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 has agreed to allow balloon operators to fly in Class C airspace without Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipment.
To operate in Class C airspace, balloon pilots must obtain a Letter of Agreement (LOA) from the FAA.
This decision clarifies the 2020 ADS-B mandate, which was impractical and costly for balloons (due to lacking electrical systems), and resolves concerns from the ballooning community regarding operational disruptions and financial burdens.

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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.”