Flying Captive Balloons
Except with permission in writing from CAD, a balloon exceeding two metres in any linear dimension, including any basket or other equipment attached to it, shall not be flown in controlled airspace. (The controlled airspace generally covers Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, Sha Tin, New Territories West and Lantau Island. Exact coverage of the airspace can be found out from the Hong Kong Aeronautical Information Publication published by CAD.)
Except with permission in writing from CAD, a balloon shall not be flown within five kilometres of an aerodrome. A balloon shall also not be flown at a height of more than 60 metres above the ground level or within 60 metres of any vessel, vehicle or structure. A balloon when not in flight shall be securely moored, shall not be left unattended and shall be fitted with a device which ensures its automatic deflation if it breaks free of its moorings.
The application of flying captive balloon will be considered by the CAD based on the following considerations:
(a). Operation Site
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Minimum dimensions of clear area required with due regard to interaction of operating height, number, position, dimensions and lifting force of balloon and anchor arrangement.
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Whether the balloon will be secured during delivery if inflated off site.
(b). Rules of the Air
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Safe operation of the balloon with respect to other airspace users.
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For night operation, compliance with lighting requirements.
(c). Balloon Operations
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Experience of the operator.
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Lifting force of balloon.
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Weight of anchor and strength of anchor rope being adequate to fasten the balloon.
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Guarding of balloon when in flight.
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Balloon not in flight being securely moored and attended.
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Balloon fitted with a device which ensures its automatic deflation in case it breaks free of the moorings.
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Weather limitation.
(d). Hire or Reward Services
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Whether a permit under the Air Transport (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations has been or will be granted.
(e). Insurance Requirement
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Compliance with the requirements set out in the Civil Aviation (Insurance) Order.
For further enquiries on the rules of flying captive balloon, please contact CAD Air Traffic Management Division on tel. 2910 6233.
Application Forms for Captive Balloon Flights
For applying Captive Balloon Flights (no persons on board), the e-Form (e-DCA251) is accessible here for on-line application.
For applying Captive Balloon Flights (with persons on board), the e-Form (e-DCA252) is accessible here for on-line application.
Note :
For e-Application for Flying Captive Balloon (No persons on board), the e-application (e-DCA251) must reach the Assistant Director-General (Air Traffic Management) at least 14 working days prior to the proposed date(s) of the balloon flights.
For e-Application for Flying Captive Balloon (With persons on board), the e-application (e-DCA252) must reach the Assistant Director-General (Air Traffic Management) at least 28 working days prior to the proposed date(s) of the balloon flights.
Late applications may not be processed in time.
