2014 Operations Manual
(August 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 2014)
Event Produced & Operations Conducted by :
Section : Contents
Revised : April 10, 2004
Date : May 1, 1996
Page # : 2.
***** Operations Manual *****
Spirit of Boise – Balloon Classic
Contents
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Basic Organization Information
Organizational Chart
Rally Committee's & Responsibility
Conditions Of Waiver
Certification/Airworthiness Determination
Pilot / Crew Minimum Qualifications
Area Of Operations
Event Launch Schedule
Map Of Boise Idaho
Map Of Five (5) Mile Radius From Launch Area
Types Of Possible Operations
Altitudes
Weather Requirements
Launching Standards
Pilot Weather Briefing by Event Staff
Communications Requirements
Air Traffic Notification
Crowd Control Requirements
Spectator Area
Land Owner Notification
Fueling Instructions
Telephone Numbers
Radio Frequencies
Pilot/Balloon Insurance Requirement
List of Invited Pilots
Section : Organization
Revised : May 8, 2012
Date : May 1, 1996
Page # : 3.
***** Operations Manual *****
Spirit of Boise – Balloon Classic
Basic Organization Information / Historical Review
For 15 years, the Boise River Festival was a community effort built from a volunteer
workforce and hosted each year during the last full weekend in June. With the failure
of the BRF in 2003, a decision was made to continue with the ballooning activity as
a non-profit, gift to the community of Boise, which has long supported ballooning.
Produced by Lighter Than Air America, Incorporated President, Scott Spencer, the Spirit
of Boise – Balloon Classic, presented by Peak Broadcasting, is intended to carry forward
mass ballooning traditions in Boise. Executing the event in September is a return to the
original date of the first events held in Boise in the mid 70’s.
Coming forward from 1990, when the first Director of the BRF, Steve W Schmader
requested that Scott L Spencer, President of Boise based Lighter Than Air America,
Incorporated, independently organize, produce and direct a hot air balloon event to be
presented each year as a one of five, "Signature" events of the Boise River Festival, this
2013 event represents the SOB-Balloon Classic event in its eighth edition.
The Spirit of Boise – Balloon Classic will be operated as a non-profit event, dedicated to
the citizens of Boise Idaho. The event is FREE to any and all members of the community.
The event will operate within that area of Boise Idaho designated as Class "C" Airspace.
All pilot's operating at the event will be briefed regarding any area known to be a "RED"
or "Off Limits" area within the area of the events operations. (see map section)
All participating pilot's will in their best efforts, except where an emergency condition
exists, avoid said areas to the best of their ability, safety not-with-standing. A pilot that
enters a "Red Zone" or an "Off Limits" area, does so at his own risk and without the
authority of the event or the protection of the event waiver.
In the event of an accident or incident considered to be an event/task deficiency or
procedure, all flight operations will be suspended until the deficiencies have been
corrected.
Section : Organization
Revised : May 08, 2012
Date : May 1, 1996
Page # : 4.
***** Operations Manual *****
Spirit of Boise – Balloon Classic
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART :
Balloon Event Producer Director
Scott Spencer
Safety Officer(s)
Curt Pengelly
Greg Rogiers
Various Event Volunteers
Organization's Member Responsibilities
Spirit of Boise – Balloon Classic
Event Producer & Director
Scott L Spencer
208-375-0512 (Office) [email protected] (E-Mail)
Responsible for the overall performance, success and safe conduct of the balloon event.
Spencer maintains complete operational authority with regard to the event.
Assistant(s)to the Chairman
Laurie Spencer (event Vice Chairman)
208-375-0512
Lesley Spencer and Shauna Spencer
Assisting the Chairman as required during the organizational and operational period of
the balloon event,
Safety Officer
Curt Pengelly & Greg Rogiers
Responsible for all aspects of safety with regard to the balloon event. Including but not
limited to launch control, document verification, refueling operations and suitability of
weather condition for balloon flight. Reports directly to Event Director Spencer.
