If you would like to fly a hot air balloon for work purposes, you need a commercial pilot (balloon) licence (CP(B)L).
A CP(B)L lets you fly as a commercial pilot-in-command under CAR Part 5.
To get a CP(B)L, you must have either a:
- current private pilot (balloon) permit (PP(B)P)
- current or expired equivalent foreign licence.
If you have a private pilot (balloon) permit
To apply for a CP(B)L you must:
- be at least 18 years old
- have held your PP(B)P for at least one year
- study the theory and pass the exams
- complete balloon flight training
- complete the exercises in the CP(B)L application form during a flight test
- have at least 75 hours as pilot-in-command in a balloon, including 60 hours free flight and 5 hours tethered
- meet a certain level of English
- hold a current class 2 medical certificate
- provide a current photo, or update an existing photo that is older than 10 years.
If you have an equivalent foreign licence
Foreign commercial balloon pilots can apply for a CP(B)L using the same requirements as PP(B)P holders, except:
- you must apply for an aviation reference number, if you do not already have one
- your foreign licence may need to show you have completed an ICAO level 4 English assessment or higher
- if you do not have a current class 2 medical certificate, you must have an equivalent from the same authority that issued your licence
- you do not need flight training
- those with current licences must do a balloon flight review under CAR 5.143
- those with expired licences must do the exercises in the CP(B)L application form during a flight test.
Balloon class endorsements
You must get the endorsement for the class (size) of balloon you plan to fly. To fly a balloon with a volume of:
- less than 260,000 cubic feet, you must hold a Class 1(R) or Class 1(U) endorsement.
- more than 260,000 cubic feet, you must hold a Class 2(R) or Class 2(U) endorsement.
You must demonstrate the class endorsement requirements in a flight test or proficiency check. The examiner must record this in your logbook.
How to apply for a commercial pilot (balloon) licence
To get a CP(B)L, you'll need to: