====== Restrictions and Legality ======
**//WARNING - this information is not from a qualified lawyer. This is what we understand the restrictions are - please consult a suitably qualified person for more information//**

===== CAA/NOTAMS =====

In the UK permission to launch balloons needs to come from the CAA. On application (with OS map marking launch site) and after review a permission will be sent to you and also a NOTAM will be issued. As the weather can be unpredictable it is possible to apply for a launch window instead of a single day.
More information can be found [[http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=503|here]].

  * {{general:met_balloon_release_application_jan_05_.doc|Application form}} from Air Navigation Order 2005 (can't find one for the 2009 edition of the Air Navigation Order)


===== Radio Restrictions  =====

In the UK an Amateur Radio Licence cannot be used for downlink communications from a balloon.  The particular licence section that excludes this is 9(3) which says:  **"The Licensee shall not establish or use the Station in any aircrft or other airborne vehicle."**\  [[http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/spectrum/amateur-radio/guidance-for-licensees/samplelicence07.pdf|UK Ham Radio Licence]]

Some Low Power, Licence exempt modules may be used - but many (but not all) of the licence exempt frequency bands specifically exclude airborne operation see [[http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/spectrum/spectrum-policy-area/spectrum-management/research-guidelines-tech-info/interface-requirements/IR2030final.pdf|Ofcom Licence Exempt sheet]]