In Subpart GEN (general requirements)—
(a) in point BFCL.015 (application for and issue, revalidation and renewal of a BPL as well as associated privileges, ratings and certificates), in point (g), for the words “or assessment of competence” substitute “, assessment of competence, or for mixed balloons, a course completion certificate” ;
(b) for point BFCL.030 (practical skill test) substitute—
BFCL.030 Practical skill test
(a) An applicant for a skill test must be recommended for that test, once that training is completed, by either:
(i) the ATO or DTO responsible for the applicant’s training; or
(ii) the FI(B) responsible for the applicant’s training.
(b) The applicant’s training records must be provided to the examiner by the ATO, DTO or FI(B) responsible for the training.
(c) for point BFCL.035 (crediting of flight time) substitute—
BFCL.035 Crediting of flight time
(a) Applicants for a BPL or an associated privilege, rating or certificate will be fully credited with all solo, dual instruction or PIC flight time on balloons towards the requirement of a total flight time for the licence, privilege, rating or certificate.
(b) As provided for in BFCL.130(b), applicants may be credited with flight time in a balloon during which they have accompanied a qualified BPL holder in accordance with that point.
(3) In Subpart BPL (balloon pilot licence)—
(a) in point BFCL.115 (BPL – privileges and conditions), for point (a)(2) substitute—
(2) in commercial operations, except commercial passenger ballooning, if the licence includes a commercial non-passenger operation rating in accordance with point BFCL.215 of Subpart ADD of this Annex;
(3) in commercial operations, including commercial passenger ballooning, if the licence includes a commercial passenger operation rating in accordance with point BFCL.220 of Subpart ADD of this Annex.
(b) for point BFCL.130 (BPL – training course and experience requirements) substitute—
BFCL.130 BPL – Training course and experience requirements
Applicants for a BPL must complete a training course at an ATO or a DTO, or under the supervision of an FI(B). The course must be tailored to the privileges sought and must include:
(a) theoretical knowledge as specified in point BFCL.135(a);
(b) at least 16 hours of flight time in either a hot-air balloon within group A of that class, or a gas balloon, including at least:
(1) 4 hours of dual flight instruction completed over at least 4 flights;
(2) 10 inflations, 20 take-offs and 20 landings; and
(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;
(c) in the case of qualifying to fly hot-air balloons, at least two tethered flights, with the final tethered flight supervised and signed off as satisfactory by the holder of an FI(B) certificate.
(c) in point BFCL.135 (BPL – theoretical knowledge examination)—
(i) for points (b)(2) and (3) substitute—
(2) The applicant must only take the theoretical knowledge examination if recommended by the FI(B), ATO or DTO responsible for the applicant’s training and once the applicant has completed the appropriate elements of the training course of theoretical knowledge instruction to a satisfactory standard.
(3) The recommendation by the FI(B), ATO or DTO will be valid for 12 months. If the applicant fails to take at least one theoretical knowledge examination paper within those 12 months, the need for further training will be determined by the FI(B), ATO or DTO, based on the needs of the applicant.
(ii) in point (c)(4)—
(aa) in the first sentence, after “DTO” insert “or with an FI(B)” ;
(bb) for the second sentence substitute “The extent and scope of the training will be based on the needs of the applicant.” ;
(d) in point BFCL.150 (BPL – extension of privileges to another balloon class or group)—
(i) in point (c)(1), for the words “or a DTO” substitute “, a DTO or with an FI(B)” ;
(ii) in point (d)(2), after “(c)(1), the” insert “instructor, or the” ;
(iii) for point (e) substitute—
(e) The privileges of the BPL will, on application, be extended to the mixed balloon class if:
(1) the BPL includes hot-air balloon privileges, and
(2) the holder has completed a course of theoretical knowledge on mixed balloons.
(e) in point BFCL.160 (BPL – recency requirements)—
(i) in point (a)—
(aa) in the first sentence, for the words from “shall” to “relevant” substitute “must only exercise the privileges of that licence where the holder has completed in a single” ;
(bb) in point (1), for point (i) substitute—
(i) within the last 13 months before the planned flight, at least 5 flights, each of not less than 5 minutes in duration, as PIC or flying dual or solo under the supervision of an FI(B); and
(cc) in point (2), after “point (c)” insert “(3)” ;
(ii) for point (b) substitute—
(b) In addition to the requirements in point (a), a pilot who is qualified to fly more than one class of balloon may exercise pilot privileges in respect of the additional balloon class where the pilot has met the relevant criteria, as follows:
(1) with the exception of the mixed balloon class, within the last 24 months the pilot has completed at least three flights or three hours of flight time, as PIC or flying dual or solo under the supervision of an FI(B), on the additional balloon class;
(2) where the additional balloon class is the mixed balloon class:
(i) the pilot is in compliance with point (a) or (b)(1) with respect to the hot-air balloon class; and
(ii) within the last 5 years has completed a course of theoretical knowledge training for the mixed balloon class.
