FAA ADDRESSES COMMERCIAL HOT AIR BALLOON SAFETY WITH PROPOSED MEDICAL REQUIREMENT

A new rule that would require commercial hot air balloon pilots to hold a medical certificate has been proposed by the FAA to enhance safety through the reduction of risks associated with medical impairments. The rule, once finalized, will mandate a second class medical for balloon pilots flying for compensation or hire. The rule will not apply, however, to balloon pilots conducting flight training.

A fatal commercial hot air balloon accident in 2016 spurred calls for the removal of the current medical certificate exemption after the NTSB determined the probable cause of the accident was due to the pilot’s impairing medical conditions and the lack of an existing medical certificate policy. According to the FAA, nearly 5,000 pilots hold commercial balloon ratings and the agency estimates there are 356 individual operators. Upon publication of the draft rule in the Federal Register, the public will be allowed 60 days to comment prior to the FAA’s review of all comments and final rule publishing.