Hotair Balloon Team

Ballooning and Amateur Radio Club of Ireland

Information on how to become a Hot Air Balloon Pilot.

Hotair.ie recommends the U.K syllabus for pilot training.

License Requirements

* To fly a Hot Air Balloon within Irish air space, you are required to have your PPL (B) license validated by the
Irish Aviation Authority.

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.
• Countersignature of self certification declaration of fitness by your GP. Some GP's 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.

Find out more

For general enquiries and more information about the BBAC please contact theInformation Officer: Email: info@bbac.org
Telephone: +44 117 953 1231

For membership information, including membership renewals and changes of address, please contact the Membership Secretary: Email: membership@bbac.org