27CASR Part 131 – Balloons used in Non-Recreational Operations
(formerly known as part 115B)

Balloons fly using different principles of physics from those applying to heavier-than-air aircraft. Their structure and design are simpler and based on lower-technology materials and processes than other categories of aircraft.

CASR Part 131 is planned as a stand-alone Part encompassing all the regulations which apply only to balloons used outside of the recreational context of CASR Part 103. It replaces the areas that would otherwise be included in Parts 42, 66, 145 and 147 in relation to maintenance and maintenance personnel; Parts 61 and 141 in relation to Flight Crew Licensing and training; Parts 91, 135 and 136 in relation to flight operations; and Part 119 in relation to Air Operator Certification.

Some of the rules in this Part are in common with the rules in other Parts, but most of the content is specific to balloons and this keeps those other Parts less complex than they otherwise would be. The operating rules are based on the same requirements as Part 103 applies to balloons, but with additional requirements for the activities that require closer CASA involvement and oversight than recreational activities.

Administrative rules and some of the more-generally applicable requirements apply in addition to the Part 131 rules – these are to be found in CASR Parts 1, 11, 13, 21, 31, 39, 45, 47 and 67 and are less-often referred to in the day-to-day activity of operating a balloon for non-recreational purposes.

Who CASR Part 131 affects
Balloon operators and maintainers who

Currently hold an AOC or Certificate of Approval.
Hold a Maintenance Authority under CAR 33B.
Hold a Commercial Pilot (Balloon) Licence.
May require a CASA licence in the future for overseas recognition.
Seek to operate a balloon under the parallel path to CASR Part 103.
Or persons who may seek to do any of these in the future.

Key proposals
A single Part to cover most aspects of day-to-day non-Recreational balloon activities.
Part 131 adopts the EU (EASA) philosophy and structure of regulations, where operators expound their own means of complying with the overall requirements and are audited for compliance with this exposition, as a means of increasing industry involvement and accountability for safe operations.
Includes operations, operator certification, flight crew licensing, maintenance, maintenance personnel authorisations and maintenance organisations.
Places relevant rules for the operation of balloons in the form of positive rules rather than the current exceptions and exemptions.
Introduces a full range of flight crew licences (SPL, PPL, CPL) for balloons.
Regards hot air airships more as powered balloons than as an extension of gas airships, because of their limited operational capabilities.
Establishes balloon licence endorsements and ratings at levels equivalent to aircraft class and design feature endorsements in Part 61.
Permits balloon CPL holders to act as co-pilot of any balloon and, under set conditions, gain an aircraft endorsement for larger size balloons by flying as co-pilot with a flight instructor as pilot in command.
Sets out maintenance requirements appropriate to the simplicity and low technology of balloons, and recognises the applicability of suitable Australia/ New Zealand Standards for commercial and industrial processes as approved standards.
Establishes a balloon maintainer qualification with some of the privileges that attach to existing Aircraft Maintenance licences but are separate from the extended training required for other aircraft categories.
Allows CASA to issue Maintenance Organisation approvals for balloons that are commensurate with their size, scope and the inherent simplicity of balloons to allow significant variation from the Parts 42 and 145 proposals.
Development
Part 131 has been developed direct to a NPRM and involving the balloon industry, through the Professional Ballooning Association of Australia (which represents over 95% of the industry) at all stages in the process and with their support and encouragement for the preferred methodology.

Further developments of detailed standards, Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material (Advisory Circulars) will continue in the period while the regulations are subject to legal drafting processes.

FEDERATION AERONAUTIQUE INTERNATIONALE

COMMISSION D’AEROSTATION DE LA FAI

FAI BALLOONING COMMISSION

CIA

MODEL EVENT RULES

FOR

COUPE AÉRONAUTIQUE GORDON BENNETT

Version   2008

March,   2008

<*......*>  =  Organizers Options

Secretariat of FAI
Avenue Mon-Repos 24, CH-1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
Tel: +41-21-345 1070  Fax: +41-21-345 1077  e-mail:  sec@fai.org

 
INTRODUCTION

 The rules and regulations for the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett consist of:

  These competition rules
  Rules laid down in the April 1980 meeting of the CIA
  FAI Sporting Code

CHAPTER 1 COUPE AÉRONAUTIQUE GORDON BENNETT DETAILS

1.1 TITLE

 This event shall be known as <* name of event *>

1.2 OBJECTIVES

 The objectives of the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett are:
 a. to determine the team covering the greatest distance;
 b. to promote the development of the sport of gas ballooning by an international comparison  of pilots’ performance and balloon materials;
 c. to promote international relations and friendships among all ballooning nations and pilots.

1.3 DEFINITION OF THE WINNER

 The winner shall be the team covering the greatest distance.

1.4 ORGANISERS

 The Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett is organized by <* name of organizer *>.

1.5 CORRESPONDENCE

 All entries and official correspondence should be addressed to:
   <* name *>
   <* address *>
   <* telephone and fax *>

1.6 PERSONNEL

 Event Director <* name *>
 Stewards <* names *>
 Jury <* names *>
 Safety Officer <* name *>

1.7 DATE AND PLACE OF COUPE

 The Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett will be held in <* name of location *>

 The Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett will be held on <* dates *>

1.8 TIME

 All times before launch in Local Time. Launch Time and all times after that in UTC

 
1.9 LANGUAGE

 The official language of the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett shall be English

1.10 DOCUMENTS

 The following documents may be inspected when pilots register on arrival at the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett:

 a. Pilot Certificate
 b. Pilot Log Book
 c. Balloon Registration Document
 d. Balloon Airworthiness Document
 e. Certificate of Insurance
 f. FAI Sporting License with current stamp
 g. Passport or other Identity Document

CHAPTER 2 ENTRY CONDITIONS

2.1 PARTICIPATION

 The Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett is open to all NACs which have met their obligations to the FAI. Each NAC may nominate up to three balloon teams, each consisting of two pilots who must have the nationality of the NAC having entered them. The NAC must nominate the pilot in command for each aerostat entered, and this person will be responsible during the whole flight. He or she will be mentioned first in the official reports.

