NTSB Recommends FAA Remove Medical Certification Exemption for Commercial Balloon Pilots

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a formal safety recommendation, designated as A-17-034, directed at the Federal Aviation Administration. This recommendation is associated with investigation number DCA16MA204 and addresses regulatory gaps concerning medical certification standards for commercial balloon operations. Specifically, the NTSB advises the FAA to remove the medical certification exemption found in 14 Code of Federal Regulations 61.23(b). The current regulation allows pilots who are exercising their privileges as commercial balloon pilots and receiving compensation for transporting passengers to operate under an exemption. The safety board argues that this exemption should be eliminated to ensure consistent medical fitness standards for compensated passenger transport by balloon. This action aims to enhance aviation safety by closing the loophole that permits compensated commercial balloon pilots to bypass standard medical certification requirements.