Learn to fly a hot air balloon with Airborne Adventures

A hot air balloon is a registered aircraft, the same as any fixed wing aircraft or helicopter. As such the person in command must hold a valid Private Pilot's Licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority specifically for ballooning; this is known as the PPL(B).

Although anyone with average ability can fulfil the requirements for the PPL(B) it is not an activity to be taken lightly. As a pilot you must be sufficiently competent at operating the balloon and have such knowledge to be able to cope with any problems or circumstances that may arise. In addition you will be responsible for the lives of the people you might carry in the basket.

PPL requirements

• Minimum flying experience of 16 hours within 24 months.
• A minimum of 6 flights
• A minimum of 4 flights with a BBAC approved Instructor; the rest may be with any valid PPL(B)
• To keep a flight log with flight training records completed by the instructing pilot.
• To keep a BBAC training log; this is a requirement of the BBAC not the CAA.
• To be recommended by a BBAC approved Instructor for a flight test.
• To undertake a flight test examination with a CAA approved Examiner.
• Perform a solo flight under the supervision of the Examiner or an instructor delegated by the Examiner.
• Take written examination in Aviation Law, Navigation, Meteorology, Balloon Systems and Human Performance.
• Medical declaration of fitness signed by your GP. Some GPs will require an examination.
• Attend an approved Landowner Relations Seminar.
• Complete the written examinations and flight test within a 24 month period.

Do not be daunted, the standard required is based on common sense, not academic brilliance!

Further in depth information is available on the BBAC website.

Your training will be done in the UK and in Spain near to Barcelona. This is because the Spanish weather is far more dependable and we think it is better that there is some continuity to your training rather than doing it a bit at a time.