alan 1 #26 December 26, 2005 Quote If a balloon is tethered to the ground, is it considered an aircraft for that TSO rig/reserve thingy that some people are worried about? Or can I jump my fixed object equipment? Well, you are looking for a loophole and the FAA has't looked closely at ballooning for quite some time. For the most part, they won't get involved unless you draw attention to yourself. For example, when operating an aircraft with the door removed or open, there has to be an emegency bailout rig for all on board. A balloon has no doors, so does the pilot need a bailout rig? My guess is if you ask 10 different FSDO's, you'd get 10 different answers. I've never seen a bailout rig for the pilot on a balloon. A tethered (moored) balloon cannot be operated more than 500 feet above the ground. CFR 101.13 (a) - (2). I've seen several BASE jumpers exit balloons using BASE gear. Does that make it legal? No. Does the FAA care? Not unless one of them bounces or causes damage or injury to persons or property on the ground. CFR 105.14 discusses radio equipment and use requiremnents. Few, if any balloon pilots comply with this. CFR 105.43 (a) answers your question. A balloon is an aircraft and if you plan to intentionally jump from it, you are required to have a TSO'd reserve. Now, on to reality. A balloon is a big sail. Any wind will cause it to move and that will will put a load on the entire balloon, tether rope, and anchor. No responsible balloon pilot is going to risk putting excessive loads on his aircraft. You just ain't gonna winch a balloon that can carry 3 or 4 jumpers up and down 500' or more, especially if there is any wind at all.alan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MattFallsFast 0 #27 January 9, 2006 Just did my first balloon jump in Orlando after Christmas this year and it was awesome. Why wait for a boogie when you can just spend a few bucks more to book your own flight? Go with a balloon company that has skydiver as a pilot or owner (I'd recommend "Bob's Balloons" in the Orlando area as Bob and some of his crew are skydivers). They'll know what you're after, but if you have any special requests just ask. I got 5100 ft, some free advice from Team Dirty Sanchez and a couple glasses of cheap champagne all included! Thanks for the advice Denis...next time it's gonna be a two way. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
snow_white725 0 #28 January 10, 2006 Two way with who? :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MattFallsFast 0 #29 January 18, 2006 Quote Two way with who? :) With Denis from Team Dirty Sanchez....but then I guess some of those Snohomish types that happen to be in Orlando could also come along if they behave in the basket. Of course, I'm used to an Otter so the basket was cramped for me and not the style to which I've become accustomed. Coming from a Cessna DZ, the tiny basket should make you feel right at home! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
inextremis 0 #30 January 19, 2006 My advice would be to concentrate on getting the balloon to a survivable altitude, and then do what the other posters have said. Watch wind speed and tethering practices on take off, and obstacles in the direction of the wind. I was in a tethered balloon trying to manage flaky winds (top tethered to a fixed object, bottom to an 8 person ground crew). The ground crew lost control of their rope, and the crew tending the top line could not release it from the fixed object in a timely fashion. As the balloon started to drift away, the top line pulled the balloon over sideways, and the burner flamed a very large (like 5 ft. x 15 ft.) hole in the side of the balloon while we were 60 ft + in the air. We were fortunate that someone eventually hook knifed the top tether or we could have had major problems. The balloon (with a little extra gas) got us to altitude--I was more than happy to say goodby to the balloon and pilot, and had a great jump. Enjoy yourself, the first three or four seconds are especially awesome. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 4 #31 January 19, 2006 Quote For example, when operating an aircraft with the door removed or open, there has to be an emegency bailout rig for all on board. Do have an FAR reference on this?My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #32 January 19, 2006 Quote Quote For example, when operating an aircraft with the door removed or open, there has to be an emergency bailout rig for all on board. Do you have an FAR reference on this? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Some of the Supplementary Type Certificates for installing in-flight doors in Cessnas specify an emergency parachute for the pilot, but I doubt if it is mentioned in Federal Air Regulations. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
snow_white725 0 #33 January 24, 2006 Quote Quote Two way with who? :) With Denis from Team Dirty Sanchez....but then I guess some of those Snohomish types that happen to be in Orlando could also come along if they behave in the basket. Of course, I'm used to an Otter so the basket was cramped for me and not the style to which I've become accustomed. Coming from a Cessna DZ, the tiny basket should make you feel right at home! You know, Snohomish girls are in very high demand! ;) But I may be able to just find myself in Orlando to teach the spoiled boys how to behave in small spaces. True jumpers come from Cessna DZs! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 4 #34 January 28, 2006 Quote but I doubt if it is mentioned in Federal Air Regulations. You are right, it is not in FAR's. SparkyMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
