Having been involved in many meetings about EASA rulemaking we are now in a position to give you some new information.
New Basic Regulation
New Basic Regulation on common rules in the field of civil aviation will replace the current EU.216/2008 – see https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1535746700163&uri=CELEX:32018R1139. Here you also can find the regulation in your own language.
For balloon operators there is little direct change. All balloons under 42.000 ft³ will fall outside EASA and are governed by National Law. This should make it easier to get approval for new aircraft and parts. It has become clear that for some current NAA – National Aviation Authority-work a Qualified Entity can take over the NAA tasks. It also states that NAAs should actively promote aerial sports and other flying.
We are currently working on a paper making clear all differences between the old Basic Regulations and the new.
Declared Training Organisation
The final publication was made of the DTO ( Declared Training Organisation) as replacement for the ATO (Approved Training Organization) earlier this month. Declaration for new Training Organisations can be made early in September this year. The lack of complexity and operating ease of the DTO will be welcomed by many and the administrative ATO will no longer be needed for ballooning and light aircraft and sailplanes. The full text can be found at the EASA site https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1535746892364&uri=CELEX:32018R1119
Balloon Flight Crew Licensing
Part BAC has now been renamed as Part B.FCL Balloon Flight Crew Licensing.
We have had the final meeting in June during which all NAA’s and other parties could make their opinions known. We are now processing the comments and hope to be ready by the end of the year. Introduction April 8th 2020.
Balloon Operations
As we have published before Part BOP will enter into force at April 8th 2019. All commercial balloonists will have to prepare for this and hand in the DECLARATION as of that date. Please note that you cannot operate a balloon commercially without have made the declaration to your NAA.