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:   

  • be at least 16 years old;  

  • have completed a Pilot in Command (PIC) training course with an approved training organisation –  ATO (in Dutch); 

  • have completed at least 16 hours of flight instruction in the same balloon class/group during the course;  

  • have passed a theory examination in 9 different subjects;  

  • have performed a skills test for your role as Pilot in Command (PIC);  

  • 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:  

  • have 50 hours of flight time and 50 take-offs and landings as a hot air balloon PIC;

  • 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

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