Commercial Hot-Air Balloon Pilots to Require Medical

The FAA has proposed a rule requiring commercial hot-air-balloon pilots to hold a medical certificate when operating for hire. Similar to other commercial pilots, they would need a second-class medical certificate. Under current regulations, lighter-than-air aircraft pilots do not require the same medical certification process that others do, only required to affirm that they have no medical defect that would make them unable to pilot a free balloon. “Balloon pilots are responsible for the safety of their passengers," FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said. “This proposed rule would ensure that balloon pilots meet the same medical requirements as pilots of other commercial aircraft.&rd