(iii) for point (c) substitute—
(c) A BPL holder who does not comply with the requirements in paragraph (a)(1) and, if applicable, (b), before resuming the exercise of licence holder privileges, must:
(1) if not in compliance with the flights described in point (a)(1)(i) or (b), conduct the remainder of the required flights or flight time as applicable under the supervision of an FI(B); or
(2) if not complying with point (a)(1)(ii), conduct a training flight with an FI(B);
(3) if not complying with any of the activities described in point (a)(1), pass a proficiency check with an FE(B) in a balloon that represents the relevant class.
(iv) in the first sentence of point (d), for the words from “shall” to “her” substitute “must exercise” ;
(v) in point (d)(i), after “paragraph (c)” insert “(3)” ;
(vi) for point (e) substitute—
(e) The completion of the dual flights, the flights under supervision and the training flight as specified in points (a)(1), (b), (c)(1) and (c)(2), as well as the proficiency check as specified in point (c)(3), must be entered in the logbook of the pilot and signed by, in the case of points (a)(1), (b), (c)(1) and (c)(2), the responsible FI(B) and, in the case of point (c)(3), the responsible FE(B).
(vii) in point (f)—
(aa) in the first sentence, after “commercial” insert “non-passenger” ;
(bb) for points (1) and (2) substitute—
(1) point (a) and, if applicable, (b), where the holder has completed a skill test in accordance with point BFCL.215(b)(4) in the relevant balloon class within the last 24 months; or
(2) point (a)(1)(ii), where the holder has completed one of the two training flights with an FI(B) as specified in point BFCL.215(ba) in the relevant balloon class within the last 24 months.
(viii) after point (f) insert—
(g) A BPL holder, who also holds the privileges for commercial passenger operations as specified in point BFCL.220 of Subpart ADD of this Annex, is deemed to comply with the requirements of:
(1) point (a) and, if applicable, (b) where the holder has completed a proficiency check in accordance with point BFCL.220(d)(3)(i) or (ii) in the relevant balloon class or classes within the last 24 months; or
(2) point (a)(1)(ii), where the holder has completed the supervised flight as specified in point BFCL.220(d)(2)(ii) in the relevant balloon class within the last 24 months.
In the case of the hot-air balloon class, limitations specified in point (d), concerning the privileges to operate different classes of balloons, apply, depending on the balloon class used for complying with points (f)(1) or (f)(2).
(4) In Subpart ADD (additional ratings)—
(a) omit point BFCL.200 (tethered hot-air balloon flight rating);
(b) in point BFCL.215 (commercial operation rating)—
(i) in the heading, after “Commercial” insert “non-passenger” ;
(ii) in point (a), after both occurrences of “commercial” insert “non-passenger” ;
(iii) in point (b)—
(aa) in the first sentence, after “commercial” insert “non-passenger” ;
(bb) in point (4), after “commercial” insert “non-passenger” ;
(iv) after point (b) insert—
(ba) On or after 1 October 2027 applicants for a commercial non-passenger operation rating will also be required to have completed a commercial non-passenger operation rating training course at an ATO or DTO, which must include a ground training course and at least two training flights with an FI(B) who holds either a commercial non-passenger operation rating or a commercial passenger operation rating.
(v) in point (c)—
(aa) after “commercial” insert “non-passenger” ;
(bb) in the first sentence, for “paragraph (b)(3)”, substitute “point (b)(4)” ;
(cc) in the second sentence, for “paragraph” substitute “points” .
(vi) omit points (d) to (h);
(c) after point BFCL.215 insert—
BFCL.220 – Commercial passenger operation rating
(a) A BPL holder may exercise the privileges of the holder’s licence on commercial passenger operations only if the pilot holds a commercial passenger operation rating in accordance with this point.
(b) An applicant for a commercial passenger operation rating must have:
(1) attained the age of 18 years;
(2) completed 100 hours of flight time and 100 take-offs and landings as PIC on balloons;
(3) 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.
(c) The privileges of the commercial passenger operation rating will be limited to the class of balloon in which the skill test has been completed. The privileges will be extended upon application to another class of balloon if, in respect of that other class, the applicant complies with points (b)(3) and (b)(5).
(d) A pilot who holds a commercial passenger operation rating may only exercise the privileges of that rating after completing:
(1) prior to the planned flight:
(i) for commercial passenger ballooning in hot-air balloon group A, or gas balloon, or mixed balloon, or hot-air airship: 100 hours as PIC in balloons;
(ii) for commercial passenger ballooning in hot-air balloon group B: 110 hours as PIC in balloons, of which at least 10 hours must be commercial passenger ballooning flights in hot-air balloons in group A;
(iii) for commercial passenger ballooning in hot-air balloon group C: 200 hours as PIC in balloons, of which at least 20 hours must be commercial passenger ballooning flights in hot-air balloons in groups A and B combined. At least 10 of those 20 hours must be in group B;
(iv) for commercial passenger ballooning in hot-air balloon group D: 300 hours as PIC in balloons, of which at least 30 hours must be commercial passenger ballooning flights in hot-air balloons in groups A, B and C combined. At least 10 of those 30 hours must be in group C;
(2) within 180 days preceding the planned flight:
(i) at least three flights as PIC in balloons, of which at least one must be in a balloon of the relevant class; or
(ii) one flight as PIC in a balloon of the relevant class under the supervision of an FI(B) who is qualified in accordance with this point;
(3) prior to the planned flight:
(i) on or after 1 October 2026, for pilots who have passed the skill test within 24 months before the planned flight: within 13 months preceding the planned flight, a proficiency check, in a balloon of the relevant class, during which the pilot must demonstrate to an FE(B) the competence required for commercial passenger ballooning;
(ii) for pilots who have passed the skill test more than 24 months before the planned flight: within the 24 months preceding the planned flight, a proficiency check, in a balloon of the relevant class, during which the pilot must demonstrate to an FE(B) the competence required for commercial passenger ballooning; and
(4) on or after 1 October 2030, within 60 months preceding the planned flight: a training course at an ATO or a DTO, tailored to the competence required for commercial passenger ballooning operations, including at least six hours of theoretical knowledge instruction.
