Author: Paul Spellward

EBF Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held 25^th April 2024. This meeting of the national representatives of EBF member states will deal with the finance report, discuss proposed changes to the Statutes of EBF and will elect the new Executive Committee. The meeting will receive reports on EBF’s activities in 2023 and plans for 2024-25. The national representatives can bring suggestions and proposals to the EBF AGM, so balloonists in Europe are urged to liaise with them to send contributions for consideration at the EBF AGM.

The EC met to discuss general business and particular topics.

Preparations are being made for the Annual General Meeting, 25^th April 2024, where some updates of EBF’s Statutes will be proposed.

New members of the EC are required from 25^th April 2024 and national representatives have been urged to consider being candidates.

Progress on work with EASA was reported, though the pace of adjustments to regulations is inevitably slow. Current initiatives include changes for Part 66 licensed engineers, a possible introduction of a “self-declared” medical for pilots flying non-commercially and on the routine updates of Parts BFCL and BOP. 

Paul Spellward, General Secretary

EBF had a successful visit in Cologne, maintaining contacts with key senior EASA people and making progress on important topics. EBF working alongside the European Gliding Union and EASA on a solution for recency of balloon and sailplane (Part 66L) engineers, most of which only work on a very part time basis. We joined discussions in support of lower medical requirements for non-commercial ballooning, potentially a pilot medical declaration rather than a medical certificate from an aviation doctor. We had first meetings on the review of the pilot licensing (BFCL) and balloon operations (BOP) regulations. Clearly, EBF will be doing a lot of work in the coming years to support the ballooning community in Europe.

Paul Spellward, General Secretary