This set of guidelines has been put together by members of UKHAS as a suggestion of how to operate high altitude balloon flights safely. They are not legal rules however we do encourage that people follow them as they are based on previous experience. Launching a balloon is your own responsibility and while these rules won't protect you if something was to happen we'd hope that by following them you reduce the risk of any incidents.

1. Permission from the CAA is required for a meteorological balloon flight, this will include a NOTAM for the launch site.
2. In keeping with the ICAO regulations:
   1. a flight with one or more packages should have a combined mass of less than 4 kg
   2. the line between the balloon and chute to have a breaking strain of less than 230 N.
   3. if any package is 2 kg or more the area density must be below 13 g per square centimetre.
3. Projects should aim to make their payload as light as possible both for safety but also as this will require less helium saving money and a finite resource.
4. Payloads should have insulation surrounding the equipment both for maintaining temperature but also providing 'padding' on impact.
5. Antenna elements that face down should be flexible - avoid metal rods.
6. Before launching a balloon run computer modeled flight predictions, postpone launch if there is a high chance of the payload landing in urban areas or near to airports. If the payload is predicated to pass through or near NOTAM'd airspace, Danger or Air Traffic Zones then to discuss this with the operator of these areas.
7. Always get the landowners permission before attempting to recover a payload.
8. As there is a chance that your payload may not be recoverable strive to make it as environmentally friendly as possible.
9. Seek help from more experienced UKHAS members when encountering an area outside your comfort zone.