If you would like to fly a balloon for recreation, you will need a private balloon pilot permit – PP(B)P.
What you need to get a PP(B)P
To get a PP(B)P you must:
- be at least 16 years old
- be able to self-declare that you can read, speak and understand the English language and that you are medically fit:
- meet the requirements in accordance with CAO 95.54 and our recreational ballooning procedures manual
- successfully complete the theory requirements and have the required experience to pass a flight test contained in our recreational ballooning procedures manual
- hold a valid student pilot (balloon) permit – SP(B)P – and one of the following:
- an radio operator (balloon) permit – RO(B)P
- an aviation radio operators certificate (AROC)
- have authorisation under CASR Part 61 or Part 64 to operate aircraft radio.
If you have an equivalent foreign licence
Foreign private balloon pilots can apply for a PP(B)P using the same requirements as PP(B)P holders, except you:
- don’t need to apply for a SP(B)P
- must pass the Balloon Flight rules and Aerostatics – BFRA exam
- must provide evidence of your foreign licence and certified logbook evidence of training and subsequent flying
- don’t need flight training
- may require a flight test for conversion of endorsements
Important: Once we issue the PP(B)P, the holder must first successfully complete a Recreational Balloon Flight Review before conducting a flight as pilot in command (PIC).
Temporary permit
You may also apply for a temporary issue of a PP(B)P to fly in Australia for up to 30 days using form:
You must apply for an aviation reference number if you do not already have one.