Pilot Application for Cross Channel 2024
The Balloon Cross Channel is confirmed for a standby weather window of October 21st 2024 to April 7th 2025.
Entry Requirements
• Minimum of 50 P1 Hours
• Pilots with between 50 and 100 hours may be accepted at the discretion of the organisers, flight and safety teams
• Valid PPL/CPL and balloon documents
• All pilots must hold a valid Class 2 medical certificate
• Valid passport
• You must notify your insurance company of the intended flight across the English Channel and receive confirmation from them in the form of an endorsement
• Maximum envelope size permitted is 120,000 cubic feet if the launch site allows, we may permit 140,000 cubic feet balloons
• Minimum envelope size permitted is 65,000 cubic feet
• We strongly recommend the use of an inflation tank
• Must have a minimum of 3 hour duration
• Must carry a paper or electronic copy of an air map for Southern England and Northern France, OS Map 179 with BBAC sensitive areas
• Life jackets are compulsory for all persons in the basket
• The carrying of a life raft is optional but recommended
• Immersion suits are strongly recommended for all persons in the basket
• Ensure that all documentation for the balloon is carried in the retrieve vehicle and that passports for all persons flying in the balloon are taken in the basket
• Note to overseas pilots, the pilot in command and/or crew chief must speak English or a translator must be present at all briefings and in the basket during the flight
• Balloons are not required to be unbranded, branded/balloons displaying company logos are permitted.