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 now mandates that commercial hot air balloon pilots carrying paying passengers must hold at least a second-class medical certificate, aligning requirements with other commercial pilots.
This new ruling was welcomed by the NTSB and was mandated by Congress following a 2018 NTSB recommendation after a fatal 2016 hot air balloon crash where the pilot's medical history was not detected due to a lack of required screenings.
While a "promising step," the NTSB believes the FAA needs to do more to govern all revenue passenger-carrying air tours (including balloons, helicopters, and other aircraft) to ensure consistent oversight regarding maintenance, airworthiness, 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.
