The National Transportation Safety Board this week called upon the FAA to treat balloon pilots like all others by requiring them to possess a current medical certificate. Currently, balloon pilots are exempt from medical certificate requirement in order to conduct commercial operations.
NTSB Calls for Regulatory Changes to Commercial Balloon Operations
Key Takeaways:
- The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended that the FAA require commercial balloon pilots to hold a current medical certificate, citing a fatal 2016 crash caused by a pilot impaired by medications and medical conditions.
- In response to safety concerns, the Balloon Federation of America (BFA) launched its "Envelope of Safety" accreditation program, which establishes enhanced pilot qualifications (including a second-class medical certificate and drug/alcohol checks) and tiered safety standards for commercial balloon ride operators.
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