New EU Regulation Completed for Hot Air BalloonsThe new regulation is one of the projects of the General Aviation Road Map established by the European Aviation Safety Agency in partnership with the European Commission and other stakeholders. The updated rules are in force beginning April 8, 2019.Mar 22, 2018The European Commission has adopted new rules this month for the operation of hot-air balloons in EU skies.The new rules are simpler, more flexible, and proportionate to the complexity and risks of balloon operations, according to the commission, and they are expected to maintain a high level of safety while reducing regulatory and administrative burdens, especially for balloon pilots.The new regulation is one of the projects of the General Aviation Road Map established by the European Aviation Safety Agency in partnership with the European Commission and other stakeholders. The updated rules are in force beginning April 8, 2019, a date chosen to give authorities and operators enough time for their implementation.The commission pointed out that the rules for air operations with balloons are only a first step. Working with EASA, the commission will expand the Balloon Rule Book by including simpler and proportionate rules for the licensing of balloon pilots, and it is in the process of establishing a similar Sailplane Rule Book.