14 CFR §101.37
Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
- (a)Prelaunch notice: Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate an unmanned free balloon unless, within 6 to 24 hours before beginning the operation, he gives the following information to the FAA ATC facility that is nearest to the place of intended operation:
- (1)The balloon identification.
- (2)The estimated date and time of launching, amended as necessary to remain within plus or minus 30 minutes.
- (3)The location of the launching site.
- (4)The cruising altitude.
- (5)The forecast trajectory and estimated time to cruising altitude or 60,000 feet standard pressure altitude, whichever is lower.
- (6)The length and diameter of the balloon, length of the suspension device, weight of the payload, and length of the trailing antenna.
- (7)The duration of flight.
- (8)The forecast time and location of impact with the surface of the earth.
- (b)For solar or cosmic disturbance investigations involving a critical time element, the information in paragraph (a) of this section shall be given within 30 minutes to 24 hours before beginning the operation.
- (c)Cancellation notice: If the operation is canceled, the person who intended to conduct the operation shall immediately notify the nearest FAA ATC facility.
- (d)Launch notice: Each person operating an unmanned free balloon shall notify the nearest FAA or military ATC facility of the launch time immediately after the balloon is launched.