4 ms·

> But weather balloons get pass? Those are licensed and regulated. And I am pretty sure that if FAA sends you a notice to stop flying your weather balloon, you

by koluna 6y ago

> But weather balloons get pass? Those are licensed and regulated. And I am pretty sure that if FAA sends you a notice to stop flying your weather balloon, you stop flying it. It’s not like this “pilot” didn’t know what he was doing - he received written warnings and chose to ignore those.

ProAm 6y ago
> Those are licensed and regulated. And I am pretty sure that if FAA sends you a notice to stop flying your weather balloon, you stop flying it. This is not true, as for certain weights of payloads are regulated, all these 'near-space' hobbyist balloons do not need to notify the FAA about anything. It's common courtesy to let them know you are going to send something up to 120,000' but not required.
- reaperducer 6y ago
  Pointing out an exception does not make the previous comment false.
- danaliv 6y ago
  Are you sure? I looked into this extensively a few years ago, and while I don’t remember well enough to say with certainty, I recall there being strict equipment requirements (e.g. redundant payload releases) and a requirement to notify any ATC sectors your balloon will pass through.
  - ProAm 6y ago
    It has been a few years since I did the research but Im positive you were allowed to send anything up under a specific weight (I do not remember the weights but I Think it was under 7lbs or 5lbs). Not a lot but quite a bit. Most people were putting a phone, gps, hand warmers, small housing and a canopy for when the balloon eventually burst. I never built one but it was really affordable to do if you wanted. Im sure there were restrictions like launching next to an international airport but beyond that there really weren't rules. It was common courtesy to file a NOTAM, but wasn't required.
    - danaliv 6y ago
      I looked it up again. All un-crewed free balloons with payloads meeting certain conditions are required to be radar-reflective, and notice to ATC is mandatory; ATC is entitled to position reports if they want them. 14 CFR Part 101 Subpart D. Any one of the following payload conditions trigger these restrictions: - more than 4 lbs and more than 3 oz/in² on any side - more than 6 lbs - two or more packages totaling more than 12 lbs - suspended from a rope or other device that requires more than 50 lbs to separate So you’re right; small payloads don’t require any notice or special equipment.
      - ProAm 6y ago
        They are cool little projects. Fun for adults and perfect for kids too. I still might one day.

by koluna 6y ago

ProAm 6y ago

> Those are licensed and regulated. And I am pretty sure that if FAA sends you a notice to stop flying your weather balloon, you stop flying it. This is not true, as for certain weights of payloads are regulated, all these 'near-space' hobbyist balloons do not need to notify the FAA about anything. It's common courtesy to let them know you are going to send something up to 120,000' but not required.

reaperducer 6y ago
Pointing out an exception does not make the previous comment false.
danaliv 6y ago
Are you sure? I looked into this extensively a few years ago, and while I don’t remember well enough to say with certainty, I recall there being strict equipment requirements (e.g. redundant payload releases) and a requirement to notify any ATC sectors your balloon will pass through.
- ProAm 6y ago
  It has been a few years since I did the research but Im positive you were allowed to send anything up under a specific weight (I do not remember the weights but I Think it was under 7lbs or 5lbs). Not a lot but quite a bit. Most people were putting a phone, gps, hand warmers, small housing and a canopy for when the balloon eventually burst. I never built one but it was really affordable to do if you wanted. Im sure there were restrictions like launching next to an international airport but beyond that there really weren't rules. It was common courtesy to file a NOTAM, but wasn't required.
  - danaliv 6y ago
    I looked it up again. All un-crewed free balloons with payloads meeting certain conditions are required to be radar-reflective, and notice to ATC is mandatory; ATC is entitled to position reports if they want them. 14 CFR Part 101 Subpart D. Any one of the following payload conditions trigger these restrictions: - more than 4 lbs and more than 3 oz/in² on any side - more than 6 lbs - two or more packages totaling more than 12 lbs - suspended from a rope or other device that requires more than 50 lbs to separate So you’re right; small payloads don’t require any notice or special equipment.
    - ProAm 6y ago
      They are cool little projects. Fun for adults and perfect for kids too. I still might one day.