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Example: “Huntsville Approach, balloon 903 Hotel Delta, at 3,000.” 

The approach control facility (in this example, Huntsville Approach) will either reply by saying, “Aircraft calling Huntsville Approach, standby”, in which case the balloon pilot does not have a clearance to enter the airspace; or, approach will reply, saying “Balloon 903 Hotel Delta, Huntsville, standby.” In this case, the aircraft call sign was used, and the pilot may enter the airspace. Further communication may continue until the balloon has either landed or cleared the airspace. 

In the event that radio communication has failed, or that no radio is available in the balloon, and continued flight into the immediate vicinity of an towered airport facility cannot be avoided, control towers have a “light gun” available. This device, which looks like an oversized flare gun, allows tower personnel to “shoot” a directed beam of light at an approaching aircraft, and may signal field availability options to the approaching balloon. [Figure 5-16] 

Many balloon pilots fly for years without using a radio of any kind. Using an aircraft radio is not a difficult task, and, with practice, can provide a more enjoyable flight. Most ATCs express an interest in balloons, and go out of their way to assist balloon pilots in accomplishing their flight safely. 

## Chapter Summary 

At first glance, the NAS appears to be a complex arena in which to operate such a simple aircraft. This chapter simplifies the airspace to the reader, and makes it readily apparent that it is possible to operate a hot air balloon safely, without causing conflict. 

Simple courtesy and common sense goes a long way in airspace operations. A complete and thorough understanding of the airspace, combined with good decision-making, will allow the pilot to do what he or she wishes, with recognition of the needs of other users of the sky. 

