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In the development of modern sporting equipment; lighter and stronger, are common maxims. The advancement of technology has far surpassed the state of the art currently available from the traditional 'heavy' balloon "type design" manufacturers. This fact becomes profoundly obvious with 2-place systems Renovatio is the manifestation of innovations now available as a result of lightweight balloon design philosophies |
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Question: "Why aren't more people enjoying this exhilarating sport?" Answer: Few people know of the new lightweight inexpensive opportunities for ballooning. Even fewer experienced balloonists have piloted an ultra lightweight system; but given appropriate background knowledge and historical information, you can decide for yourself. Research the industry rolls of The Balloon Federation of America; especially The BFA's righteous Mission, Vision and Values statements. Review The BFAs Website, read their 'Ballooning' publication, or read the recently updated FAA Balloon Flying Handbook 2008 [FAA-H-8083-11A]... What are you looking for? Any information about Light-Sport Ballooning... 14CFR Part 103 Ballooning... Ultralightweight Ballooning...
Question: What is Renovatio? Answer: Ultralightweight ballooning systems, design optimized for two-place operations; half the weight yet stronger than 'Type-Designs'; a whole new class of high performance sport balloons. The redundant dual-single burner, designed by Paolo Bonanno, features liquid pilot systems and fuel pressure compensation, the best burner technology available. Our versatile collapsible baskets provide passenger safety and convenience; the 8hp inflator is integrated, creating a unique autonomous 2-place 56K ballooning system, dry weight: 245lbs... A paradigm shift from Traditional Ballooning; a prototype for the future of Sport Ballooning. Light-Sport Balloonists have the freedom to do it themselves, when they want, how they want; that's The Renovatio Concept, "suffisamment pour que deux monten"
Question: How does light-weight equipment affect the novice, trying to learn? Answer: Traditional heavier balloons require more crew and they are harder to control; in flight the extra 20,000 cubic feet of envelope volume adds thousands of pounds of dynamic momentum that must be overcome to maneuver, making it much harder for students to compensate. The innovations described herein serve as an example, when incorporated into a light-weight hot-air balloon design; they make possible a new beginning for aerostation- Renovatio! The English translation of the Latin word "Renovatio" means "A Total Rebirth". Light-Sport balloonists just want to go flying... they don't need the expensive heavy equipment; they're not trying to make money, they're not trying to set records, they aren't advertising anything so they don't care if 'anyone' sees them; just two people who love to fly, going ballooning, by themselves, on a nice day.... that's Light-Sport Ballooning.
Question: I'm an Expert... I've been to Albuquerque, I think most pilots need more training, not less. What about Ultralight and Light-Sport Balloon Training? When compared to Private Pilot Certificate aeronautical knowledge requirements, The Light-Sport Rule reduced the hours of pilot training required to become a certificated Light-Sport balloon pilot. Answer: One hour less training is required for the Light-Sport Balloon Pilot... one hour; with this in mind, very few students will decide to take the flight test to become a Light-Sport Balloon Pilot when it is so easy to extend the training (one hour) for the greater benefits associated with a Private Pilots License. Ballooning Mentors and industry leaders should be trying to find ways improve the quality of their student training... they haven't. Instead, for example, the Part 141 training 'experts' whine that they need more hours with their students while ignoring modern training aids. More hours of required training does not directly equate to better quality training or safer pilots; it does however directly equate to more power for these specific influential individuals and and more money in their pockets. Bottom line... ballooning industry leaders should be trying to make it easier and safer for people to get into the sport while holding commercial operators to different, much more extensive standard for responsibility; and all ballooning instructors should be certified as instructors; they aren't.
