Flight Manual for Gas Balloons of Type NL-STU
Issue 2.0
May 02, 2016
Page 4-1
Chapter 4 – Standard operating procedures
4.1 Introduction
This section describes standard operating procedures and provides corresponding checklists.
The explanations with weights and balloon specifications apply to a balloon with an envelope
volume of 1,000 m³. Attention is drawn to differences relating to balloon size.
WARNING:
For filling with hydrogen, only filling hoses suitable for use with hydrogen may be
used. These must be inspected regularly in accordance with the guidelines of the
hose manufacturer, but at least annually, for gas-tightness and sufficient electro-
static conductivity of both hose and coupling.
4.2 Weather
The operating limits for inflation and flight of the balloon were already defined in Section 2.2:
During inflation, the average wind speed should not exceed 12 knots with gusts not exceeding a
maximum of 15 knots; for take-off, the average wind speed should not exceed 15 knots. If
strong thermals are forecast, the balloon should be landed as soon as the thermals arise, if
possible, or the flight should be planned in such a way that the flight altitude is high above the
thermals and the balloon is landed at the end of the thermals. The balloon must not be flown in
thunderstorms or other severe weather conditions of any kind.
For this reason, the pilot must have detailed information about the weather situation – both dur-
ing inflation and throughout the flight. The weather conditions must be such that a safe landing
can be carried out in suitable terrain and in daylight.
4.3 Preflight checks
Parallel to layout and inflation of the balloon, preflight checks must be carried out before every
take-off. The points that must be checked by the pilot for good general condition and operability
are specified in the maintenance manual. For each step of the chronological sequence of
checks, the corresponding control points are described below. A detailed and
legally binding
checklist for the preflight checks can be found in the maintenance manual of the balloon;
the points listed here serve merely as a reminder.