Operations Director
Greg Rogiers
Coordinates launch site arrangement and launch directors. Reports to Safety Officer.
Responsible for crowd control.
Section : Organization
Revised : June 20, 2014
Date : May 1, 1996
Page # : 5.
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Spirit of Boise – Balloon Classic
Organization's Member Responsibilities (continued)
Chief Launch Director
Jim Keppel
208-323-4263
Responsible for coordination, assembly and training of all Launch Directors. Responsible
for the execution of a safe launch (lift off) during each task as well as any landing
operations that may be attempted (or executed) at the launch site.
Event Business Director(s)
Kevin Godwin & Pete Mills
208-344-6363
Responsible for all Finance and “Non Flying” logistics
Event Volunteer Crew
Wendi Keppel
208-323-4263 (Home)
and
Cheryl Blauer
208-631-1550 (Home)
Responsible for arranging all volunteer ground crew.
Conditions Of Waiver
Authority to deviate from the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR's) has been granted to
The Spirit of Boise-Balloon Classic. Failure of the organization to comply with the
"Certificate of Waiver" and its special provisions may be in violation of the terms of
issuance and the Federal Aviation Administration may in such case, have justification for
cancellation of the “Certificate of Waiver”.
(space left free for future information)
Section : Operations
Revised : July 8, 2014
Date : May 1, 1996
Page # : 6.
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Spirit of Boise – Balloon Classic
Certification / Airworthiness Determination
A pilot/aircraft registration for event participants will be held at the Riverside Hotel
on Thursday August 28, 2014 at 3:30 PM through 5:00 PM. At the time and place of
registration, each pilot must have the following documents available for potential
inspection by representatives of the FAA :
1. Pilot Certificate - 2. Pilot Logbook - 3. Aircraft Logbook – 4. Registration
FAA Inspectors may inspect any aircraft at any time to determine aircraft Airworthiness
and or pilot qualification. Compliance with the FAR's is the responsibility of the Pilot in
Command of the aircraft. The SOB rally does not assume any liability for pilot or aircraft
airworthiness as may be determined by the FAA.
Area Of Operations
Flight operations will be conducted from Ann Morrison Park in Boise Idaho. (See Map
titled BOISE AREA) The area of operations will include the city of Boise and the
surrounding vicinity within a ten (10) mile radius of the launch site.
No pilot may, without the permission of Boise Air Traffic Control, over fly the airport
proper or the extended "centerline" of any runway.
Event Launch Schedule
Inflation # 1
Launch # 2
Launch # 3
Launch # 4
Launch # 5
Launch # 6
6:30 a.m.
6:30 a.m.
6:30 a.m.
7:00 p.m.
6:30 a.m.
6:30 a.m.
Wednesday August 27, 2014
Thursday August 28, 2014
Friday August 29, 2014
Friday August 29, 2014 (Inflation Only)
Saturday August 30, 2014
Sunday August 31, 2014
Section : Map
Revised : July 11, 2012
Date : May 1, 1996
Page # : 7.
Map Of Boise Idaho
***** Operations Manual *****
Spirit of Boise – Balloon Classic
Section : Maps
Revised : July 11, 2011
Date : May 1, 1996
Page # : 8
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Spirit of Boise – Balloon Classic
Map Of Ten (10) Mile Radius From Launch Site
Section : Event Information
Revised : June 1, 2011
Date : May 1, 1996
Page # : 9
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Spirit of Boise – Balloon Classic
Types Of Possible Operations
Aside from standard non-competitive balloon flight, the following "tasks" may be
assigned to event pilots :
Porta Potty Bowling
Hare & Hound
Ribbon Tie
Absolute Distance
Judge Declared Goal
Official Event Rules
1. No pilot may fly in an event until he/she has read, understands and is familiar with all
aspects of this operations manual and follows the provisions of the FAA Certificate
of Waiver, issued to the event.
