What arrangements do we need to have with the CAA and ATC (Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic Control)?

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is responsible for the regulation of aviation safety in the UK. (UK government)

 

Air traffic control aims to move aircraft safely and efficiently through the airspace system. (CAA)

 

We will need to notify the CAA via a NOTAM requesting permission to launch a balloon on a certain date, and after we have assessed all risks.

 

NOTAM- a written notification issued to pilots before a flight, advising them of circumstances relating to the state of flying. (oxford dictionary)

 

NOTAM request:

https://notaminfo.com

 

NOTAM map:

• https://notaminfo.com/nationalmap

 

How to make a NOTAM submission – guidance

• http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/public/index.php%3Foption=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=184&Itemid=290.html
• http://www.myafpex.co.uk/documents/NOTAM_submission_guide.pdf

 

NOTAM guidance

• http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/aip/NOTAM_Guidance_Material.pdf

 

Aeronautical Information Service

• http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/public/index.php.html

 

Risks:

Pre-flight, we will need to check:

• airfield restrictions including checking airfield restrictions – military and civilian danger areas, restricted areas, airports and restricted airspace;
• identifying the local ATCU (Air Traffic Control Unit- Carlisle) and make a note of their contact details;
• permissions to take off via a NOTAM, and make a risk assessment of the launch;
• a list of emergency numbers.

 

[Download the Drone Assist App which has all interactive map of airspace used by commercial air traffic so that you can see areas to avoid, as well as ground hazards that may pose safety, security or privacy risks when you’re out flying your drone.]

 

A few days before and on the Day, we will need to check weather conditions by using a site such as www.metoffice.co.uk for:

• Weather conditions
• Temperature
• Wind speed & direction
• Cloud type and cover

References:

• https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/civil-aviation-authority#:~:text=The%20Civil%20Aviation%20Authority%20(CAA,the%20ATOL%20financial%20protection%20scheme
• https://www.caa.co.uk/Consumers/Guide-to-aviation/How-air-traffic-control-works/#:~:text=Air%20traffic%20control%20aims%20to,to%20airport%20using%20set%20routes.