9-6-2

Derelict Balloons

JO 7110.65BB, Change 3, effective July 9, 2026 · Official text on faa.gov

Balloons become derelict when a moored balloon slips its mooring and becomes a hazard to air navigation or when an unmanned free balloon flight cannot be terminated as planned. When this occurs:

In the case of a moored balloon which has slipped its moorings, issue traffic advisories.
In the case of an unmanned free balloon, flight follow the balloon and, to the extent possible, provide aircraft under your control separation from the balloon.
Forward balloon position information received from pilot reports or derived from radar returns to your supervisor for further dissemination.
If radar contact with the balloon is lost, broadcast an advisory to all aircraft operating in the airspace affected by the derelict balloon at 10-minute intervals continuing until the derelict balloon is no longer a factor.
Phraseology

ADVISORY TO ALL AIRCRAFT.
DERELICT BALLOON REPORTED IN THE VICINITY OF (location),
or
ESTIMATED IN VICINITY OF (location),
or
REPORTED OVER (location),
or
RADAR REPORTED OVER (location).
LAST REPORTED ALTITUDE/FLIGHT LEVEL AT (altitude/flight level as reported by operator or pilot report),
or
ALTITUDE/FLIGHT LEVEL UNKNOWN.
Transfer flight following responsibility as outlined in paragraph 9-6-1, Application, subparagraph e.
Reference

FAA Order JO 7210.3, Para 19-5-2, Derelict Balloons/Objects.