2.2 PILOT LICENSES AND EXPERIENCE
 
Both pilots must hold a valid LTA license (free balloon) and a FAI Sporting License issued by their NAC. Pilots must either hold a passport or an identity card from the nominating NAC’s country, or they must have held a resident’s permit from the nominating NAC’s country for the preceding 5 years. The pilot in command must have been authorized to be pilot in command of a gas balloon for at least twelve months prior to the start of the Coupe and must have had at least 50 hours experience as pilot in command  and must be authorized to fly at night.

At least one of the two pilots must be able to communicate with Air Traffic Control in English and have sufficient experience in operating the navigation aids

 
2.3 ENTRY FEE

 The entry fee for all participants is <* amount *>. The fee and the completed entry form must reach the organizer by the closing entry date (2.4).
 The entry fee includes <* list items included *>.

2.4 CLOSING ENTRY DATE

 The closing entry date for the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett is <* date *>.

2.5 ACCEPTANCE OF RULES AND REGULATIONS

 Pilots and their crews are required to know, understand, accept and abide by the Sporting Code and the rules and regulations for the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett.

2.6 WAIVER

 By entering the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett the pilots waive any right of action against the organizer, the owner of any site and their respective members, employees or personnel for any loss or damage sustained by him in consequence of any act or omission on their part or on the part of other pilots.
 The organizers reserve all rights concerning media reports and the selling of balloon mail and all other products.

2.7 INSURANCE

 Pilots must provide proof that their balloons are insured for at least <* amount *> for third party liability during the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett.
 Insurance can <* not *> be purchased from the organizer.

CHAPTER 3 BALLOON QUALIFICATIONS

3.1 DEFINITION OF A BALLOON

 For the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett a gas balloon is defined as an aircraft lighter than air, supported statically in the air, with no means of propulsion by any power source and which obtains the buoyancy solely as a result of the difference in weight of the lifting gas and the surrounding air.
 In modification of the 1980 Rules, Article 6, only gas balloons with a maximum capacity of 1000 cubic meters may participate in the Coupe. A tolerance of 5% is allowed. Organizers are empowered to inspect any aerostat that they suspect is in violation to this rule.

3.2 AIRWORTHINESS

 Aerostats flown in the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett must have current certificates of registration and airworthiness, or in place of the latter, an equivalent document from the recognized authority of the nation concerned. The organizers are empowered to reject any aerostat which in their opinion is not of a reasonable standard of airworthiness.

3.3 HIRED BALLOON

 Pilots may enter balloons hired in another country.

3.4 FLAGS
 
 Each balloon must bear the national flag of the pilot’s country, not less than one sq. meter.

3.5 BALLAST

 Only water or fine sand may be used as ballast. Jettison of solid matters, instruments, batteries and the envelope at landing is prohibited and. may be penalized according to rule 6.4  

3.6 TRANSPORT

 Transport of the balloon to the starting field in <* name of place *> and after landing to the home city of the balloon is at the expense and responsibility of the pilots. Balloons should be at the starting field by <* date *>.

 
CHAPTER 4 INSTRUMENTS, EQUIPMENT AND OTHER

4.1 FLIGHT INSTRUMENTS

 Each balloon must carry at least;
• Altimeter
• Variometer
• Barograph or other altitude recording device
• 720 channel VHF radio,  minimum 5 watt radio plus back up radio
• Strobe light with minimum brightness required for aircraft
• Beam light for night landing
• Electronic Navigational Aid or GPS
• Transponder Mode C with 4096 codes
• Emergency Locator Transmitter: (ELT) or (EPERB)

Additionally, each balloon will carry a GPS logger/tracking device provided by the organizer.  Organizers shall not publish information regarding balloon altitudes during the flight.
There is no restriction in the use of navigation aids and flight control instruments. Every balloon should be equipped with sufficient oxygen and appropriate distribution system to be used at altitudes greater then 12,500 feet MSL. Faulty barographs or altitude recording device may be penalized under rule 6.4. In case of suspected altitude violations, barographs or backup altitude recording device (GPS) may be checked. Each balloon should carry a backup GPS that would constitute a back-up tracking log in case of tracker failure.

4.2 TRACKER SIGNAL

If it can be proved that the signal from a balloon Tracker has been modified, or interfered with, then the Competition Director has authority to penalize the balloon pilot’s final result.

 
4.3 OTHER EQUIPMENT

 Every balloon must be equipped with a filling hose 20 meters long with the necessary amount of sand bags for inflation and flight. At launch each balloon must carry at least 20 liters of water for ballast over airports, highways or other sensitive areas.

4.4 MAPS

 The official competition map will be the <* name of map *>.

4.5 BALLOON MEISTER

 The competitors are responsible for making their own arrangements for balloon meisters.

CHAPTER 5 RACE AND PRIZES

5.1 TYPE AND PURPOSE OF RACE

 The race is a First Category Event of the FAI and consists of a distance flight. The final classification will be based on the greatest distance covered. The distance will be measured by determination of the arc of the great circle in accordance with the Sporting Code, Section one Aerostats.

5.2 HOLDER OF COUPE AÉRONAUTIQUE GORDON BENNETT TROPHY

 The nationality of the team who wins the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett trophy determines the NAC which will hold the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett the following year.

5.3 PUBLICATION OF RESULTS

The preliminary race results will be published within 24 hours after the command center has been notified of the landing of the last balloon.

CHAPTER 6 FLIGHT RULES

6.1 FLIGHT CONDITIONS

 All flights will be carried out under Visual Flight Rules.

