FAA Loosens Restrictions on ADS-B for Balloons

Balloon operators will be allowed to fly in Class C airspace without ADS-B if they obtain a letter of agreement (LOA) from the FAA.

Amelia Walsh

Monday, March 20, 2023 at 02:26 PM ET

Verified

The FAA has agreed to allow balloon operators to fly in Class C airspace without ADS-B equipment if they obtain a letter of agreement (LOA). [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA will now permit balloon operators to fly in Class C airspace without Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipment, provided they secure a Letter of Agreement (LOA).
This decision clarifies a 2020 ADS-B mandate that posed challenges for balloons due to their lack of electrical systems required for hardwiring the equipment.
The previous mandate had impacted ballooning operations and events, but a safety review found no inherent mid-air collision risk between balloons and fixed-wing aircraft.

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Following a yearslong discussion with industry leaders, the FAA has agreed to allow balloon operators to fly in Class C airspace without automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) equipment if they obtain a letter of agreement (LOA).

According to the FAA, “Each operator, whether a commercial business or individual pilot, will sign a LOA with the FAA to confirm they know the proper procedures in the Class C airspace that surrounds the areas.”