Question: Why are "lightweight" innovations in balloon design so important? Answer: With traditional heavy ballooning equipment, the only way to increase performance is to fly hot or increase envelope volume; both of these techniques introduce serious performance compromises. Increased envelope volume increases inertia and therefore momentum; flying hot reduces the dynamic power available, increases fuel consumption and accelerates envelope deterioration. The positive effects of balloon system weight reduction efforts are dramatic, increasingly improving performance, with each pound saved. We've reduced our system's weight beyond a 'critical point' for two place sport balloon systems and optimized the volume/lifting-capacity to reflect Light Sport design requirements... and there is room for even more weight reduction in the future. Most balloon pilots have their own way of doing things... You may be an experienced balloonist, but you won't fully understand the ramifications until you've actually experienced light-weight ballooning. Traditional Ballooning... How bad is it? Imagine weighing 225lbs and carrying an extra 225lbs of fat... That's how fat 'traditional ballooning' equipment has become. How did this happen? One pound at a time and decades of denial... An extra fuel reserve is required when carrying the extra weight which significantly adds to the weight again. The lifting capacities, operating temperatures, and fuel consumption of these traditional balloon systems; increasingly leapfrog; [300°F, 22lbs/1000cu ft] eventually an extra tank is required. Like an overweight individual who eats too much, the traditional 'type design' balloon manufacturers have made the same mistake over and over again, year after year, pound after pound.
Question: What is Light-Sport Ballooning? -
Answer: CIRCA 2004, The FAA passed The Light-Sport Rule specifically to address the product liability issues that have driven up costs and killed innovation in aviation. Fearing market-share loss; dominant special interests advised The FAA to limit Lighter-Than-Air Light-Sport Aircraft to 660lbs Gross; hoping this limitation would kill the viability of the category. Their efforts backfired, the unreasonable weight limitation inspired the development of ultra-light-weight ballooning, exposing and emphasizing the unnecessary excess system weight that plagues traditional ballooning. July 2007, The FAA announced the LTA-LSA category limitation was increased to 1320lbs.
Two enthusiastic balloonists celebrating a beautiful day. That's Light-Sport Ballooning. Sounds threatening, doesn't it.
Question: What are Cloudhopper Balloons?
Answer: CIRCA 1982, The FAA passed 14CFR Part 103 deregulating lightweight non-commercial solo aviation, of course, The BFA was against it then and continues to be against it today. The FAA had recently adjudicated that a traditional Hot-Air Balloon is not considered to be a "powered aircraft".
Fearing market-share loss; dominant special interests advised The FAA to define and restrict Lighter-Than-Air Ultralight Hot-Air Balloons to be in the non-powered 155lbs empty weight (hang-glider) category; hoping this definition/limitation would kill the viability of Ultralight Ballooning. Traditional Balloon Manufacturers began to offer single-place hot-air balloons commonly called Cloudhoppers; basically, the pilots are forced to strap themselves to a propane tank without any protection for the solo pilot's legs. It's interesting to note that the empty aircraft weight of many of these single place "Cloudhopper" trapeze balloons is heavier than modern Light-Sport 2-place designs that provide basket protection for the pilot.
Twenty five years later, there are a limited number of Cloudhopper owner/operators, almost none of them operate under the rules of 14CFR Part 103... another success for The BFA and their dominating special interests. As it turned out, The FAA had to allow two-place ultralight operations for training; for many years, this training was accomplished via exemptions to the rules. Few balloon enthusiasts were willing to operate without basket protection, it's incredible that somehow 14CFR Part 103 was twisted to mandate that pilots must strap themselves to or sit on a single propane tank. It should have been a personal choice; me, I have nothing against trapeze solo ballooning, however the trapeze should never-ever have been required or even encouraged by US Federal mandate.
ACME LLC is working to lift the obsfucation described above. A Hot-Air Balloon is considered to be a non-powered aircraft, yes, that is unless that aircraft has a powerplant installed. The new Light-Sport Rule has nothing to do with this, 14CFR Part 103 has not changed... it has always been this way; and by definition this story is an exemplification of the term 'obsfucation'. Part 103 Ballooning, limited to 155lbs; wrong... a "powered" hot-air balloon can weigh 254lbs empty and operate under the rules of 14CFR Part 103; the definition of a Part 103 "powerplant" is quite liberal. FAA Designees are private individuals who are authorized to provide a wide variety of services; The FAA has defined a Hot-Air Balloon as being made up of three major components, all of which are interchangeable across the boundaries of FAA aircraft certification categories under the right circumstances and designee supervision.
