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For the record, yes you need a pilot’s license to fly a hot air balloon.
And yes the “balloon police” (aka the FAA in the United States) or their equivalent governing body in other countries will stop you, and fine you.
FAA if you're lucky. If youre unlucky, the baloon police are an F-16 with a sidewinder
We all float down there!
Robert Fulton has entered the chat.
That seems like overkill
I wonder if the IR sensor of a sidewinder could get a lock on the heating element of a hot air balloon.
New versions could easily target a hot air balloon.
Breaking: Ban placed on hot air balloons, lethal force authorized on local festivals. Citizens confused.
I don't know if they can actually stop you. Especially the first time. But they can definitely find you and fine you. A lot. Like more than tree fiddy.
Yes. They wont kill you and take down your balloon. But you have to come back to land at some point. Then bam! You're arrested...
They can definitely encourage you to land.
You DON'T need a license for some types of flight though. Anything under 254 pounds. Ultralights and paragliders. (However that doesn't mean there's no rules)
How do they stop you mid flight though
With helicopter mounted machine guns.
I heard in France the balloon police are armed. With BB guns to take down offenders.
