Night Flights

Could someone please confirm the exact 'warning light' requirements for operating a balloon at night.

I would like to clarify this re both the US and UK.

How many lights must a balloon display, in what configuration and should any/all of them be stationary or blinking lights?

If there's any relevant on-line material (I can't see anything specific), details of the the URL(s) would be sufficient and appreciated.

James Easton.

I understand in the UK a balloon has to display a single red light suspended below the basket, with a specific brightness, but I cannot find my reference book for the exact figures.

Best wishes

I see no exception from FAR 91.205 for balloons. Excerpted:

(c) Visual flight rules (night). For VFR flight at night, the following instruments and equipment are required: (1) Instruments and equipment specified in paragraph (b) of this section. (2) Approved position lights. (3) An approved aviation red or aviation white anticollision light system on all U.S.-registered civil aircraft. Anticollision light systems initially installed after August 11, 1971, on aircraft for which a type certificate was issued or applied for before August 11, 1971, must at least meet the anticollision light standards of part 23, 25, 27, or 29 of this chapter, as applicable, that were in effect on August 10, 1971, except that the color may be either aviation red or aviation white. In the event of failure of any light of the anticollision light system, operations with the aircraft may be continued to a stop where repairs or replacement can be made. (4) If the aircraft is operated for hire, one electric landing light. (5) An adequate source of electrical energy for all installed electrical and radio equipment. (6) One spare set of fuses, or three spare fuses of each kind required, that are accessible to the pilot in flight.

Tom,

Thanks, that's really helpful and my appreciation also to Ian for the response.

James Easton.

James,

You're welcome.

You can get definitive information (hopefully) from your local FAA FSDO (Flight Service District Office), I just couldn't find an exeception on my quick search.

I think the information is in CAP85 (CAA Publication of extracts from UK Air Law sources for PPL), and is part of the syllabus for UK PPL.... From ancient memory, Ian is right, and the values are single red light emitting 5 candelas in all directions, suspended 5m below the basket.

There are several systems you can buy, and some you can borrow in the UK.

Jeremy