Division BFCL.130 BPL – Training course and experience requirementsF1F2

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:

1. (a)

   theoretical knowledge as specified in point BFCL.135(a);

2. (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. (1)

      4 hours of dual flight instruction completed over at least 4 flights;

   2. (2)

      10 inflations, 20 take-offs and 20 landings; and

   3. (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;

3. (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.