Are you a hot air balloon pilot who wants to operate flights in the Netherlands? You will need a balloon pilot licence (BPL). This is a European hot air balloon pilot licence.
BPL requirements
To receive a BPL, you must meet a number of conditions, e.g. you must have completed a training course. Please visit the website of the Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport, ILT (Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate) to find out the other conditions for a BPL.
BPL applications
You can apply for a BPL in the Netherlands through the Civil Aviation Authority the Netherlands (CAA NL), part of the ILT.
Laws and regulations
Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/395 (rules for the operation of balloons)
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Last updated on 20 October 2025