(a) Prelaunch notice: Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate an unmanned free balloon unless, within 6 to 24 hours before beginning the operation, he gives the following information to the FAA ATC facility that is nearest to the place of intended operation:
- (1) The balloon identification.
- (2) The estimated date and time of launching, amended as necessary to remain within plus or minus 30 minutes.
- (3) The location of the launching site.
- (4) The cruising altitude.
- (5) The forecast trajectory and estimated time to cruising altitude or 60,000 feet standard pressure altitude, whichever is lower.
- (6) The length and diameter of the balloon, length of the suspension device, weight of the payload, and length of the trailing antenna.
- (7) The duration of flight.
- (8) The forecast time and location of impact with the surface of the earth.