BPL training

Your way to the BPL

1. Getting to know and setting goals

   Join a crew, talk to teachers, and decide which balloon class and licensing system fit your destination.

2. School, Medical and Registration

   In the EASA Regulatory Area, the BPL course shall be at an ATO or DTO. The school organizes your education plan and explains the documents.

3. Connecting theory and practice

   Learn weather, air law and planning in parallel with practical experience. Weather windows and learning progress determine the rhythm.

4. Examinations and licence applications

   Theoretical examination and practical examination demonstrate your knowledge and skills. After passing the tests, the application shall be submitted to the competent authority.

Minimum requirements of EASA BPL practice

Initial training shall be on hot air balloons of Group A or on gas balloons. The minimum values are not a guarantee of test maturity. Your teacher will assess what further education you need.

How long does the training take?

The required hours are only part of the planning. In addition, there are theory, ground work, weather days, crew arrangements and exam dates. A season can fit; depending on the weather, region and time budget, the journey may take longer. Ask about the school’s realistic schedule and the number of available teachers.

After the license, learning continues

You keep your knowledge and practical experience up-to-date. Extensions for other classes or groups, night trips and commercial assignments have their own requirements. A BPL alone is not an automatic entitlement for paid passenger journeys.