Aviation Disrupts, Semarang People Asked To Obey The Prohibition Of Flying Air Balloons

A number of residents watched the air balloon flight at the Kembaran village field, Kalikajar, Wonosobo, Central Java, Wednesday (19/5/2021) (ANTARA)

SEMARANG - Airnav Semarang Branch asked the public to obey the ban from the government regarding air balloon flights on Eid celebrations. "Flying wild air balloons can disrupt and endanger aviation activities as well as aircraft safety," said Operational Manager of AirNav Semarang Branch Kelik Widjanarko as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, April 24. He explained that in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Transportation Number 40 of 2018 concerning the Use of Air Balloons at Community Cultural Activities, the public is not allowed to fly hot air balloons without control. According to him, air balloon flights that do not meet the requirements can be flown by complying with various applicable conditions such as reporting to the authorities regarding the purpose of the flight.. He mentioned that the requirement to fly hot air balloons among others, balloons must have a striking color with a maximum height of 7 meters. Then, the maximum flying height is 150 meters with a maximum visibility of 5 kilometers, having a minimum of three rope moorings equipped with banners to be easily visible. According to him, air balloon flights that do not meet the requirements can be subject to criminal law sanctions... "Air candidates should not be released illegally and must be placed in accordance with applicable regulations," he said.

If there is still a wild release of balloons, he continued, Airnav will issue a Notice To Airmen (NOTAM) which will regulate flight routes to avoid the hot air balloon. "We have also asked the local government for help in educating its citizens who have the tradition of releasing hot air balloons while celebrating Eid. We also collaborate with other relevant stakeholders to carry out patrols to prevent wild air balloons," he said.