AMCAcceptable means of compliance
AMC2 FCL.125; FCL.235
CONTENTS OF THE SKILL TEST FOR THE ISSUE OF A LAPL(B) AND A BPL
(a)The take-off site should be chosen by the applicant depending on the actual meteorological conditions, the area which has to be over flown 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.
(b)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.
FLIGHT TEST TOLERANCE
(c)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;
(5)maintain control of the balloon at all times in such a manner that the successful outcome of a procedure or manoeuvre is never seriously in doubt.
CONTENT OF THE SKILL TEST
(d)The skill test contents and sections set out in this paragraph should be used for the skill test for the issue of a LAPL(B) (hot-air balloon) and a BPL (hot-air balloon):
| SECTION 1 PRE-FLIGHT OPERATIONS, INFLATION AND TAKE-OFF | |
|---|---|
| Use of checklist, airmanship, control of balloon by external visual reference, look-out procedures, etc. apply in all sections. | |
| a | Pre-flight documentation, flight planning, NOTAM and weather briefing |
| b | Balloon inspection and servicing |
| c | Load calculation |
| d | Crowd control, crew and passenger briefings |
| e | Assembly and layout |
| f | Inflation and pre-take-off procedures |
| g | Take-off |
| h | ATC compliance(if applicable) |
| SECTION 2 GENERAL AIRWORK | |
| a | Climb to level flight |
| b | Level flight |
| c | Descent to level flight |
| d | Operating at low level |
| e | ATC compliance (if applicable) |
| SECTION 3 EN-ROUTE PROCEDURES | |
| a | Dead reckoning and map reading |
| b | Marking positions and time |
| c | Orientation and airspace structure |
| d | Maintenance of altitude |
| e | Fuel management |
| f | Communication with retrieve crew |
| g | ATC compliance |
| SECTION 4 APPROACH AND LANDING PROCEDURES | |
| a | Approach from low level, missed approach and fly on |
| b | Approach from high level, missed approach and fly on |
| c | Pre-landing checks |
| d | Passenger pre-landing briefing |
| e | Selection of landing field |
| f | Landing, dragging and deflation |
| g | ATC compliance (if applicable) |
| h | Actions after flight |
| SECTION 5 ABNORMAL AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES | |
| a | Simulated fire on the ground and in the air |
| b | Simulated pilot light and burner failures |
| c | Other abnormal and emergency procedures as outlined in the appropriate flight manual. |
| d | Oral questions |
(e)The skill test contents and sections set out in this paragraph should be used for the skill test for the issue of a LAPL(B) (gas balloon) and a BPL (gas balloon):
| SECTION 1 PRE-FLIGHT OPERATIONS, INFLATION AND TAKE-OFF | |
|---|---|
| Use of checklist, airmanship, control of balloon by external visual reference, look-out procedures, etc. apply in all sections. | |
| a | Pre-flight documentation, flight planning, NOTAM and weather briefing |
| b | Balloon inspection and servicing |
| c | Load calculation |
| d | Crowd control, crew and passenger briefings |
| e | Assembly and layout |
| f | Inflation and pre-take-off procedures |
| g | Take-off |
| h | ATC compliance (if applicable) |
| SECTION 2 GENERAL AIRWORK | |
| a | Climb to level flight |
| b | Level flight |
| c | Descent to level flight |
| d | Operating at low level |
| e | ATC compliance (if applicable) |
| SECTION 3 EN-ROUTE PROCEDURES | |
| a | Dead reckoning and map reading |
| b | Marking positions and time |
| c | Orientation and airspace structure |
| d | Maintenance of altitude |
| e | Ballast management |
| f | Communication with retrieve crew |
| g | ATC compliance |
| SECTION 4 APPROACH AND LANDING PROCEDURES | |
| a | Approach from low level, missed approach and fly on |
| b | Approach from high level, missed approach and fly on |
| c | Pre-landing checks |
| d | Passenger pre-landing briefing |
| e | Selection of landing field |
| f | Landing, dragging and deflation |
| g | ATC compliance (if applicable) |
| h | Actions after flight |
| SECTION 5 ABNORMAL AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES | |
| a | Simulated closed appendix during take-off and climb |
| b | Simulated parachute or valve failure |
| c | Other abnormal and emergency procedures as outlined in the appropriate flight manual |
| d | Oral questions |
AMC · AMC2 FCL.125 — Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 · ED Decision 2011/016/R · Aircrew Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 25 Nov 2025