SUBPART G
This subpart applies to the operation of unmanned
free balloons. However, a person operating an unmanned free balloon within a
restricted area must comply only with limitations that are imposed by the using
or controlling agency, as appropriate.
No person may operate an unmanned free balloon:
(a) Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, below 2,000 feet above the surface within the lateral boundaries of the surface areas of airspace designated for an airport;
(b) At any altitude where
there are clouds or obscuring phenomena of more than five-tenths coverage;
(c) At any altitude below
60,000 feet standard pressure altitude where the horizontal visibility is less
than five miles;
(d) During the first 1,000
feet of ascent, over a congested area of a city, town, or settlement or an open
air assembly of persons not associated with the operation; or
(e) In such a manner that
impact of the balloon, or part thereof including its payload, with the surface
creates a hazard to persons or property not associated with the operation.
101.85 Equipment and marking requirements
(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. The
operator shall activate the appropriate devices required by paragraphs (a) (1)
and (2) of this section when weather conditions are less than those prescribed
for operation under this subpart, or if a malfunction or any other reason makes
the further operation hazardous to other air traffic or to persons and property
on the surface.
(b) No person may operate an unmanned free balloon below 60,000 feet standard pressure altitude between sunset and sunrise (as corrected to the altitude of operation) unless the balloon and its attachments and payload, whether or not they become separated during the operation, are equipped with lights that are visible for at least 5 miles and have a flash frequency of at least 40, and not more than 100, cycles per minute;
(c) No person may operate an
unmanned free balloon that is equipped with a trailing antenna that requires an
impact force of more than 50 pounds to break it at any point, unless the
antenna has colored pennants or streamers that are attached at not more than 50
foot intervals and that are visible for at least one mile; and
(d) No person may operate
between sunrise and sunset an unmanned free balloon that is equipped with a
suspension device (other than a highly conspicuously colored open parachute)
more than 50 feet along, unless the suspension device is colored in alternate
bands of high conspicuity colors or has colored pennants or streamers attached
which are visible for at least one mile.
(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 ATC facility that is nearest to the
place of intended operation:
(1) The balloon identification;
(2) The estimated date and
time of launching amended as necessary to remain within plus or minus 30
minutes;
(3) The location of the
launching site;
(4) The cruising altitude;
(5) The forecast trajectory
and estimated time to cruising altitude or 60,000 feet standard pressure
altitude, whichever is lower;
(6) The length and diameter
of the balloon, length of the suspension device, weight of the payload, and
length of the trailing antenna;
(7) The duration of flight;
and
(8) The forecast time and
location of impact with the surface of the earth.
(b) For solar or cosmic
disturbance investigations involving a critical time element, the information
in paragraph (a) of this section shall be given within 30 minutes to 24 hours
before beginning the operation.
(c) Cancellation notice: If
the operation is canceled, the person who intended to conduct the operation
shall immediately notify the nearest ATC facility.
(d) Launch notice: Each
person operating an unmanned free balloon shall notify the nearest ECAA or
military ATC facility of the launch time immediately after the balloon is
launched.
101.89 Balloon position reports
(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;
(2) Forward any balloon
position reports requested by ATC.
(b) One hour before
beginning descent, each person operating an unmanned free balloon shall forward
to the nearest ATC facility the following information regarding the balloon:
(1) The current geographical
position;
(2) The altitude;
(3) The forecast time of
penetration of 60,000 feet standard pressure altitude (if applicable);
(4) The forecast trajectory
for the balance of the flight; and
(5) The forecast time and
location of impact with the surface of the earth.
(c) If a balloon position report is not recorded for any two-hour period of flight, the person operating an unmanned free balloon shall immediately notify the nearest ATC facility. The notice shall include the last recorded position and any revision of the forecast trajectory. The nearest ATC facility shall be notified immediately when tracking of the balloon is reestablished; and
(d) Each person operating an unmanned free balloon
shall notify the nearest ATC facility when the operation is ended.