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Step 1 - Submit Application
Step 2 - Acceptance
Step 3 - Finalise Application

Pilot Application for Cross Channel 2024

The Balloon Cross Channel is confirmed for a standby weather window of January 10th to April 7th 2024.

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 compulsory for all persons in the basket and must be worn on take-off
• 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.

Contact Information
Forename:
Surname:
Email:
Phone:
 
 
Address 1:
Address 2:
Address 3:
Postcode:
Country:
Pilot Information

Please note that ALL pilots MUST hold a valid Class 2 Medical Certificate. This is a legal requirement to fly in French airspace and you will be unable to fly without one. For clarification, a LAPL is not sufficient, it must be a Class 2 Medical.


Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy):
P1 Hours:
Licence Held Since (YYYY):
Licence Number:
Balloon Information
Registration:
Manufacturer and Type:
Photo:
Name:
Description:
Size:
Ferry Requirements
Vehicle Type:
Outbound Journey :
Trailer Type:
Select your Package
All entry fees include return standby ferry travel for one retrieve vehicle / van with or without trailer plus all occupants, pilot souvenir pin badge and basket banner.

Entry fees also include overall costs such as permits, licenses and fees, support boat(s) in the channel, PR activity, launch site costs, refuelling infrastructure (overseas pilots), meteorological services, safety team and flying committee services. Airspace and local liaison (UK and France) together with all administration costs for running the event which is a huge undertaking post Brexit.

Club Diamond (owners of Diamond Hot Air Balloons) - Free Entry

UK Pilot - Entry Fee £250 plus VAT (£300 inc VAT)

European Pilot - Entry Fee €350


• Calais outbound ferry
European Pilot with Refuelling - Entry Fee €500


• Calais outbound ferry
• Includes up to 300ltrs/80 US Gallons of propane at launch site
US/Canada/Australia/Asia Pilot - Entry Fee $375 (USD)

US/Canada/Australia/Asia Pilot with Balloon Storage - Entry Fee $425 (USD)


• Facility to receive shipped balloons and store throughout the period
US/Canada/Australia/Asia Pilot with Refuelling - Entry Fee $550 (USD)


• Includes up to 300ltrs/80 US Gallons of propane at launch site
US/Canada/Australia/Asia Pilot with Balloon Storage and Refuelling - Entry Fee $600 (USD)


• Facility to receive shipped balloons and store throughout the period
• Includes up to 300ltrs/80 US Gallons of propane at launch site
Please click here to download the Bank Account information for all entry fee payments. Please note, you will not be able to return to this page after submitting, so be sure to download this now.

Application Login
Please provide a password which will allow you to continue with your application once your invitation has been received and accepted.

Password:
Confirm Password:

Submit Your Application
I confirm I am making this application as Pilot In Command, the above is accurate and I agree to the terms and conditions of the event.