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, provided they obtain a Letter of Agreement (LOA).
This decision clarifies the January 2020 ADS-B equipage mandate, which caused confusion and compliance issues for balloons due to their lack of electrical systems and high potential installation costs.
The change follows years of discussions with industry leaders and a safety review, which found no inherent mid-air collision risk involving balloons, though the FAA will continue to monitor the situation.

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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.”