Moored Balloons
Definition
The Official Definition of a Moored Balloon (also known as a Tethered Balloon) is "a balloon that is secured by a rope or cable ot the surface of the Earth or an object thereon." (Federal Aviation Agency Part 48 Civil Air Restrictions, Operation Rules For Moored Balloons and Kites, June 4, 1962).
Restrictions
No Balloon that is Moored to the Surface of the Earth of an object thereon may
Have a diameter of more than 6 feet or a gas capacity of more than 115 cubic feet.
Operate less than 500 feet from the base of any cloud.
Operate more than 500 feet above the surface of the Earth.
Operate from an area where the ground visibility is less than three miles or within five miles of the boundary of any airport.
Operate between sunset and sunrise unless the balloon and its mooring lines are lighted so as to give visual warning equal to that required for obstructions to air navigation in the FAA publication "Obstruction Marking and Lighting."
Additionally, colored pennants or streamers attached at not more than 50 foot intervals beginning at 150 feet above the surface of the Earth and are visibile for at least one mile is required.
Operate unless it has a device that will automatically and rapidly deflate the balloon if it escapes from its moorings. If the device doesn't function properly, the operator must immediately notify the nearest ATC facility of the location and time of the escape and the estimated flight path of the balloon.
Every Moored Balloon that exceeds 150 feet above the surface of the Earth must notify the FAA of the following at least 24 hours before beginning the operation.
The names and addresses of the owners and operators.
The size of the balloon.
The location of the operation.
The height above the surface of the Earth at which the balloon is to be operated.
The date, time, and duration of the operation.
Launching an Unmanned Moored Balloon
At the start of every operation of launching an Unmanned Moored Balloon, after everyone has arrived, a safety meeting must be conducted. The safety meeting should consist of the operation's plans, personnel assignments, action items if something goes wrong, and a list of safety equipment.
Launching an Unmanned Moored Balloon at UCF
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