The flying accuracy
of a Hot Air Balloon may be adversely affected by changing
natural conditions such as wind, air density, humidity
and time of day. Special precautions should be taken
to ensure safety when working in any extreme temperatures
or terrain, e.g., mountains and deserts. Manmade conditions
such as weight, weight distribution and/or the discharge
of pyrotechnics in close proximity can also affect
the balloon's ability to fly.
- NOTE: Any Balloon that is inflated and standing
must have a FAA certified pilot, with a commercial
rating for lighter than air aircraft. A qualified
Pilot shall be utilized to pilot the balloon or dirigible.
- There are three (3) certified pilot ratings:
c. Free Balloon with airborne heaters (usually propane
fueled)
d. Gas filled Balloon (usually helium filled)
e. Dirigible (usually helium filled)
- All Aerial Coordinators and/or Pilots in Command
shall possess a current FAA approved Motion Picture
and Television Operations Manual and accompanying
Waiver.
The Waiver is specific to those Federal Aviation
Regulations specified in the approved manual.
- The Pilot in Command is at all times the final
authority over his/her balloon and shall be in command
over all flight operations and/or related activities.
The Pilot in Command shall have the authority to
abort any operation. Abort signals shall be specified
ahead of time.
- Communications: The Aerial Coordinator and/or Pilot
in Command will coordinate with the designated production
representative and implement a plan for communications
between the participants in the air and on the ground.
The plan will incorporate the following:
a. Designated ground contact personnel.
b. Air to ground radios, VHF or FM.
c. Assignment of discreet frequencies (channels).
d. Visual signals (flags, specified hand signals,
or light) shall be used to halt filming in the event
of lost communications or inability to utilize radios.
(Note: flares are not to be used in or around a balloon)
e. Abort signals, audible and visual to halt filming
in the event of unforeseen circumstances or safety
hazards.
- Prepare plot plans and graphics to locate the intended
landing area, intended flight paths, and designated
emergency landing sites. Indicate the location and
types of special effects.
- MEETING for the production staff for those persons
necessary for filming, including emergency, safety
and security personnel.
NOTE: A subsequent briefing/SAFETY MEETING may also
be required as necessary for an intended action.
Both meetings shall include the following:
a. Pertinent items and the special provisions of
the Aerial Coordinator and/or Pilot in Command along
with any additional provisions issued by the local
FAA Flight Standards District Office.
b. Possible risk to personnel that are involved.
c. Safeguards to personnel and equipment.
d. Communications.
e. Emergency procedures.
f. Location of boundaries.
g. Local governmental limitations or restrictions,
if any.
- The Aerial Coordinator and/or Pilot in Command
shall designate one person as the Ground safety contact
with no other responsibilities. The Balloon Crew
Chief may be designated as the ground safety contact
around the balloon, if qualified.
- A preplanned stunt and/or special effect sequence,
if any, will not be changed in any way once the Balloon
has been launched. If there is a question as to safety
of any aerial filming sequence involving low, over-the-camera
shots, a briefing/Safety Meeting shall be held between
the Aerial Coordinator and/or Pilot in Command and
concerned persons as to whether the use of a locked-off
camera is necessary.
- Allow only personnel essential to the filming of
the balloon to be in the area. All other personnel
shall remain at least 50 feet away from the balloon.
- No smoking is allowed within 100 feet of the balloon
or any of its components, which includes the propane
storage area.
- There shall be a designated and approved area for
the storage of propane fuel tanks (usually with or
at the support vehicle location).
- Check on predicted weather conditions in the areas
of the launch site, flight paths, and landing site.
Provide as much advance notice as possible to the
Aerial Coordinator and/or Pilot in Command regarding
any weather problems such as high winds, rain or
lightning. Sudden changes in any of the above may
require that the flight be delayed or canceled.
- Balloon support equipment is very important as
parts are easily damaged while on the ground. Do
not step on any part of the balloon or tether ropes.
- Keep all sharp objects, heat sources or open flames
and non-essential equipment at least 100 feet from
the balloon.
- If a foreign object(s) falls into, on or against
any part of the Balloon or rigging, report it immediately
to the Pilot in Command and/or Aerial Coordinator.
- A chase vehicle shall be assigned with no other
duty than to support the balloon crew.
- Before any stunt or special effects sequence is
to be performed, all persons involved shall be thoroughly
briefed as to any potential hazards and safety questions
prior to the filming.
- If an emergency occurs, DO NOT TOUCH any part of
the balloon. A designated balloon ground crew member
will take charge and coordinate rescue operations.
Immediately call 911 or the designated emergency
number for the area.
- If you are unsure about any part of the balloon
operation, ask the Pilot in Command and/or Aerial
Coordinator.
- The production company must notify all cast and
crew members and the front of the studio call sheet
shall contain a statement to the effect that:
" An aircraft is being used and will be flown in close proximity to crew
and equipment. Anyone objecting will notify the production manager or 1st AD
prior to any filming."
A COPY OF THIS BULLETIN SHALL BE ATTACHED
TO THE CALL SHEET ON DAYS THE AIRCRAFT IS BEING UTILIZED
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