calvert@ut-sally.UUCP (Ken Calvert) (02/18/86)
Several folks have replied to my request for info on why
the Max Elevation Figure for the Miami sectional is 14,200
on the VFR wall planning chart. All have indicated that
it's a tethered balloon.
Douglas Anderson (nvzg2!dta) said he had checked an
(expired) Miami sectional. He wrote:
`... In the Keys (the Pine Islands to be specific) you
will find a notice that reads:
"Strobelights and Unmarked Ballon and Cable
to 14000 MSL"
If you want to check yourself it's at about 24
degrees 30 minutes N and 81 degrees 30 minutes W.
...'
Opionions have differed as to the purpose of the balloon.
Some say weather observation, others believe it (and possibly
others like it elsewhere along the coast - I note the MEF
for the Jacksonville sectional, which includes Cape Canaveral,
is 15,200') contains radar for the purpose of catching folks who,
for one reason or another, might be trying to fly into the country
under regular radar.
In any case, the idea of a 14,000' tether is certainly
interesting. What do they make those things out of?
The balloon itself must be pretty hefty to hold up almost
3 miles of tether. Obviously not something you'd want to encounter
at close range with your airplane. I wonder if it's
permanent or if it is raised and lowered periodically?
Keep 'em flying,
Ken Calvert
{ihnp4,seismo}!sally!calvert
calvert@sally.UTEXAS.EDU
P.S. the only "amusing speculation" dealt with it being a huge
pile of white stuff the DEA would be interested in.