From: utzoo!decvax!cca!Dave@sri-unix Newsgroups: net.aviation Title: type certificated lawn chairs Article-I.D.: sri-unix.2068 Posted: Tue Jul 13 16:09:14 1982 Received: Fri Jul 16 02:04:13 1982 Actually I expected the FAA to hit him with three charges. First, the vehicle probably qualified as a manned balloon, which means he was flying unlicensed. (He would need at least a private pilot's license with a lighter-than-air category rating.) Second, flight above 12,500 MSL requires a mode C radar beacon transponder. (At least this is true for powered aircraft; I'm not 100% sure about balloons.) Finally, flight above 14,000 in an unpressurized aircraft requires the pilot to have available and use continuous oxygen. The fourth charge, which Jim mentioned, would be flying a vehicle with no type certificate. I guess the FAA was wise in only hitting him with this last charge. Could you imagine having to explain to the general public how the government could demand all lawn chairs to be equipped with radar beacon transponders when operated above 12,500? -- Dave Touretzky