6.2 LAUNCH

 Weather permitting the balloons will launch on <* date *> after <* time *>. . A delay to <* date *> may be used if necessary to assure a safe and successful race. The order of departure will be decided by two separate draws according to Article 8 of the General Rules (1980). In clarification of the 1980 Rules, Article 8 All balloons will launch within a time window fixed by the Director. As a guide, balloons will be launched at intervals between three and five minutes as long as it is safe to do so. Launch masters will give each crew permission to launch.
 Permission to launch does not relieve the pilots of complete responsibility for his take-off, including adequate lift to clear all obstacles and other balloons and to continue safely in flight.
 If a pilot is not ready for take-off at the appointed time, he shall move to the end of the launch order.
 

6.3 AIRSPACE

Pilots must be familiar with and abide by the applicable aviation regulations of the countries. Pilots may be required to log all ATC clearances given enroute; these must be returned to the Event Director in a sealed envelope for investigation is case of suspected violations.
 Infringements of Aviation regulations are in the first instance a matter between the pilot and the Aviation Authorities. If the Director receives information from an Aviation Authority that air law may have been violated, he should investigate and take action as appropriate. Pilots who are not able to comply with ATC instructions will be penalized under 5.2.2.2 of the FAI Sporting Code, General Section.

 
6.4 PENALTIES
 
 Penalties will be based on the FAI Sporting Code, General Section. In a case where a technical infringement of the rules or failure to comply with requirements caused by mistake or inadvertence has occurred and no advantage has been attained, the competitor concerned will, as a guide, be penalized by a reduction of not less than 2% of the best distance. Serious infringement, such as dangerous or hazardous actions or repetitions of lesser infringements will be penalized by a reduction of not less than 5% of the best distance. Unsportsmanlike, behavior (GS 5.2.2.3); which includes, deliberate attempts to deceive or mislead officials, intentional airspace violations, falsification of documents or repeated serious infringements of rules should, as a guide, result in disqualification.

CHAPTER 7 LANDING

7.1 LANDING

The precise point at which any part of the aerostat's basket, car or gondola comes to rest on the ground or makes more than brief contact with any water surface, or anything attached to, or resting on, the ground or water is the landing point. Momentary contact with the ground or water does not constitute a landing, nor does contact between a trail rope and the ground, unless the aerostat is moored. Pilots landing on water such as lakes, seas, or rivers will not receive a result.

 7.2 CALCULATION OF LANDING POSITION

The point of landing will be defined by the geographic co-ordinates in degrees and minutes longitude and latitude. Other evidence is to be considered if necessary.

7.3 REPORTING

Landing position shall be telephoned to the Command Center within four (4) hours of landing. The Event Director should grant an extension in case of extenuating circumstances.

CHAPTER 8 OBSERVERS

 <* Organizers should state whether or not observers will be used *>

8.1 OBSERVERS

 An observer is a competition official responsible to the chief observer. His duties are primarily the impartial recording of particulars of positions, times, distances etc. achieved during the flight. He also has the duty to report any apparent infringement of these rules or of air law, and any case of inconsiderate behavior towards landowners or the public by any competitor or crewmember.

8.2 APPOINTMENT

 At the General Briefing an observer will be appointed to each team.

8.3 ASSISTANCE

 An observer may not assist the competitor with advice at any time. He should not attempt, and is not qualified, to amplify, explain or interpret the rules to a competitor. If he wishes, and is invited by the competitor, he may assist in the ground handling and inflation.

8.4 OBSERVER ON RETRIEVE

 The observer will occupy a seat with a window in the retrieve vehicle. He may not drive the vehicle. He may assist with map reading during the retrieve if asked to do so by the crew, and at their responsibility.
 It is the duty of the pilot and crew to convey the observer back to the competition center after measurement of the landing point and recovery of the balloon.
 In the event that the team does not return to <* location of event *> immediately after landing, they may convey the observer back to the competition center by public transportation. The sealed barograph (or trace which has been removed from the barograph in the presence of the observer) and the landing report should be returned with the observer. The cost of food and lodging and any transportation for the observer is the responsibility of the pilot.

CHAPTER 9 COMPLAINTS AND PROTESTS

9.1 COMPLAINT

 Complaints concerning any matter should be made to the Competition Director at the Competition Center. Complaints should be in writing in English and will receive a written reply.

9.2 PROTEST

 If dissatisfied with the Competition Director’s reply to a complaint, a competitor has the right to make a protest to the International Jury. Protests should be handed in at the Competition Center to an official who will record the time of receipt. Protests shall be accompanied by a deposit of <* amount *>.
 A competitor presenting a protest may make a verbal presentation of his case in addition to his written statement. The verbal presentation may not exceed fifteen minutes, except by leave of the Jury. A competitor not fluent in English may be assisted by an interpreter.
 The deposit will be returned only when the protest is upheld.

9.3 TIME LIMIT

 The time limit for protest is 10:00 hours on <date> or four hours after publication of the official results, whichever is later. Protests must be handed in within two hours of reply to a complaint.

CHAPTER 10 LIABILITY AND SAFETY

10.1 The balloon and other property of a competitor shall be at the risk of the competitor at all times. By entering the Coupe a competitor agrees to waive all claims for injury to himself or loss or damage to his property.

10.2 By entering the Coupe a competitor assumes all liability for injury, loss or damage to third parties or their property and agrees to indemnify the organizers in respect thereof.

10.3 A competitor remains completely responsible for the safe operation of his balloon at all stages of inflation, launch, flight and landing. He must ensure that his equipment, his crew and his own level of skill and experience are suitable for the conditions in his own judgment.

10.4 All meteorological reports and forecasts and other safety or navigational information is provided in good faith for the guidance of competitors. Officials will be appointed to regulate the inflation and launching of balloons.

