If you plan to release an uncrewed or unmanned free balloon, you must do it safely and follow the regulations.
Uncrewed free balloons are a type of aircraft that:
- is lighter than air
- carry no pilot or passengers
- is not tethered to the ground.
Common uses include:
- scientific research such as high-altitude experiments, environmental and climate studies
- meteorology such as weather balloons for atmospheric data collection
- education projects
- hobbyist activities such as communication and high-altitude photography.
Types of uncrewed free balloons
There are 4 types of uncrewed free balloons:
- small
- light
- medium
- heavy.
The differences between them are the balloon’s size, payload and attachment specifications.
Part 101 of CASR – Unmanned aircraft and rockets (Subpart 101.E) provides full details.
Safety rules for uncrewed free balloons
You need to consider the risks to other aircraft, people and property.
This includes how and where your balloon will fly through controlled airspace. Controlled airspace covers all of Australia at various altitudes and is where passenger aircraft commonly fly. Your balloon will likely enter and transit through controlled airspace during its flight.
CASR Part 101 contains the details of these relevant rules and requirements. This includes subparts:
- 101.A
- 101.AB
- 101.B
- 101.C
- 101.E.
When you need our approval
Before you release a balloon of any size, contact us using the sport aviation rules enquiry form.
We will check if you need an area approval. The approval allows you to release your balloon from a specific location and travel through an approved area. This includes its ascent to burst altitude and descent under parachute to the predicted landing area.
You need an area approval if your balloon will fly:
- above 400ft (120m) above ground level in controlled airspace
- where you can no longer see it with your own eyes
- in or into cloud
- at night
- in conditions other than visual meteorological conditions (VMC). This means the weather must be clear enough for other aircraft to see and avoid the balloon.
Your application needs to be approved before release the balloon. Approvals can take up to 30 business days for non-complex operations.
You must be either:
- 18 years old or older
- a legal entity (such as a company, school or club) that can assume liability on behalf of people under 18.
To enable your flight, we will:
- work with Airservices Australia so your balloon can enter and travel through controlled airspace
- publish a notice to airmen (NOTAM), which has important safety information for other airspace users
- advise if you need further permissions or conditions.
You may also need permission from the relevant controlling authority to fly your balloon:
- above 400 ft AGL within 3 nautical miles (5.5 km) of an aerodrome
- from or over the movement area or runway of an aerodrome
- within the approach or departure path of a runway of an aerodrome
- within a restricted area we control.
You must contact us using the sport aviation rules enquiry form even if your flight does not meet the criteria for an area approval. We will ask for some basic information and publish a NOTAM.
Plan your release
When choosing a release site, make sure:
- you have landowner permission
- the site is open, flat and with minimal obstructions like trees, buildings and powerlines.
Avoid releasing a balloon near:
- busy aerodromes or in areas with high aircraft traffic
- helicopter landing sites, including hospital helipads
- heavily populated areas.
Airservices Australia’s aviation charts and documents can help you select an appropriate release site.
Predicting the flight
You must predict the balloon’s estimated flight direction, distance travelled, maximum altitude and expected landing area. We will assess your application based on this information. You can use free online tools such as:
Once approved, only proceed with your release if the wind direction matches the prediction we have assessed in your application.
Payload safety
For any payload, try to use soft material like:
- foam
- balsawood
- plastics.
For small or light balloons, avoid dense packages and hard materials, such as:
- metal
- layered fibreglass
- carbon fibre.
Apply for approval to release the balloon
When applying for approval for small and light balloons, you need:
- application form
- risk assessment
- photos of the payload, parachute and connection device between balloon and payload
- high-altitude balloon prediction showing the expected flight path and landing area
- images of the release site
- landowner permission in writing.
Medium and heavy balloons
For medium and heavy balloons, contact us using the sport aviation rules enquiry form. We will request your procedures manual and information about your proposed release.