2. Pilot(s) in Command must attend all briefings.
3. No balloon will launch without "Launch Director" clearance from balloonport.
4. Ascents and descents limited to vertical speed of 200 feet per minute.
5. Intermediate landings may be permitted depending on assigned task.
6. A marker drop from higher than 300 feet agl is not permitted.
7. No landing within 200 feet of a target.
8. Balloons must land with a 25% fuel reserve.
9. A pilot who conducts himself in an unsportsmanlike method will be disqualified.
10. Scoring will be explained as and when a task is assigned.
Minimum Altitude
Where applicable, FAR 91.119(b) and FAR 91.119(c) will be waived for all properly
registered event participants.
FAR 91.119(b) is waived to allow flight by participating balloons over congested areas of
a city, town or over an open air assembly of persons at an altitude or horizontal radius of
500 feet, within the ten mile radius of the Ann Morrison Park Launch Site.
NOTE : Launching a balloon into or over a congested area or open assembly of persons
shall require the pilot to be in a continuous rate of climb until an altitude of 500 feet
above the highest obstacle within 500 horizontal feet is attained.
Section : Altitudes
Revised : April 10, 2004
Date : May 1, 1996
Page # : 10.
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Spirit of Boise – Balloon Classic
Minimum Altitudes (continued)
FAR 91.119(b) is also waived to allow flight over, but no closer than 75 horizontal or
vertical feet to any spectator areas provided for the general public that may be under
the control of the Balloon Classic organizers. Balloons shall not descend over any
spectator area.
FAR 91.119(c) is also waived to allow operations near the surface, at pilot option, when
over open water or sparsely populated areas but no closer than 200 horizontal feet to
any person, vessel, vehicle or structure.
The maximum altitude for flight operations in this event shall be 12,000 feet msl.
Non-registered balloon pilots operating within the area provided by the waiver are not
provided the privilege(s) of the waiver issued to the event. The airspace above Ann
Morrison Park is shall be closed to non-participant hot air balloon operations.
Weather Requirements
All flight operations are limited to the VFR rules as outlined in FAR 91.155.
A determination of wind speed and direction will be made prior to opening the launch
area to balloon flight.
Maximum wind velocity for the event will be 8 knots on the surface.
Maximum wind velocity for the "Nite Glow" event shall be 6 knots on the surface.
Minimum ceiling for the event is 3,000 feet agl.
(space left free for future information)
Section : Launch Standards
Revised : April 10, 2004
Date : May 1, 1996
Page # : 11.
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Spirit of Boise – Balloon Classic
Launching Standards
It is of critical importance that a standard is set and maintained by the event for its criteria
for launching hot air balloons from the venue. It must never be forgotten that at Balloon
Classic fully eighty percent of the participating pilots are unfamiliar with the venue and
area they will be operating in. Guest pilots, in order to make safe decisions regarding
flight, are forced to utilize information as may be provided by the event staff.
The event shall always provide information in a clear, concise method that allows each
pilot to make flight decisions with the best most detailed information possible prior to
each flight operation. This is a critical aspect of operations regarding safety.
The Balloon Classic will continue to utilize the “Spencer FCS” (as seen below) as the
preferred method of communicating field status for event launch.
Launch Site is open to passenger operations. Enjoy your flight.
Launch Site is open to operations, passengers not allowed.
Launch Site closed to departures. Static/Tether Inflation only per Air Boss.
Launch Venue closed to all operations.
Section : Pilot Briefing
Revised : April 10, 2004
Date : May 1, 1996
Page # : 12.
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Spirit of Boise – Balloon Classic
Pilot Weather Briefing by Event Staff
The Spirit of Boise-Balloon Classic strives to provide weather briefings presented by
“weather professionals” prior to each event operation. The value of a professionally
presented briefing, geared to the lowest skill level pilot participating, is critical to the safe
execution of the flight operation.
At Balloon Classic, the weather briefing shall not be treated as a trivial comedy act (as so
many events do). It is not provided to the pilots as an entertainment but rather as the
single most important pre-flight event at each Balloon Classic launch.