(e) To maintain the privileges of the commercial passenger operation rating for all balloon classes, a pilot who holds a commercial passenger operation rating with privileges extended to more than one class of balloons must have completed a proficiency check in any balloon class within the relevant period specified in point (d)(3).
(f) A pilot who complies with point (d) and holds a commercial passenger operation rating for the hot-air balloon class may exercise those privileges in the hot-air balloon class only on balloons that represent:
(i) the same group of hot-air balloon in which the proficiency check was passed as specified in point (d)(3); or
(ii) a hot-air balloon group with a smaller envelope size.
(g) The completion of the flight under supervision as specified in point (d)(2)(ii), the proficiency check as specified in point (d)(3) and the training course as specified in point (d)(4) must be entered in the logbook of the pilot and signed by:
(1) for the flight under supervision, the relevant FI(B);
(2) for the proficiency check, the relevant FE(B);
(3) for the training course, the head of training at the relevant ATO or DTO.
(h) A pilot who has completed an operator proficiency check in accordance with point BOP.ADD.315 of Annex II (Part-BOP) will be deemed to comply with point (d)(3).
(5) In Subpart FI (flight instructors), in point BFCL.315 (FI(B) certificate – privileges and conditions), in point (a)—
(a) in point (2), for “hours of flight time” substitute “flights” ;
(b) in point (3)—
(i) omit “or a tethered flight rating”;
(ii) at the end of the point, omit “and”;
(c) at the end of point (4)(ii), omit the full-stop and insert—
;
(5) a commercial non-passenger operation rating, provided that the applicant has received specific training in providing instruction for the relevant rating at an ATO or at a DTO; and
(6) a commercial passenger operation rating, provided that the applicant has received specific training in providing instruction for the relevant rating at an ATO or at a DTO, and has undertaken a minimum of 50 hours as PIC of commercial passenger ballooning flights.
(6) In Subpart FE (flight examiners)—
(a) in point BFCL.415 (FE(B) certificate – privileges and conditions)—
(i) for point (a) substitute —
(a) skill tests and proficiency checks for the BPL and skill tests for the extension of the privileges to another balloon class, provided that the applicant:
(1) has completed 500 hours of flight time as PIC on balloons, including 50 hours of flight instruction covering the full syllabus of a BPL training course; and
(2) for the extension of privileges to another class, has completed 25 flights and 50 hours of flight time as PIC on that class of balloon;
(ii) for point (b) substitute—
(b) skill tests and proficiency checks for the commercial non-passenger operation rating specified in point BFCL.215, provided that the applicant has:
(1) completed at least 500 hours of flight time as PIC of balloons, of which:
(i) at least 100 hours must be as PIC of commercial non-passenger ballooning or commercial passenger ballooning operations; and
(ii) at least 50 hours must be as PIC of commercial non-passenger ballooning or commercial passenger ballooning operations in the relevant, or larger, hot-air size group concerned; and
(2) received training tailored to the examiner privileges during an examiner standardisation course in accordance with point BFCL.430;
(ba) skill tests and proficiency checks for the commercial passenger operation rating specified in point BFCL.220 provided that the applicant has:
(1) completed at least 500 hours of flight time as PIC of balloons, of which:
(i) at least 200 hours must be as PIC of commercial passenger ballooning operations; and
(ii) at least 100 hours must be as PIC of commercial passenger ballooning operations on the group concerned (or on the group concerned and on larger groups combined); and
(2) received specific training during an examiner standardisation course in accordance with point BFCL.430;
(iii) in point (c)(1), for “350 hours of flight time as pilot” substitute “500 hours of flight time as PIC” ;
(b) in point BFCL.460 (FE(B) certificate – validity, revalidation and renewal), in point (b)(2)—
(i) for “an examiner” substitute “a Senior Examiner (Balloons) (SE(B))” ;
(ii) omit the words from “specifically authorised” to the end of the sentence;
(c) after point BFCL.460, insert—
BFCL.470 Senior examiner certificate for balloons – SE(B)
The CAA will appoint, where required, Senior Examiners (Balloons). An SE(B) must hold a valid FE(B) certificate appropriate to the privileges being granted. An SE(B) will be authorised to assess the competence of an FE(B) and oversee the validity, revalidation and renewal of FE(B) certificates.
