Applying for a hot air balloon pilot licence
Are you a hot air balloon pilot who wants to operate flights free of charge in the Netherlands? For example for friends or family? You will need a balloon pilot licence (BPL). This is a European hot air balloon pilot licence. You can apply for a BPL in the Netherlands through the Kiwa Register.
Last updated on 5 November 2021
Lees deze informatie in het Nederlands
BPL requirements
To obtain a BPL you must:
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be at least 16 years old;
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have completed a Pilot in Command (PIC) training course with an approved training organisation – ATO (in Dutch);
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have completed at least 16 hours of flight instruction in the same balloon class/group during the course;
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have passed a theory examination in 9 different subjects;
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have performed a skills test for your role as Pilot in Command (PIC);
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have a class 2 medical certificate.
BPL for commercial flights
If you want to conduct paid commercial flights with your BPL, you must meet the following additional requirements:
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have 50 hours of flight time and 50 take-offs and landings as a hot air balloon PIC;
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have passed a proficiency check in a hot air balloon with an examiner.
BPL applications
You can apply for a BPL (in Dutch) on the Kiwa Register website.
Laws and regulations (in Dutch)
Besluit bewijzen van bevoegdheid voor de luchtvaart, artikel 2a