Balloons

Disclaimer

The technological recommendation presents solutions meeting the requirements of the forthcoming mandate, as currently foreseen. If installed voluntarily before mandate’s entry into force, these solutions are eligible for financial support under the Special Financing scheme (BV87b). Aircraft owners and pilots who wish to benefit from this funding are encouraged to submit an application by November 30, 2026, at the latest. The request for financial support for the installation of devices to fulfil the forthcoming mandate will not be possible after this date.

Please be aware that the mandate remains subject to change until its publication: the technological recommendation reflects its current status.

Balloons have the right of way over other traffic. Under the forthcoming mandate, balloons will need to be equipped with a Mode S transponder. If the transponder already supports ADS-B Out, no further action is expected to be needed; otherwise it will need to be upgraded to ADS-B Out, or an ADS-L Out device installed. The FOCA recommends to upgrade existing Mode S transponder to ADS-B Out.

Technology recommendation:

1. ADS-L Out

Recommended to be electronically visible to other traffic.

2. ADS-L In/Out

Among balloons, there is a high risk of a lower balloon climbing into another one directly above, with the view obstructed by the balloon’s envelope. Therefore an “in” function can be very desirable from a safety perspective, especially for ballooning events with take-offs in short sequence and longer flights of multiple balloons in proximity. Furthermore, balloon pilots regularly operating close to or within CTRs or TMAs may want to benefit from improved situational awareness.

3. ADS-B Out

Recommended to be electronically visible to other traffic, especially when operating below VMC or at night.