GM1 ATS.TR.305(a)(6) Scope of
flight information service
ED Decision 2020/008/R
INFORMATION
ON UNMANNED FREE BALLOONS
(a) On receipt of notification of the intended flight of a medium or heavy unmanned free balloon, the air traffic services unit should arrange for the information to be disseminated to all concerned. The information should include:
(1) the balloon flight identification or project code name;
(2) balloon classification and description;
(3) SSR code or NDB frequency as applicable;
(4) the launch site;
(5) the estimated time of the commencement of the launch or the planned period of the launches;
(6) the expected direction of ascent;
(7) the cruising level(s) (pressure-altitude); and
(8) the estimated elapsed time to pass 18 000 m (60 000 ft) pressure-altitude, or to reach cruising level if at or below 18 000 m (60 000 ft), together with the estimated location.
(b) On receipt of notification that a medium or heavy unmanned free balloon has been launched, the air traffic services unit should arrange for the information to be disseminated to all concerned. The information should include:
(1) the balloon flight identification or project code name;
(2) balloon classification and description;
(3) SSR code or NDB frequency as applicable;
(4) the launch site;
(5) the time of launch(-es);
(6) the estimated time at which 18 000 m (60 000 ft) pressure-altitude will be passed, or the estimated time at which the cruising level will be reached if at or below 18 000 m (60 000 ft), and the estimated location;
(7) the estimated date and time of termination of the flight; and
(8) the planned location of ground contact, when applicable.
(c) When there is reasonable expectation that a heavy or medium unmanned free balloon will cross international borders, the appropriate air traffic services unit should arrange for the pre-launch and the launch notifications to be sent by NOTAM to the air traffic services unit(s) in the State(s) concerned. If agreed between the States concerned, the launch notification may be transmitted orally by direct ATS speech circuit between the ACCs/flight information centres involved.
EASA aviation regulations require air traffic services to disseminate information about medium/heavy unmanned free balloon flights. This includes pre-launch details like identification, launch site, ascent direction, cruising level, and estimated time to altitude. Post-launch, information includes launch time, estimated altitude time, flight termination, and ground contact location. International flights require NOTAM notification.
* Summary by Aviation.Bot - Always consult the original document for the most accurate information.
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