7 ms·

just curious, is it legal to just send a balloon up in the air? considering there are so many different kinds of planes flying around, wouldn't you need clearan

just curious, is it legal to just send a balloon up in the air? considering there are so many different kinds of planes flying around, wouldn't you need clearance from the FAA or other regulatory authorities before doing this?

rabidonrails 14y ago
here's a good start for answers http://www.stratostar.net/faq/#faq1 http://www.stratostar.net/faq/#faq1
jlgreco 14y ago
It seems if you keep the payload under 6 pounds, and abide by a few other limitations, free balloons are a-okay as far as the FAA is concerned. http://www.chem.hawaii.edu/uham/part101.html http://www.chem.hawaii.edu/uham/part101.html
- tomkinstinch 14y ago
  If you're near an airport, it's still probably a good idea to notify the FAA that you'll be doing a launch.
  - jlgreco 14y ago
    Indeed. It certainly cannot hurt to ask them.
- plantain 14y ago
  Read a little closer... (a) No person may operate an unmanned free balloon unless- (1) It is equipped with at least two payload cut-down systems or devices that operate independently of each other; (2) At least two methods, systems, devices, or combinations thereof, that function independently of each other, are employed for terminating the flight of the balloon envelope; and (3) The balloon envelope is equipped with a radar reflective device(s) or material that will present an echo to surface radar operating in the 200 MHz to 2700 MHz frequency range. <snip> (a) Prelaunch notice : Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate an unmanned free balloon unless, within 6 to 24 hours before beginning the operation, he gives the following information to the FAA ATC facility that is nearest to the place of intended operation: (a) Each person operating an unmanned free balloon shall: (1) Unless ATC requires otherwise, monitor the course of the balloon and record its position at least every two hours; and (2) Forward any balloon position reports requested by ATC.
  - elemeno 14y ago
    That only applies if the criteria in 101.1.a.4 are met: (4) Except as provided for in 101.7, any unmanned free balloon that- (i) Carries a payload package that weighs more than four pounds and has a weight/size ratio of more than three ounces per square inch on any surface of the package, determined by dividing the total weight in ounces of the payload package by the area in square inches of its smallest surface; (ii) Carries a payload package that weighs more than six pounds; (iii) Carries a payload, of two or more packages, that weighs more than 12 pounds; or (iv) Uses a rope or other device for suspension of the payload that requires an impact force of more than 50 pounds to separate the suspended payload from the balloon. As long as those don't apply to you, you're pretty much good to go. I'd imagine that they're criteria where, should your ballon hit anything, it wouldn't cause any damage.

rabidonrails 14y ago

here's a good start for answers http://www.stratostar.net/faq/#faq1 http://www.stratostar.net/faq/#faq1

jlgreco 14y ago

It seems if you keep the payload under 6 pounds, and abide by a few other limitations, free balloons are a-okay as far as the FAA is concerned. http://www.chem.hawaii.edu/uham/part101.html http://www.chem.hawaii.edu/uham/part101.html

tomkinstinch 14y ago
If you're near an airport, it's still probably a good idea to notify the FAA that you'll be doing a launch.
- jlgreco 14y ago
  Indeed. It certainly cannot hurt to ask them.
plantain 14y ago
Read a little closer... (a) No person may operate an unmanned free balloon unless- (1) It is equipped with at least two payload cut-down systems or devices that operate independently of each other; (2) At least two methods, systems, devices, or combinations thereof, that function independently of each other, are employed for terminating the flight of the balloon envelope; and (3) The balloon envelope is equipped with a radar reflective device(s) or material that will present an echo to surface radar operating in the 200 MHz to 2700 MHz frequency range. <snip> (a) Prelaunch notice : Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate an unmanned free balloon unless, within 6 to 24 hours before beginning the operation, he gives the following information to the FAA ATC facility that is nearest to the place of intended operation: (a) Each person operating an unmanned free balloon shall: (1) Unless ATC requires otherwise, monitor the course of the balloon and record its position at least every two hours; and (2) Forward any balloon position reports requested by ATC.
- elemeno 14y ago
  That only applies if the criteria in 101.1.a.4 are met: (4) Except as provided for in 101.7, any unmanned free balloon that- (i) Carries a payload package that weighs more than four pounds and has a weight/size ratio of more than three ounces per square inch on any surface of the package, determined by dividing the total weight in ounces of the payload package by the area in square inches of its smallest surface; (ii) Carries a payload package that weighs more than six pounds; (iii) Carries a payload, of two or more packages, that weighs more than 12 pounds; or (iv) Uses a rope or other device for suspension of the payload that requires an impact force of more than 50 pounds to separate the suspended payload from the balloon. As long as those don't apply to you, you're pretty much good to go. I'd imagine that they're criteria where, should your ballon hit anything, it wouldn't cause any damage.