Reminder: Conversion of Balloon Licences and Ratings

From the 30 September 2025, pilots must hold a UK Part-BFCL BPL if they wish to fly Part-21 balloons. Until then, pilots may continue to fly on their UK ANO licence(s) (and for those who have already converted, their Part-BFCL licence).

Balloon pilots will need to apply to the CAA to convert their current UK ANO licences to a UK Part-BFCL BPL, should they wish to continue flying Part 21 balloons from 30 September 2025.

Whilst we are currently working within the published service levels of 10 working days, due to the expected volume of conversion applications we anticipate extended processing times for this type of application. All pilots whose recommendations are sent to the CAA by 31 March 2025 will have their licence issued by 30 September 2025.

For further information, navigate to our dedicated Balloon webpages on the CAA website.