Safety Guidance for Balloon Events and Competitions

Overview

This consultation concerns the proposed new publication entitled CAP1739 Safety Guidance for Balloon Events and Competitions.

The publication of this document does not introduce new legal requirements and forms non statutory safety guidance

This CAP is for participating pilots and event organisers of Balloon Events and Competitions. This new CAP is to build on the guidance formerly found in CAP403 Flying Displays and Special Events until Edition 14 when significant re-writing took place.

Since then, the CAA has undertaken research to produce this document with the additional support of a working group comprising of balloon stakeholders.  

The Balloon Events Chapter is updated and expanded from previous guidance last provided in Edition 14 of CAP403.

The Ballooning as part of a Flying Display chapters is as the proposed Edition 23 (2026) of CAP403 Flying Displays and Special Events.

The chapter regarding competition balloon flying is being introduced for the first time following an AAIB Safety Recommendation to the CAA.

Why your views matter

Though this CAP does not have the ability to introduce any new regulatory requirements. It is vital that this document continues to reflect relevant practices in the Ballooning community so that these events to continue to flourish.

Feedback from stakeholders is crucial in supporting this to ensure the document is clear.