FAA RULES & REGULATIONS

In the United States, high-altitude ballooning operations are regulated by FAA Part 101 Regulations, specifically Subpart A – General and Subpart D – Unmanned Free Balloons. There are four main rules to consider for unmanned free balloons, which are outlined in Part 101.1(a)(4). We will refer to these as the 4-Pound Rule, the 6-Pound Rule, the 12-Pound Rule, and the 50-Pound Rule. There are also two additional restrictions related to prohibited launch areas and hazardous launch operations.

4-POUND RULE

As described in Part 101.1(a)(4)(i), this rule says that if any payload package weighs more than 4 pounds, it must have a weight/size ratio that does not exceed 3 ounces per square inch on any surface of the package. This can be determined by dividing the total weight (in ounces) of the payload package by the area (in square inches) of its smallest surface. All of our standard payload equipment complies with this rule.

6-POUND RULE

As described in Part 101.1(a)(4)(ii), this rule says that a single payload package must weigh no more than 6 pounds. Prior to launch, we always ensure that none of our payload packages exceed this limit.

12-POUND RULE

As described in Part 101.1(a)(4)(iii), this rule says that the combined weight of all the payload packages must be no more than 12 pounds. Prior to launch, we always ensure that the weight of our entire payload train does not exceed this limit.

50-POUND RULE

As described in Part 101.1(a)(4)(iv), this rule says that the rope or string that is used to suspend the payload from balloon must require a force of no more than 50 pounds to separate the payload from the balloon. The payload string that we use to connect the top of the parachute to the neck of the balloon complies with this rule.

OTHER RESTRICTIONS

Our balloon flights are also subject to rules described in Part 101.5 and Part 101.7. The first essentially says that we cannot fly our balloons in prohibited or restricted areas unless we’ve obtained permission in advance. This rule is somewhat vague, since prohibited and restricted areas are not well defined. The second says that we cannot fly our balloons in a way that creates a hazard to people or property (including dropping objects from the payload). We do our best to comply with both of these rules as well.

NON-EXEMPT STATUS

A payload that does NOT comply with ANY of the aforementioned rules is considered “non-exempt.” In this case, the payload can still be flown, but only if the additional rules and regulations described in Part 101 Subpart D are followed. These include airspace limitations, flight restrictions due to low visibility and extensive cloud cover, equipment marking and payload cutdown requirements, and communication with the FAA prior to, during, and after the flight. We make sure that all of our payloads are exempt so that we are not bound by these additional regulations.