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