[Ground-station] Balloon Launch - experiments?

[Phil Karn]

On 4/22/18 20:57, Zach Leffke via Ground-Station wrote:

> Also, FAA requirements need to be checked by someone.....its been awhile
> since I've done one of these flights......I think I remember something
> about a 6 pound limit (there is a density requirement too...can't fly a
> 6 pound cannon ball).  Also no cordage with greater than 50lb test.  I
> believe there is a secondary cut down requirement as well (in case the
> balloon doesn't pop and you hit equilibrium).

You're exempt if you meet certain limits on total mass, mass per payload
package, line breaking strength and (sometimes) mass per area of the
smallest side. (They're obviously looking at what would happen if an
airplane actually hit you.)

With our 1200 g balloons our payload masses are typically in the
1500-1600 gram range which is below the limit.

http://www.risingup.com/fars/info/101-index.shtml

Of particular note is 101.1(a)(4), which establishes the limits if you
want to avoid nearly all of the rules and restrictions in the rest of
that part.

You want to keep each individual payload package < 6 lbm and the total
payload weight < 12 lbm.

If a package is between 4 and 6 lb, the weight/area ratio must be <
3oz/sq in. Below 4 lb, this requirement does not apply.

Ropes and lines must have a breaking force < 50 lb.

The catchall rule is 101.7(a) and (b): don't do anything hazardous or
stupid, like dropping things over populated areas. Use a parachute even
if you don't plan to recover it. If something happens, they'll probably
come get you even if you followed the rules to the letter. At the very
least, the rules would soon tighten.

We've generally notified the FAA and had them issue NOTAMs, but this is
not a requirement for small payloads even here in class B airspace.

So despite all the restrictive rules on drones, I could tie my 750g
drone to a balloon and it would become exempt (assuming I used a
parachute to bring it back down). Go figure.

--Phil




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