 
MINUTES OF THE CIA MEETING, 10 & 11 APRIL, 1980
REGARDING
COUPE AÉRONAUTIQUE GORDON BENNETT,
amended at the CIA Meeting March 2008

I. ORIGIN AND GENERAL PRINCIPLES

ARTICLE 1:

 With a view to maintaining the tradition of the free balloon race entrusted in 1905 by Mr. James Gordon Bennett to the Federation Aeronautique Internationale, it is agreed that the challenge will continue to be run under the name of “Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett”.

ARTICLE 2:

 The Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett, which will be a distance flight competition, shall be organized once every year and conform to the FAI Sporting Code and the provisions of the present rules.

ARTICLE 3:

Originally only the General Conference of the FAI, on a recommendation from FAI’s Commission Aéronautique Sportive Internationale (CASI), had the right to amend the present rules. The right to change these rules was transferred to the CIA in 1984 (see CIA Minutes 1984, item VIII). In 1987 the CIA changed the Sporting Code Section One to reflect, under 6.2, that the CIA has full control of the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett rules.

ARTICLE 4:

 It is the responsibility of the NAC holding the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett to organize the competition in its country two years after winning the Coupe. However, if for any reason this NAC renounces its prerogative, or it fails to meet any of the event requirements of deadlines published by the CIA, the CIA may entrust the organization of the event to another NAC
 If the holder renounces the organization of the race, it should inform the FAI Secretariat within two months following the competition in which it was the winner.

  The NAC organizing the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett shall be responsible for all costs of the event.

ARTICLE 5: PARTICIPATION

 Only NAC members of the FAI shall be able to participate in the race for the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett. They may not enter more than three balloons each.

After the competition results have been declared final by the event jury, the CIA President shall immediately send a letter to the winning NAC specifying the requirements and deadlines that shall be met before the CIA Plenary meeting the following year. The winning NAC must have their bid –to organize the concerned Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett event – submitted to the FAI Secretariat before February 15th of the following year.

If all requirements and deadlines are met, the official CIA event sanction will be awarded at the following March CIA meeting.

If the winning NAC fails to meet any requirement by the February 15th deadline, they will loose their opportunity to automatically host the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett that was earned by their winning the Coupe. In this case the CIA will immediately notify all eligible NAC that bids will be accepted for the next available Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett.

Ensuing bids, supported by the completed bid files and the FAI/CIA Organizers Agreement signed by the organizing NAC and event Organizer shall be received by September 15th and reviewed by the appropriate CIA WGs to determine the best venue for the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett, unless these time limits are changed by the CIA under special circumstances. The concerned CIA WGs shall then send their recommendations to the CIA Bureau for the official CIA sanction to be granted before that year’s event. The CIA is empowered to accept or reject such bids.

In addition to the Sporting Code requirements, the bids must contain at least the following information:

 Budget for the event and proposed funding guarantees
 Proposed location and venue
 Proposed Event Director and operation team
 Guarantee for the availability of gas for the entire flight window listed in the bid application
 Letter from the relevant ATC authorities declaring cooperation for the entire event
 Guarantee that night VFR will be allowed
 Detailed information on Entry fee and specifically what it encompasses

II. GENERAL RULES

ARTICLE 6:  BALLOON CATEGORIES

Only gas balloons with a maximum capacity of 1 000  cubic meters may participate in the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett.  A tolerance of 5% is allowed. All balloons – whatever their capacity – shall be filled with gas having the same specific weight and the same chemical composition. Pressurization of the balloon to maintain a constant density altitude shall not be permitted. In 2005 the CIA accepted  the use of both, Helium and Hydrogen as lifting gases during the same  Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett competition.

ARTICLE 7: THE CREW

During the entire duration of the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett, the crew for each balloon shall be composed of no less than two persons. The pilots shall be of the nationality of the NAC having entered them. Pilots who have been a resident for the preceding five years in the same country as the NAC entering them shall be eligible to be nominated by that NAC.

ARTICLE 8: DEPARTURE

 The order of departure will be decided by two separate draws. The first will fix the order of departure of the NACs. The second will fix the order of departure of the different balloons of each NAC. The balloons will depart in the following order:
   The first balloon of the first NAC;
   The first balloon of the second NAC;
   The first balloon of the third NAC;       etc.
   The second balloon of the first NAC;
   The second balloon of the second NAC;
   The second balloon  of the third NAC  etc.
   until all balloons have taken off.

 All balloons shall fly on the same day in the time bracket set by the organizer.

ARTICLE 9: CLASSIFICATION

 The final classification will be based on the greater distance covered. The distance shall be measured by the determination of the arc of the great circle, in accordance with the General Section of the FAI Sporting Code.

III. SPECIAL RULES

ARTICLE 10:

 The organizing NAC shall publish the special rules at least six months before the date of the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett.

ARTICLE 11:

 The special rules shall indicate:

   a) the place and date of the race;
   b) the amount of the cash prizes;
   c) the date of entry and the registration fee;
   d) the compulsory equipment required;
   e) the facilities offered to competitors;
   f) any other important information.

IV. AWARDING OF THE COUPE AÉRONAUTIQUE GORDON BENNETT TROPHY

ARTICLE 12:

 The organizing NAC shall decide on the awarding of the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett. The results shall in principle be circulated within 15 days after departure. The prize shall be given to the winner in the month following the publication of the results.

ARTICLE 13:

 The NAC whose team wins the race will be the holder of the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett for one year. An NAC shall become the final holder of the cup after winning three consecutive races.

ARTICLE 14:

 For the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett to be considered as valid a minimum of three countries shall be entered.

ARTICLE 15:

 If an NAC holder of the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett disappears or ceases to be a member of the FAI, the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett shall be handed over to the FAI Headquarters.

V. THE OFFER OF A NEW COUPE AÉRONAUTIQUE GORDON BENNETT

ARTICLE 16:

 The NAC which becomes the final holder of the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett has the right to offer a new Coupe. If within one month this NAC has not informed the FAI of its intention to use this right, the FAI may accept a new Coupe from another NAC or another source.

CASR Part 131 – Balloons used in Non-Recreational Operations
(formerly known as part 115B)

Balloons fly using different principles of physics from those applying to heavier-than-air aircraft. Their structure and design are simpler and based on lower-technology materials and processes than other categories of aircraft.

CASR Part 131 is planned as a stand-alone Part encompassing all the regulations which apply only to balloons used outside of the recreational context of CASR Part 103. It replaces the areas that would otherwise be included in Parts 42, 66, 145 and 147 in relation to maintenance and maintenance personnel; Parts 61 and 141 in relation to Flight Crew Licensing and training; Parts 91, 135 and 136 in relation to flight operations; and Part 119 in relation to Air Operator Certification.

Some of the rules in this Part are in common with the rules in other Parts, but most of the content is specific to balloons and this keeps those other Parts less complex than they otherwise would be. The operating rules are based on the same requirements as Part 103 applies to balloons, but with additional requirements for the activities that require closer CASA involvement and oversight than recreational activities.

Administrative rules and some of the more-generally applicable requirements apply in addition to the Part 131 rules – these are to be found in CASR Parts 1, 11, 13, 21, 31, 39, 45, 47 and 67 and are less-often referred to in the day-to-day activity of operating a balloon for non-recreational purposes.

Who CASR Part 131 affects
Balloon operators and maintainers who

Currently hold an AOC or Certificate of Approval.
Hold a Maintenance Authority under CAR 33B.
Hold a Commercial Pilot (Balloon) Licence.
May require a CASA licence in the future for overseas recognition.
Seek to operate a balloon under the parallel path to CASR Part 103.
Or persons who may seek to do any of these in the future.

Key proposals
A single Part to cover most aspects of day-to-day non-Recreational balloon activities.
Part 131 adopts the EU (EASA) philosophy and structure of regulations, where operators expound their own means of complying with the overall requirements and are audited for compliance with this exposition, as a means of increasing industry involvement and accountability for safe operations.
Includes operations, operator certification, flight crew licensing, maintenance, maintenance personnel authorisations and maintenance organisations.
Places relevant rules for the operation of balloons in the form of positive rules rather than the current exceptions and exemptions.
Introduces a full range of flight crew licences (SPL, PPL, CPL) for balloons.
Regards hot air airships more as powered balloons than as an extension of gas airships, because of their limited operational capabilities.
Establishes balloon licence endorsements and ratings at levels equivalent to aircraft class and design feature endorsements in Part 61.
Permits balloon CPL holders to act as co-pilot of any balloon and, under set conditions, gain an aircraft endorsement for larger size balloons by flying as co-pilot with a flight instructor as pilot in command.
Sets out maintenance requirements appropriate to the simplicity and low technology of balloons, and recognises the applicability of suitable Australia/ New Zealand Standards for commercial and industrial processes as approved standards.
Establishes a balloon maintainer qualification with some of the privileges that attach to existing Aircraft Maintenance licences but are separate from the extended training required for other aircraft categories.
Allows CASA to issue Maintenance Organisation approvals for balloons that are commensurate with their size, scope and the inherent simplicity of balloons to allow significant variation from the Parts 42 and 145 proposals.
Development
Part 131 has been developed direct to a NPRM and involving the balloon industry, through the Professional Ballooning Association of Australia (which represents over 95% of the industry) at all stages in the process and with their support and encouragement for the preferred methodology.

Further developments of detailed standards, Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material (Advisory Circulars) will continue in the period while the regulations are subject to legal drafting processes.

FEDERATION AERONAUTIQUE INTERNATIONALE

COMMISSION D’AEROSTATION DE LA FAI

FAI BALLOONING COMMISSION

CIA

MODEL EVENT RULES

FOR

COUPE AÉRONAUTIQUE GORDON BENNETT

Version   2008

March,   2008

<*......*>  =  Organizers Options

Secretariat of FAI
Avenue Mon-Repos 24, CH-1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
Tel: +41-21-345 1070  Fax: +41-21-345 1077  e-mail:  sec@fai.org

 
INTRODUCTION

 The rules and regulations for the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett consist of:

  These competition rules
  Rules laid down in the April 1980 meeting of the CIA
  FAI Sporting Code

CHAPTER 1 COUPE AÉRONAUTIQUE GORDON BENNETT DETAILS

1.1 TITLE

 This event shall be known as <* name of event *>

1.2 OBJECTIVES

 The objectives of the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett are:
 a. to determine the team covering the greatest distance;
 b. to promote the development of the sport of gas ballooning by an international comparison  of pilots’ performance and balloon materials;
 c. to promote international relations and friendships among all ballooning nations and pilots.

1.3 DEFINITION OF THE WINNER

 The winner shall be the team covering the greatest distance.

1.4 ORGANISERS

 The Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett is organized by <* name of organizer *>.

1.5 CORRESPONDENCE

 All entries and official correspondence should be addressed to:
   <* name *>
   <* address *>
   <* telephone and fax *>

1.6 PERSONNEL

 Event Director <* name *>
 Stewards <* names *>
 Jury <* names *>
 Safety Officer <* name *>

1.7 DATE AND PLACE OF COUPE

 The Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett will be held in <* name of location *>

 The Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett will be held on <* dates *>

1.8 TIME

 All times before launch in Local Time. Launch Time and all times after that in UTC

 
1.9 LANGUAGE

 The official language of the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett shall be English

1.10 DOCUMENTS

 The following documents may be inspected when pilots register on arrival at the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett:

 a. Pilot Certificate
 b. Pilot Log Book
 c. Balloon Registration Document
 d. Balloon Airworthiness Document
 e. Certificate of Insurance
 f. FAI Sporting License with current stamp
 g. Passport or other Identity Document

CHAPTER 2 ENTRY CONDITIONS

2.1 PARTICIPATION

 The Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett is open to all NACs which have met their obligations to the FAI. Each NAC may nominate up to three balloon teams, each consisting of two pilots who must have the nationality of the NAC having entered them. The NAC must nominate the pilot in command for each aerostat entered, and this person will be responsible during the whole flight. He or she will be mentioned first in the official reports.

2.2 PILOT LICENSES AND EXPERIENCE
 
Both pilots must hold a valid LTA license (free balloon) and a FAI Sporting License issued by their NAC. Pilots must either hold a passport or an identity card from the nominating NAC’s country, or they must have held a resident’s permit from the nominating NAC’s country for the preceding 5 years. The pilot in command must have been authorized to be pilot in command of a gas balloon for at least twelve months prior to the start of the Coupe and must have had at least 50 hours experience as pilot in command  and must be authorized to fly at night.

At least one of the two pilots must be able to communicate with Air Traffic Control in English and have sufficient experience in operating the navigation aids

 
2.3 ENTRY FEE

 The entry fee for all participants is <* amount *>. The fee and the completed entry form must reach the organizer by the closing entry date (2.4).
 The entry fee includes <* list items included *>.

2.4 CLOSING ENTRY DATE

 The closing entry date for the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett is <* date *>.

2.5 ACCEPTANCE OF RULES AND REGULATIONS

 Pilots and their crews are required to know, understand, accept and abide by the Sporting Code and the rules and regulations for the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett.

2.6 WAIVER

 By entering the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett the pilots waive any right of action against the organizer, the owner of any site and their respective members, employees or personnel for any loss or damage sustained by him in consequence of any act or omission on their part or on the part of other pilots.
 The organizers reserve all rights concerning media reports and the selling of balloon mail and all other products.

2.7 INSURANCE

 Pilots must provide proof that their balloons are insured for at least <* amount *> for third party liability during the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett.
 Insurance can <* not *> be purchased from the organizer.

CHAPTER 3 BALLOON QUALIFICATIONS

3.1 DEFINITION OF A BALLOON

 For the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett a gas balloon is defined as an aircraft lighter than air, supported statically in the air, with no means of propulsion by any power source and which obtains the buoyancy solely as a result of the difference in weight of the lifting gas and the surrounding air.
 In modification of the 1980 Rules, Article 6, only gas balloons with a maximum capacity of 1000 cubic meters may participate in the Coupe. A tolerance of 5% is allowed. Organizers are empowered to inspect any aerostat that they suspect is in violation to this rule.

3.2 AIRWORTHINESS

 Aerostats flown in the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett must have current certificates of registration and airworthiness, or in place of the latter, an equivalent document from the recognized authority of the nation concerned. The organizers are empowered to reject any aerostat which in their opinion is not of a reasonable standard of airworthiness.

3.3 HIRED BALLOON

 Pilots may enter balloons hired in another country.

3.4 FLAGS
 
 Each balloon must bear the national flag of the pilot’s country, not less than one sq. meter.

3.5 BALLAST

 Only water or fine sand may be used as ballast. Jettison of solid matters, instruments, batteries and the envelope at landing is prohibited and. may be penalized according to rule 6.4  

3.6 TRANSPORT

 Transport of the balloon to the starting field in <* name of place *> and after landing to the home city of the balloon is at the expense and responsibility of the pilots. Balloons should be at the starting field by <* date *>.

 
CHAPTER 4 INSTRUMENTS, EQUIPMENT AND OTHER

4.1 FLIGHT INSTRUMENTS

 Each balloon must carry at least;
• Altimeter
• Variometer
• Barograph or other altitude recording device
• 720 channel VHF radio,  minimum 5 watt radio plus back up radio
• Strobe light with minimum brightness required for aircraft
• Beam light for night landing
• Electronic Navigational Aid or GPS
• Transponder Mode C with 4096 codes
• Emergency Locator Transmitter: (ELT) or (EPERB)

Additionally, each balloon will carry a GPS logger/tracking device provided by the organizer.  Organizers shall not publish information regarding balloon altitudes during the flight.
There is no restriction in the use of navigation aids and flight control instruments. Every balloon should be equipped with sufficient oxygen and appropriate distribution system to be used at altitudes greater then 12,500 feet MSL. Faulty barographs or altitude recording device may be penalized under rule 6.4. In case of suspected altitude violations, barographs or backup altitude recording device (GPS) may be checked. Each balloon should carry a backup GPS that would constitute a back-up tracking log in case of tracker failure.

4.2 TRACKER SIGNAL

If it can be proved that the signal from a balloon Tracker has been modified, or interfered with, then the Competition Director has authority to penalize the balloon pilot’s final result.

 
4.3 OTHER EQUIPMENT

 Every balloon must be equipped with a filling hose 20 meters long with the necessary amount of sand bags for inflation and flight. At launch each balloon must carry at least 20 liters of water for ballast over airports, highways or other sensitive areas.

4.4 MAPS

 The official competition map will be the <* name of map *>.

4.5 BALLOON MEISTER

 The competitors are responsible for making their own arrangements for balloon meisters.

CHAPTER 5 RACE AND PRIZES

5.1 TYPE AND PURPOSE OF RACE

 The race is a First Category Event of the FAI and consists of a distance flight. The final classification will be based on the greatest distance covered. The distance will be measured by determination of the arc of the great circle in accordance with the Sporting Code, Section one Aerostats.

5.2 HOLDER OF COUPE AÉRONAUTIQUE GORDON BENNETT TROPHY

 The nationality of the team who wins the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett trophy determines the NAC which will hold the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett the following year.

5.3 PUBLICATION OF RESULTS

The preliminary race results will be published within 24 hours after the command center has been notified of the landing of the last balloon.

CHAPTER 6 FLIGHT RULES

6.1 FLIGHT CONDITIONS

 All flights will be carried out under Visual Flight Rules.