For purposes of flight safety, the Balloon Classic places the highest value on the
conveyance of up to the minute weather information over the launch site and in the area
of event related ballooning flight operations and will endeavor to utilize all technology
available to assist pilots as they prepare to make their personal flight decisions.
A mandatory pilot operations and weather briefing shall be provided pilots prior to each
flight operation conducted by the event.
The event will provide pilots a separate, private area away from spectators, sponsors
and event passengers, at the venue to take their briefings in.
Communications Required
A public address system will be required on the launch site to convey any required
information to pilots and spectators.
All pilots operating as registered participants in the event will be required to carry VHF
communications equipment capable of 118.10. (Boise Air Traffic Control)
The first balloon off each morning will contact the tower to inform them that the launch
has started, the last balloon will contact the tower to inform them the launch is complete.
(space left free for future information)
Section : Air Traffic Notification
Revised : April 10, 2004
Date : May 1, 1996
Page # : 13.
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Spirit of Boise – Balloon Classic
Air Traffic Notification
A request on behalf of the event, from host Spencer, shall be forwarded to the Boise
Air Traffic Control Tower and the Boise Flight Service Station, in writing, listing all
event launch times from the Ann Morrison Park Launch Site.
Crowd Control Requirements
Crowd Control will be provided by the Boise Police Department and the Spirit of Boise
Committee and their assigns.
Temporary marked barriers will be used to isolate the spectators from the briefing area.
Ground Crews will be used to isolate spectators from contact with aircraft.
Ground Crews will close any designated landing areas from spectators.
Ground and scoring crews will close any designated target area to spectators.
Spectator Area
A designated spectator area will be created for the nite-glow operation.
Landowner Notification
Pilots shall make the best effort possible to arrange permission prior to entering
any private property to recover aircraft.
The Spirit of Boise – Balloon Classic is dependent on the good will of the community
for continued flight operations.
Fueling Instructions
Fueling will take place in a secure area at Ann Morrison Park. The safety officers will be
responsible for the safe conduct of the operation. One Safety Officer shall be on hand
during all refueling operations.
Section : Phone Numbers
Revised : June 1, 2014
Date : May 1, 1996
Page # : 14.
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Spirit of Boise – Balloon Classic
Telephone Numbers
Event
208-375-0512
Lighter Than Air America, Inc.
Scott Spencer (208-890-2670 Cellular)
Laurie Spencer (208-850-2749 Cellular)
Kevin Godwin (208-344-6363)
208-343-1871
Riverside Hotel
Emergency
911
Boise Police
Boise Fire
Emergency Medical
Ada County Sheriff
800-461-9020
Idaho Power Company
Aviation Related
387-4000
343-2525
364-5822
Federal Aviation Administration
Jack Pahlas (or) Dan Frandson
Boise Flight Service Station
Boise Air Traffic Control Tower Cab
Radio Freq.’s
118.10
122.60
123.90
123.50
Boise Tower
Boise Flight Service
ATIS
Ground To Balloon / Balloon To Balloon
Pilot/Balloon Insurance Requirement
The event and its sponsors require that all participants in the Spirit of Boise- Balloon
Classic maintain aircraft and passenger liability policies during participation in the
balloon rally.
Section : Invited Pilots
Revised : June 28, 2014
Date : July 27, 2010
Page # : 13.
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Spirit of Boise – Balloon Classic
Initial Listing of Pilots (to a 45 pilot maximum)
Scott Spencer
Laurie Spencer
Roy Foote
V. Favicchio
Tim Gale
B Patterson
Greg Miller
D. Robinson
Curt Pengelly
Tony Rivera
G Szymanski
Kemp Lindsey
G Swanson
Dave Ellis
B Hungerford
P Archey
Coke / Dawn Treader / Spirit of Boise / St Luke’s
Coke / Dawn Treader / Spirit of Boise / St Luke’s
N1505H
Spirit of Boise
N714T
N9070Q
N9040M
N5718Y
N7172H
N9112F
N2193Z
N7108M
N20391
N7127C
N7509F
St Luke’s