BFCL.145 BPL – Practical skill test

1. Applicants for a BPL shall demonstrate through the completion of a skill test the ability to perform, as PIC on a balloon, the relevant procedures and manoeuvres with competency appropriate to the privileges sought.
   
   
2. Applicants shall complete the skill test in the same class of balloons in which the training course has been completed in accordance with point BFCL.130 and, in case of hot-air balloons, in a balloon that represents group A of that class.
   
   
3. To take a skill test for the issue of a BPL, the applicant shall first pass the required theoretical knowledge examination.
   
   
4. Pass standards
   
   
   1. The skill test shall be divided into different sections, representing all the different phases of a balloon flight.
      
      
   2. Failure in any item of a section shall cause the applicant to fail the entire section. If the applicant fails in only one section, he or she shall repeat only that section. Failure in more than one section shall require the applicant to retake the entire test.
      
      
   3. If the applicant needs to retake the test in accordance with paragraph (2) and fails in any section, including those sections that have been passed at a previous attempt, the applicant shall retake the entire test.
      
      
5. If the applicant fails to achieve a pass in all sections of the test within two attempts, he or she shall receive further practical training.

ED Decision 2020/003/R

1. General
   
   
   1. The take-off site should be chosen by the applicant depending on the actual meteorological conditions, the area which has to be overflown, and the possible options for suitable landing sites. The applicant should be responsible for the flight planning and should ensure that all equipment and documentation for the execution of the flight are on board.
      
      
   2. An applicant should indicate to the FE the checks and duties carried out. Checks should be completed in accordance with the flight manual or the authorised checklist for the balloon on which the test is being taken. During pre-flight preparation for the test, the applicant should be required to perform crew and passenger briefings and demonstrate crowd control. The load calculation should be performed by the applicant in compliance with the operations manual or flight manual for the balloon used.
      
      
   3. The flight time of the skill test should be at least 30 minutes.
      
      
2. FLIGHT TEST TOLERANCE
   
   The applicant should demonstrate the ability to:
   
   1. operate the balloon within its limitations;
   2. complete all manoeuvres with smoothness and accuracy;
   3. exercise good judgment and airmanship;
   4. apply aeronautical knowledge; and
   5. maintain control of the balloon at all times in such a manner that the successful outcomeof a procedure or manoeuvre is never seriously in doubt.
      
      
3. CONTENT OF THE SKILL TEST
   
   
   1. The skill test contents and sections set out in this point should be used for the skill test for the issue of a BPL with privileges for the hot-air balloon class:

Note: Use of checklist(s), airmanship, control of balloon by external visual reference, look-out procedures, etc. apply in all sections.

(2) The skill test contents and sections set out in this point should be used for the skill test for the issue of a BPL with privileges for the gas balloon class:

Note: Use of checklist(s), airmanship, control of balloon by external visual reference, look-out procedures, etc. apply in all sections.

→ BFCL.150