6.2 LAUNCH

 Weather permitting the balloons will launch on <* date *> after <* time *>. . A delay to <* date *> may be used if necessary to assure a safe and successful race. The order of departure will be decided by two separate draws according to Article 8 of the General Rules (1980). In clarification of the 1980 Rules, Article 8 All balloons will launch within a time window fixed by the Director. As a guide, balloons will be launched at intervals between three and five minutes as long as it is safe to do so. Launch masters will give each crew permission to launch.
 Permission to launch does not relieve the pilots of complete responsibility for his take-off, including adequate lift to clear all obstacles and other balloons and to continue safely in flight.
 If a pilot is not ready for take-off at the appointed time, he shall move to the end of the launch order.
 

6.3 AIRSPACE

Pilots must be familiar with and abide by the applicable aviation regulations of the countries. Pilots may be required to log all ATC clearances given enroute; these must be returned to the Event Director in a sealed envelope for investigation is case of suspected violations.
 Infringements of Aviation regulations are in the first instance a matter between the pilot and the Aviation Authorities. If the Director receives information from an Aviation Authority that air law may have been violated, he should investigate and take action as appropriate. Pilots who are not able to comply with ATC instructions will be penalized under 5.2.2.2 of the FAI Sporting Code, General Section.

 
6.4 PENALTIES
 
 Penalties will be based on the FAI Sporting Code, General Section. In a case where a technical infringement of the rules or failure to comply with requirements caused by mistake or inadvertence has occurred and no advantage has been attained, the competitor concerned will, as a guide, be penalized by a reduction of not less than 2% of the best distance. Serious infringement, such as dangerous or hazardous actions or repetitions of lesser infringements will be penalized by a reduction of not less than 5% of the best distance. Unsportsmanlike, behavior (GS 5.2.2.3); which includes, deliberate attempts to deceive or mislead officials, intentional airspace violations, falsification of documents or repeated serious infringements of rules should, as a guide, result in disqualification.

CHAPTER 7 LANDING

7.1 LANDING

The precise point at which any part of the aerostat's basket, car or gondola comes to rest on the ground or makes more than brief contact with any water surface, or anything attached to, or resting on, the ground or water is the landing point. Momentary contact with the ground or water does not constitute a landing, nor does contact between a trail rope and the ground, unless the aerostat is moored. Pilots landing on water such as lakes, seas, or rivers will not receive a result.

 7.2 CALCULATION OF LANDING POSITION

The point of landing will be defined by the geographic co-ordinates in degrees and minutes longitude and latitude. Other evidence is to be considered if necessary.

7.3 REPORTING

Landing position shall be telephoned to the Command Center within four (4) hours of landing. The Event Director should grant an extension in case of extenuating circumstances.

CHAPTER 8 OBSERVERS

 <* Organizers should state whether or not observers will be used *>

8.1 OBSERVERS

 An observer is a competition official responsible to the chief observer. His duties are primarily the impartial recording of particulars of positions, times, distances etc. achieved during the flight. He also has the duty to report any apparent infringement of these rules or of air law, and any case of inconsiderate behavior towards landowners or the public by any competitor or crewmember.

8.2 APPOINTMENT

 At the General Briefing an observer will be appointed to each team.

8.3 ASSISTANCE

 An observer may not assist the competitor with advice at any time. He should not attempt, and is not qualified, to amplify, explain or interpret the rules to a competitor. If he wishes, and is invited by the competitor, he may assist in the ground handling and inflation.

8.4 OBSERVER ON RETRIEVE

 The observer will occupy a seat with a window in the retrieve vehicle. He may not drive the vehicle. He may assist with map reading during the retrieve if asked to do so by the crew, and at their responsibility.
 It is the duty of the pilot and crew to convey the observer back to the competition center after measurement of the landing point and recovery of the balloon.
 In the event that the team does not return to <* location of event *> immediately after landing, they may convey the observer back to the competition center by public transportation. The sealed barograph (or trace which has been removed from the barograph in the presence of the observer) and the landing report should be returned with the observer. The cost of food and lodging and any transportation for the observer is the responsibility of the pilot.

CHAPTER 9 COMPLAINTS AND PROTESTS

9.1 COMPLAINT

 Complaints concerning any matter should be made to the Competition Director at the Competition Center. Complaints should be in writing in English and will receive a written reply.

9.2 PROTEST

 If dissatisfied with the Competition Director’s reply to a complaint, a competitor has the right to make a protest to the International Jury. Protests should be handed in at the Competition Center to an official who will record the time of receipt. Protests shall be accompanied by a deposit of <* amount *>.
 A competitor presenting a protest may make a verbal presentation of his case in addition to his written statement. The verbal presentation may not exceed fifteen minutes, except by leave of the Jury. A competitor not fluent in English may be assisted by an interpreter.
 The deposit will be returned only when the protest is upheld.

9.3 TIME LIMIT

 The time limit for protest is 10:00 hours on <date> or four hours after publication of the official results, whichever is later. Protests must be handed in within two hours of reply to a complaint.

CHAPTER 10 LIABILITY AND SAFETY

10.1 The balloon and other property of a competitor shall be at the risk of the competitor at all times. By entering the Coupe a competitor agrees to waive all claims for injury to himself or loss or damage to his property.

10.2 By entering the Coupe a competitor assumes all liability for injury, loss or damage to third parties or their property and agrees to indemnify the organizers in respect thereof.

10.3 A competitor remains completely responsible for the safe operation of his balloon at all stages of inflation, launch, flight and landing. He must ensure that his equipment, his crew and his own level of skill and experience are suitable for the conditions in his own judgment.

10.4 All meteorological reports and forecasts and other safety or navigational information is provided in good faith for the guidance of competitors. Officials will be appointed to regulate the inflation and launching of balloons.

