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--- guides:faq [2016/10/25 19:15] – [Do I need to get permission to launch a weather balloon in the UK?] edmoore
+++ guides:faq [2024/03/03 10:21] (current) – [Do I need to get permission to launch a weather balloon in the UK?] daveake
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 ===== Do I need to get permission to launch a weather balloon in the UK? =====
-In the UK, permission for weather balloon flights is granted by the CAA, to get permission you need to fill in this {{:general:20160825met_researchballoonreleaseapplication.doc|form}} and send it to them at least 28 days in advance (even earlier if possible) with a photocopy of an OS Map with the launch site marked. Due to the changeable UK weather it is worth applying for a 'window' of possible launch times - such as a couple of weekends.
+In the UK, permission for weather balloon flights is granted by the CAA, to get permission you need to fill in this [[https://applications.caa.co.uk/CAAPortal/servlet/SmartForm.html?formCode=BAL|CAA Permit Request]] at least 28 days in advance (even earlier if possible). To fill in the application you will need the latitude & longitude of the launch site, which you can get from [[http://maps.google.com/|Google Maps]]. Due to the changeable UK weather it is worth applying for a 'window' of possible launch times - such as a couple of weekends.
 The CAA will send you a permit document if you have been granted permission to launch - it normally contains some form of co-ordination instructions with a local airfield that need to be followed before launch. You must be in receipt of a Permit before you can launch.
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 ===== Is it safe? What about the planes? =====
-The most important thing when planning and launching high altitude balloons is to be safe. Regarding other flying vehicles such as planes when you get 'permission' from the CAA they publish a NOTAM which will alert pilots that you are launching in the area that they are flying in. Also just before you launch it'll be necessary to call the local Air Traffic Control tower to tell them that you are about to launch, they may ask you to wait a bit as planes in the area.
+The most important thing when planning and launching high altitude balloons is to be safe. For the benefit of other flying vehicles, such as planes, when you get 'permission' from the CAA they publish a NOTAM which will alert pilots that you are launching in the area that they are flying in. Also just before you launch it'll be necessary to call the local Air Traffic Control tower to tell them that you are about to launch, and they may ask you to wait a bit if there are planes in the area.
-Other methods of being safe is to strive to make your payload as light as possible (which will save on helium costs and also get you just that little bit higher!) and insulating it well will help with the low temperatures but also help to cushion it on landing. As required by your 'permission' you'll need to attach a parachute to your payload to slow its descent.
+Other methods of being safe include striving to make your payload as light as possible (which will save on helium costs and also get you just that little bit higher!), and insulating it well will help with the low temperatures but also help to cushion it on landing. As required by your 'permission' you'll need to attach a parachute to your payload to slow its descent.
-Finally you should only launch when the winds are right - it is not advisable to fly when the forecasts have it landing in a densely populated area - for example when launching from Cambridge, UK we don't fly when the forecast has it landing within the M25 close to London.
+Finally you should only launch when the winds are right - it is not advisable to fly when the forecasts have it landing in a densely populated area - for example when launching from Cambridge, UK we don't fly when the forecast has it landing within the M25 (i.e. close to London).
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 ===== Where can I get more information and advice about building a High Altitude Balloon (HAB) payload? =====
-Most of the discussion about HABing both in the UK and around the world takes place on the IRC channel - #highaltitude on irc.freenode.net - feel free to get on there and ask questions. There is also a mailing list which has quite low traffic but usually has the launch details of upcoming flights published. There is loads of information on the wiki so have a browse - if you find something missing you are very welcome to fill the gap! Finally check out the various projects, many of them have pages on the wiki and others have their own websites - they can be great guides and great inspiration for your project!
+Most of the discussion about HABing both in the UK and around the world takes place on the IRC channel - #highaltitude on irc.libera.chat - feel free to get on there and ask questions. There is also a mailing list which has quite low traffic but usually has the launch details of upcoming flights published. There is loads of information on the wiki so have a browse - if you find something missing you are very welcome to fill the gap! Finally check out the various projects, many of them have pages on the wiki and others have their own websites - they can be great guides and great inspiration for your project!