Medical Second Class (May 19th 2020)

[hotairballoonist]

Do you do rides? 

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (H.R. 302, Pub.L. 115–254) is a United States federal law, enacted during the 115th United States Congress, which reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other programs till the end of fiscal year 2023. The bill was passed by Congress on October 3, 2018, and was signed by President Donald Trump on October 5, 2018.

SEC. 318. APPLICABILITY OF MEDICAL CERTIFICATION STANDARDS TO OPERATORS OF AIR BALLOONS. (a) SHORTTITLE.—This section may be cited as the ‘‘Commercial Balloon Pilot Safety Act of 2018’’. (b) INGENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall revise section 61.3(c) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (relating to second-class medical certificates), to apply to an operator of an air balloon to the same extent such regulations apply to a pilot flight crew-member of other aircraft. (c) AIRBALLOONDEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘air bal-loon’’ has the meaning given the term ‘‘balloon’’ in section 1.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any corresponding similar regulation or ruling)

My overview.

So from what I have read, for a pilot currently, to do balloon rides, you now must have a Second Class Medical.  High blood pressure if medicated is not an issue but diabetes even with medication is prohibited unless you receive a special exception.  We posted an article in the "Walkie Talkie" forum for more information if you wish.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

We have redone our equipment for sale section.  You may now post your equipment for sale with photos, all the information you want to post with your contact email, phone and anything else you want to add.  This is totally FREE to anyone who has balloon stuff for sale.  There is even a Video Tutorial on how to do it.  If you have equipment for sale or know someone who has point them our way.

Facebook and Twitter

You now can log into the site using your Facebook credentials or using your twitter account.  Just use the links at the top of the page and follow the prompts.

FaceMasks

We now have face masks in the store on HotAirBalloonist.com  They are Washable and Reusable.  We have a few colors in stock and they are shipped out to you the very day you place the order.  Have a look and get a few if you need them.  We have one operator who purchased 100 of them to sell to passengers who show up to fly without one.  Great idea!

 

Thank you all for what you do for the balloon world.

Back to sewing.

Jeff A Thompson