 
MINUTES OF THE CIA MEETING, 10 & 11 APRIL, 1980
REGARDING
COUPE AÉRONAUTIQUE GORDON BENNETT,
amended at the CIA Meeting March 2008

I. ORIGIN AND GENERAL PRINCIPLES

ARTICLE 1:

 With a view to maintaining the tradition of the free balloon race entrusted in 1905 by Mr. James Gordon Bennett to the Federation Aeronautique Internationale, it is agreed that the challenge will continue to be run under the name of “Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett”.

ARTICLE 2:

 The Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett, which will be a distance flight competition, shall be organized once every year and conform to the FAI Sporting Code and the provisions of the present rules.

ARTICLE 3:

Originally only the General Conference of the FAI, on a recommendation from FAI’s Commission Aéronautique Sportive Internationale (CASI), had the right to amend the present rules. The right to change these rules was transferred to the CIA in 1984 (see CIA Minutes 1984, item VIII). In 1987 the CIA changed the Sporting Code Section One to reflect, under 6.2, that the CIA has full control of the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett rules.

ARTICLE 4:

 It is the responsibility of the NAC holding the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett to organize the competition in its country two years after winning the Coupe. However, if for any reason this NAC renounces its prerogative, or it fails to meet any of the event requirements of deadlines published by the CIA, the CIA may entrust the organization of the event to another NAC
 If the holder renounces the organization of the race, it should inform the FAI Secretariat within two months following the competition in which it was the winner.

  The NAC organizing the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett shall be responsible for all costs of the event.

ARTICLE 5: PARTICIPATION

 Only NAC members of the FAI shall be able to participate in the race for the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett. They may not enter more than three balloons each.

After the competition results have been declared final by the event jury, the CIA President shall immediately send a letter to the winning NAC specifying the requirements and deadlines that shall be met before the CIA Plenary meeting the following year. The winning NAC must have their bid –to organize the concerned Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett event – submitted to the FAI Secretariat before February 15th of the following year.

If all requirements and deadlines are met, the official CIA event sanction will be awarded at the following March CIA meeting.

If the winning NAC fails to meet any requirement by the February 15th deadline, they will loose their opportunity to automatically host the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett that was earned by their winning the Coupe. In this case the CIA will immediately notify all eligible NAC that bids will be accepted for the next available Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett.

Ensuing bids, supported by the completed bid files and the FAI/CIA Organizers Agreement signed by the organizing NAC and event Organizer shall be received by September 15th and reviewed by the appropriate CIA WGs to determine the best venue for the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett, unless these time limits are changed by the CIA under special circumstances. The concerned CIA WGs shall then send their recommendations to the CIA Bureau for the official CIA sanction to be granted before that year’s event. The CIA is empowered to accept or reject such bids.

In addition to the Sporting Code requirements, the bids must contain at least the following information:

 Budget for the event and proposed funding guarantees
 Proposed location and venue
 Proposed Event Director and operation team
 Guarantee for the availability of gas for the entire flight window listed in the bid application
 Letter from the relevant ATC authorities declaring cooperation for the entire event
 Guarantee that night VFR will be allowed
 Detailed information on Entry fee and specifically what it encompasses

II. GENERAL RULES

ARTICLE 6:  BALLOON CATEGORIES

Only gas balloons with a maximum capacity of 1 000  cubic meters may participate in the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett.  A tolerance of 5% is allowed. All balloons – whatever their capacity – shall be filled with gas having the same specific weight and the same chemical composition. Pressurization of the balloon to maintain a constant density altitude shall not be permitted. In 2005 the CIA accepted  the use of both, Helium and Hydrogen as lifting gases during the same  Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett competition.

ARTICLE 7: THE CREW

During the entire duration of the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett, the crew for each balloon shall be composed of no less than two persons. The pilots shall be of the nationality of the NAC having entered them. Pilots who have been a resident for the preceding five years in the same country as the NAC entering them shall be eligible to be nominated by that NAC.

ARTICLE 8: DEPARTURE

 The order of departure will be decided by two separate draws. The first will fix the order of departure of the NACs. The second will fix the order of departure of the different balloons of each NAC. The balloons will depart in the following order:
   The first balloon of the first NAC;
   The first balloon of the second NAC;
   The first balloon of the third NAC;       etc.
   The second balloon of the first NAC;
   The second balloon of the second NAC;
   The second balloon  of the third NAC  etc.
   until all balloons have taken off.

 All balloons shall fly on the same day in the time bracket set by the organizer.

ARTICLE 9: CLASSIFICATION

 The final classification will be based on the greater distance covered. The distance shall be measured by the determination of the arc of the great circle, in accordance with the General Section of the FAI Sporting Code.

III. SPECIAL RULES

ARTICLE 10:

 The organizing NAC shall publish the special rules at least six months before the date of the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett.

ARTICLE 11:

 The special rules shall indicate:

   a) the place and date of the race;
   b) the amount of the cash prizes;
   c) the date of entry and the registration fee;
   d) the compulsory equipment required;
   e) the facilities offered to competitors;
   f) any other important information.

IV. AWARDING OF THE COUPE AÉRONAUTIQUE GORDON BENNETT TROPHY

ARTICLE 12:

 The organizing NAC shall decide on the awarding of the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett. The results shall in principle be circulated within 15 days after departure. The prize shall be given to the winner in the month following the publication of the results.

ARTICLE 13:

 The NAC whose team wins the race will be the holder of the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett for one year. An NAC shall become the final holder of the cup after winning three consecutive races.

ARTICLE 14:

 For the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett to be considered as valid a minimum of three countries shall be entered.

ARTICLE 15:

 If an NAC holder of the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett disappears or ceases to be a member of the FAI, the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett shall be handed over to the FAI Headquarters.

V. THE OFFER OF A NEW COUPE AÉRONAUTIQUE GORDON BENNETT

ARTICLE 16:

 The NAC which becomes the final holder of the Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett has the right to offer a new Coupe. If within one month this NAC has not informed the FAI of its intention to use this right, the FAI may accept a new Coupe from another NAC or another source.