Learn to Fly Hot Air Balloons in the UK
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)'s regulated Private Pilot's Licence for ballooning, known as the PPL(B) in the United Kingdom, changed on the 1st October 2025.
by Cameron Balloons
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)'s regulated Private Pilot's Licence for ballooning, known as the PPL(B) in the United Kingdom, changed on 1st October 2025 - after a long period of consultation and opportunities to transfer or update any pre-existing PPL(B) licences.
From October 2025, new applicants applying for a UK Private Pilot's Licence for balloons will now be working towards the 'Part BFCL-BPL'.
As a consequence of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)'s regulatory updates, there have been changes to the new pilot's licence online application and associated forms for both applicants and examiners. Any CAA forms valid prior to 1st October 2025 will now no longer be accepted by the CAA.
These CAA licencing changes now mean that, in order to become a balloon pilot in the UK, you need to complete the following :
1. Log a Minimum of 16 Hours Practical Flight Training
This includes a minimum of 12 hours with a British Balloon & Airship Club (BBAC) Declared Training Organisation (DTO) 'Flight Instructor', in 'Group A'-sized (up to 120 thousand cu.ft. / 3,400m3) balloons.
Most people learn to fly hot air balloons within 20 to 40 hours of flying time, and instructors usually charge more, if you are also hiring their balloon, fuel, retrieve vehicle, crew etc.
2. Pass a CAA-Approved Medical (Usually a 'Class 2' Medical)
3. Complete a Minimum of 10 Inflations
The burner part of the process : getting the balloon out of the trailer, off the ground and into the air.
4. A Minimum of 20 Practiced Take-Offs and Landings
5. Undertake an Examiner/Instructor-Observed Solo Flight of 30 Minutes
6. Book and Pass An Examined Flight Skill Test
Once you have completed the instructed flying hours, your solo flight, and have passed the E-Exams, you then need to book and pass an examined flight skill test. This is often referred to as the practical flight test, or 'check flight' or 'checkout flight'.
7. Pass the Part BFCL-BPL E-Exams With a Minimum 75% Pass Mark
Four E-Exams which are the same as for any other general aviation pilots :
• Aviation Law
• Communications
• Human Performance
• Meteorology
8. Balloon-Specific E-Exams
• Balloon Navigation : use the current edition '1:500,000 Southern England & Wales VFR navigation chart', as found here : NATS (National Air Traffic Service) website.
• Balloon Systems : four smaller E-Exams taken together
9. Pay £250 to the CAA For Issue of Your Licence
If you want to add to your licence later, you can complete additional practical and theory tests to be able to fly, e.g. gas balloons, airships, bigger balloons, at night, tethered balloons, passengers, or to instruct, etc.
*approximate cost - details correct as of September 2025
The following page provides information regarding Part BFCL-BPL applications, including a link to the CAA online application form :
https://www.caa.co.uk/general-aviation/pilot-licences/pilot-licences-for-balloons/
Including topics such as :
• How do I apply?
• How much does it cost? (for the application)
• What do I need to send with my application?
• What else do I need to know?
• How long will it take for my application to be processed?
• What happens next?
• How long is it valid for?
The following page offers information regarding certifying copies of documents for your application :
Including information such as :
• Flight crew licences
• Theoretical knowledge examination results
• Proof of identity
• Marriage certificates or deed polls
• Logbook pages
• Accepted certifier
• Recognised professions
The following page provides information regarding the Theoretical Knowledge E-Exams, including a link to the 'Part BFCL-BPL' E-Exams :
For those (including examiners) interested in the UK Civil Aviation Authority regulations and associated AMC/GM (Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material), details are available via this link :
https://www.caa.co.uk/UK-Regulations
Other Useful Documents for Applicants :
• SRG2161 : UK Balloon Pilot Licence (BPL) - Initial Issue
• SRG2162 : UK Balloon Pilot Licence (BPL) - Extension of Privileges
• SRG2163 : UK Balloon Pilot Licence (BPL) - Flight Instructor (Balloons) (FI(B))
Forms Used as Part of Your Application :
• CAA5012 : Certificate of English Language Assessment
The following documents contain useful checklists to revise and practice ready for your 'skill test' flight test :
• SRG1317 : Training Check Form (Balloons)
• SRG2169A : Examiner Report Part BFCL-BPL Skill Test - Hot Air Balloon
To find these CAA documents, follow www.caa.co.uk and type 'SRG' (Safety Regulation Group) into their search box, followed by the document number you need.
If you still can't find something you need, please contact our Flight Instructors / FI(B) within our Sales Department for further help and advice : sales@cameronballoons.co.uk.