Dave@sri-unix (07/13/82)
Actually I expected the FAA to hit him with three charges. First, the vehicle probably qualified as a manned balloon, which means he was flying unlicensed. (He would need at least a private pilot's license with a lighter-than-air category rating.) Second, flight above 12,500 MSL requires a mode C radar beacon transponder. (At least this is true for powered aircraft; I'm not 100% sure about balloons.) Finally, flight above 14,000 in an unpressurized aircraft requires the pilot to have available and use continuous oxygen. The fourth charge, which Jim mentioned, would be flying a vehicle with no type certificate. I guess the FAA was wise in only hitting him with this last charge. Could you imagine having to explain to the general public how the government could demand all lawn chairs to be equipped with radar beacon transponders when operated above 12,500? -- Dave Touretzky
cook (07/15/82)
Does this mean lawn chairs operated in the Rocky Mountains at 12,500+ feet need radar transponders? Mike Cook
rhm (07/16/82)
Lawn chairs need only have transponders when they are more than 1500 feet above the surface, in addition to 12,500 ft above sea level.
dmmartindale (07/16/82)
Actually, don't you also need to have a VHF radio on board and be in communication with ATC to operate a lawnchair at that altitude? WRT to transponders, wouln't you need some sort of metallic shielding between yourself and the antenna just for safety? Also, aren't their rules covering the dropping of objects from aircraft? I seem to remember that he lost a pair of glasses at least and maybe his air rifle.
kenig (07/17/82)
It should only be a matter of time before the FCC gets on the bandwagon. He was operating a CB while up in the air, sky high.