This page will cover kites 5 pounds and over, and kites under 5 pounds,
along with FCC rules for Amateur kite-lifted antennae
It is paramount that you become familiar with the following rules. You are responsible to know them and to interpret them for yourself. Hopefully, you will not have to defend yourself in situation that arises from your adventure.
You may find this interactive version of the the applicable rules more easy to navigate than the FAA's website.
Here are the same rules, but at the official FAA website concerning moored balloons and kites. Study them for yourself. Please do not trust our understanding of them.
With a kite that weighs more than 5 POUNDS; one must be at least 5 MILES from an airport; the kite must be less than 500 FEET from the base of any cloud; and the kite can be no higher than 500 FEET from the ground [See the rules below about advance "Notification" if going over 150 feet]. Also note that there must be at least three miles of visibility on the ground in order to launch and the are marking regulations to follow.
We made a graphic to simplify our understanding of the rules.
You must work with the FAA's, "Notices to Airmen" system. See the US national Notices To Airmen current listing. Additionally, be clear of any flight paths especially for low flying private aircraft, at all times.
FAA regulations about moored kites and balloons:
Notices to Airmen:
As this author's kites weigh far less than the 5 pound mark, we understand the rules to read that we are exempt from most of the above guidelines, BUT it may be advisable to follow the rules "as if" your kite weighs the five pounds or more, for the sake of personal safety, especially to aircraft. This graphic may help.
Even though our kites weigh a fraction of the over-5-pound Federally-required mark for reporting, if we plan on sending a kite-lifted antenna we will try to operate outside a 5 mile range of an airport, and if flying above 500 feet, we will call the local airport and let them know our location and schedule. We consider this, "Good Amateur Practice". We have confirmed this procedure with the local FAA office. This, to be safe and work with the FAA's, "Notices to Airmen" system. See the US national Notices To Airmen current listing. Additionally, we attempt to be clear of any flight paths especially for low flying private aircraft, at all times.
Note these rules that apply to All kites...
WHAT DO THE FCC RULES SAY ABOUT ANY RESTRICTIONS TO THE LENGTH OR HEIGHT OF MY KITE-LIFTED ANTENNA?
In summary, the FCC has no regulations on height or length of wire for your Amateur Radio kite-lifted antennna. Did we see a smile come over your face with that news? We are smiling!
N9ZRT, David Herbert Hatch is not responsible in any way or part for anothers interpretation of the words printed on this page. February 21, 2002.
Page author: N9ZRT - Dave Hatch - n9zrt@arrl.net
For printable versions of the above text and links, the references for the FAA rules are:
http://ecfrback.access.gpo.gov/otcgi/cfr/otfilter.cgi?DB=3&query=14000000101®ion=BIBSRT&action=view&SUBSET=SUBSET&FROM=1&SIZE=10&ITEM=1#Sec.%20101.1
http://www.faa.gov/NTAP §101.5 Operations in prohibited or restricted areas.
No person may operate a moored balloon, kite, unmanned rocket, or
unmanned free balloon in a prohibited or restricted area unless he
has permission from the using or controlling agency, as appropriate.
[Doc. No. 1457, 29 FR 46, Jan. 3, 1964]
§101.7 Hazardous operations.
(a) No person may operate any moored balloon, kite, unmanned rocket,
or unmanned free balloon in a manner that creates a hazard to other
persons, or their property.
(b) No person operating any moored balloon, kite, unmanned rocket, or
unmanned free balloon may allow an object to be dropped therefrom, if
such action creates a hazard to other persons or their property.
(Sec. 6(c), Department of Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. 1655(c)))
[Doc. No. 12800, 39 FR 22252, June 21, 1974]
Source: http://ecfrback.access.gpo.gov/otcgi/cfr/otfilter.cgi?
DB=3&query=14000000101®ion=BIBSRT&action=view&SUBSET=
SUBSET&FROM=1&SIZE=10&ITEM=1#Sec.%20101.5
We queried the FCC about any rules regarding the length/height of
kite-lifted antennae. They replied with the following note....
"The rules that apply to the length and height of an antenna to be
used as a low power antenna depend on the service that the radio
transmission will be made in. For example, some Part 15
authorization restrict the total length of antennas, transmission
lines, and grounds, if used, to 15 meters. See Section 15.217.
Family Radio Service units must have an integral antenna. Attaching
any kind of external antenna is prohibited. CB stations are limited
to antennas no more that 60 feet above ground. See Section 95.408.
Amateur stations are not limited in the length that antennas may be
by our rules, but must comply with FAA requirements if the antenna is
over 200' above ground or less, if close to an airport. The rules do
not treat an antenna made out of wire and held aloft by a balloon any
differently that an antenna made out of aluminum tubing and held up
by a tower. Additionally, local zoning regulations and covenants or
restrictions on the land where the antenna is located also may
apply."
Wed, 20 Feb 2002 12:45:22 -0600
William Cross / BCROSS@fcc.gov
FCC
