NTSB Welcomes New FAA Medical Rule for Hot Air Balloon Pilots
Congress mandated the medical certificate rule based on a 2018 NTSB recommendation after a hot air balloon carrying 16 people crashed into power lines, killing all aboard.
The commercial balloon industry estimates it conducts 100,000 to 250,000 passenger rides each year.Adobe Stock
Key Takeaways:
The FAA has mandated that commercial hot air balloon pilots must now hold a second-class medical certificate when flying paying passengers, aligning them with other commercial pilots.
This new regulation was driven by a 2018 NTSB recommendation, following a fatal 2016 hot air balloon crash where the pilot's medical history, including drug and alcohol convictions, went undetected.
While the NTSB welcomes the rule as a "promising step," it urges the FAA to extend stricter oversight to all revenue-carrying air tour operations, including hot air balloons, helicopters, and other aircraft, covering maintenance and operational requirements.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said it welcomed the new FAA ruling requiring commercial hot air balloon pilots to hold at least a second-class medical certificate when flying paying passengers, as is already required for commercial airplane and helicopter pilots.
Michael Wildes holds a master’s degree in Logistics & Supply Chain Management, and a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science, both from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Previously, he worked at the university’s flight department as a Flight Check Airman, Assistant Training Manager, and Quality Assurance Mentor. He holds MEI, CFI & CFII ratings. Follow Michael on Twitter @Captainwildes.
