Balloon rides and balloon flights are becoming an increasingly common use of leisure time.

In the UK, the person in command must hold a valid Private Pilot’s Licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority specifically for ballooning; this is known as the PPL(B). There are two types of commercial balloon licences: CPL(B) Restricted and CPL(B) (Full).

The CPL(B) Restricted is required if the pilot is undertaking work for a sponsor or being paid by an external agent to operate a balloon. The pilot can fly a sponsored balloon with everything paid for with a PPL unless asked to attend any event. Then a CPL(B) Restricted is required.

The CPL(B) is required if the pilot is flying passengers for money. The balloon then needs a transport category C of A (certificate of air worthiness).

If the pilot is only flying sponsor’s guests, and not charging money for flying other passengers, then the pilot is exempted from holding an AOC (air operator’s certificate) though a copy of it is required. For passenger flying, the balloon also requires a maintenance log.