Order 7110.65P, Air Traffic Control, with changes

2/19/047110.65PSection 7. Unmanned Free Balloons9−7−1. APPLICATIONFIG 9−7−1Shapes of 11 Million Cubic Feet Balloonat Various AltitudesApply the following procedures, as appropriate,when unmanned free balloons are within airspace forwhich you have control jurisdiction:NOTE−These procedures apply to unmanned free balloons thatcarry payloads as described in 14 CFR Section101.1(a)(4). Payloads may weigh several hundredpounds and the physical shape of the balloons change atvarious altitudes/flight levels. (See FIG 9−7−1.) Balloonand payload ascend at an average rate of 400 feet a minute.Over the descent area, the payload is normally releasedfrom the balloon and descends by parachute at a minimumrate of 1,000 feet a minute. The balloon is normallydeflated automatically when the payload is released. Theoperator is required to advise ATC 1 hour in advance ofdescent in accordance with 14 CFR Section 101.39.a. Post the balloon flight on flight progress stripsalong the planned trajectory and revise routing astracking/position reports require.NOTE−The prelaunch notice information should be posted onflight progress strips for planning and operationalpurposes.b. Radar flight follow balloons to the extent thatequipment capabilities permit. If radar flightfollowing is not possible, tracking should beattempted by communication with the “chase plane,”telephone contact with the operator, pilot, or groundobservation reports.NOTE−Some operators have equipped their balloons withtransponder beacons in addition to a radar reflectiondevice or material required by 14 CFR Section 101.35, butat cruise altitude, the balloon’s communications equipmentand transponder, if so equipped, are operatedintermittently to conserve battery energy.c. With pilot concurrence, provide separationbetween aircraft and balloons when you are satisfiedthat the balloon information is sufficiently reliable toprovide the service. Do not attempt to separateaircraft from the balloon by using vertical separationunless you have accurate balloon altitude information.d. Provide traffic advisories to all affected aircraftduring initial contact specifying the balloon’s knownor estimated position, direction of movement, andaltitude as “unknown” or “reported,” as appropriate.NOTE−Unless ATC requires otherwise, operators of unmannedfree balloons are required to monitor the course of theballoon and record its position at least every two hours. Asrequired in 14 CFR Section 101.39a, balloon positionreports are not forwarded by the operator unless requestedby ATC.PHRASEOLOGY−UNMANNED FREE BALLOON OVER (name of location),orESTIMATED OVER (name of location), MOVING(direction of movement).LAST REPORTED ALTITUDE AT (altitude as reported bythe operator or determined from pilot report),orALTITUDE UNKNOWN.e. To transfer flight following responsibility ofballoons between facilities or between controllers,forward the following information when available:REFERENCE−14 CFR Section 101.37, Notice Requirements.14 CFR Section 101.39, Balloon Position Reports.Unmanned Free Balloons9−7−1