Training Requirements for the BPL

Training for the Balloon Pilot Licence (BPL), to be used on a non-commercial basis, consists of both theory and practical elements. Before beginning your training journey, you should obtain a CAA medical. This can be as simple as a Self Declaration medical based on the DVLA requirements for driving a car. Further information regarding medicals can be found on the CAA website.

Theory

Subjects for which exams are to be taken in are:

• Air Law
• Balloon Systems
  • Aircraft General Knowledge
  • Flight Performance and Planning
  • Operational Procedures
  • Principles of Flight
• Communications (not required where you already hold a Radio Telephony licence)
• Human Performance
• Meteorology
• Navigation

Each exam, taken electronically, has a pass mark of 75%.

All exams must be passed within an 18 month period. Once all passed, you have 24 months from the date of the last exam to complete all training and apply for your licence.

Practical

 16 hours of flight time to include:

• 4 hours of dual flight instruction in 4 flights with an instructor
• 12 hours with a balloon pilot who has at least 50 hours P1 experience

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During these 16 hours, the following must be completed:

• 10 inflations
• 20 take-offs
• 20 landings
• A flight to 5,000 feet above mean sea level (with evidence)
• 1 solo flight of at least 30 minutes to be observed by an instructor

2 tethered flights to a height of at least 10 metres, the second tether observed by an instructor. 

During the 16 hours there are various criteria to ensure comprehensive training has taken place and this will be verified by the instructor during their 4 flights and signed off to standard. Your progress will be monitored by both yourself and your instructing pilots/instructors throughout your training.