Commercial balloon pilots now required to have medical certificate
The Federal Aviation Administration has adopted a new rule that requires balloon pilots who carry passengers to obtain a second-class medical certificate when flying. The certificate is the same standard that other commercial pilots are required to hold.
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Commercial balloon pilots were originally exempt from the medical requirement.
Congress directed the FAA to change the medical certification for commercial balloon pilots in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.
The National Transportation Safety Board also made a previous recommendation to the FAA to remove the exemption.
“Passengers can now rest assured that commercial balloon pilots must meet the same strict medical requirements as other commercial pilots," said Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen in a news release.