IF YOUR LIGHTWEIGHT HOT-AIR BALLOON CARRIES A "METHOD OF PROPULSION", IT IS CONSIDERED TO BE A POWERED AIRCRAFT, AND YOU CAN OPERATE THIS "ULTRALIGHT" AIRCRAFT UNDER THE RULES OF 14CFR PART 103...WITH A DRY WEIGH OF UP TO 254LBS.
Stand-by... This FAQ will soon include Official FAA Guidance for 14CFR Part 103 Ballooning and specific examples of exactly what qualifies as "a Part 103 powerplant".
Two enthusiastic balloonists celebrating a beautiful day. That's Light-Sport Ballooning. Sounds threatening, doesn't it.
Question: How expensive is ballooning equipment... really? Answer: Consumers are by far more likely to simply purchase a product than they are to design and produce their own, regardless of the performance, quality, or safety of the products available. Such was the case in the US automobile industry of the 1980s, and such is the case for traditional balloon equipment today. There was a 'design philosophy' for the auto-industry back then, and light-weight/efficient was simply not part of their design or marketing paradigm. Can an inexpensive lightweight high performance hot-air balloon be designed and produced? Yes, of course. Are lightweight high performance balloons available from the traditional manufacturers of hot-air balloons? No, and for more than thirty years, it's only been getting worse; every year, heavier and more expensive. Large Commercial Ballooning Operations, Balloonist Competitors, even Record Setting Activities are all lumped into the same insurance pool with Recreational Ballooning. Traditional Ballooning is heavily regulated, all the manufactures equipment is essentially the same... heavy 'commercial' overkill overweight designs, the industry is monopolized, it's very expensive, now with the Dollar's value against the Euro; the prices are ridiculous... no I'd have to say "their current prices are outrageous"........ If this were your only option, I'd advise in perspective that this (CIRCA 2008) is a very bad time to get into ballooning. Reference 'Ballooning' July/August 2008, page 19, Lindstrand A-Series 69-A... "Base" Price $35,850 Light-Sport ballooning is a new category; it is not only Accepted by The FAA, it's promoted by The FAA. Light-Sport is a delightful new deregulated American aviation opportunity; Light-Sport balloon systems can be reasonably priced*** Rising aviation costs was one of the two major considerations in justifying The FAA's investment in creating this new category of aircraft; relieving the regulatory cost-increasing burdens and reducing the product liability shark-lawyer factors. A balloon is really, comparatively, very simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The cost of the raw materials in a Light-Sport hot-air balloon is not much more than three thousand dollars. Light-Sport balloon components can and will be manufactured overseas with today's International Labor and Free Market Trade policy advantages. ELSA Light-Sport Balloon Kits can be sold up to 99% complete, ready to fly SLSA Light-Sport Balloons are available as well. As a result, two place Light-Sport Balloons can be marketed at the same price-point that created the successful recreational vehicle industry (snowmobile, ATV, motorcycle, jetski) We're talking something less than ten thousand dollars retail, not the thirty or even forty thousand dollars charged by the traditional balloon manufactures. I'd encourage you to price your 2-place dream machine as available from your local "Traditional Ballooning" manufacture's rep. Your base price is 35.9K, while you're at it, ask them how much they estimate you'll pay for the 'complete setup' including training and licensing.... the bulky 80lbs inflation fan, the one-ton trailer/truck, insurance.... Then.... then you'll better understand The Renovatio Concept for Hot-Air Ballooning; it's as if a five hundred pound overweight individual was somehow able to loose half their body weight; imagine that.
Question: (from a potential customer); I am inquiring as to the cost of a replacement envelope for my Firefly 7B-12 which has become unairworthy. I have a serviceable 4.0 basket with a T3-017 burner and associated equipment. Answer: (Dear customer); ACME LLC is not in the business of remanufacturing ‘Replacement Envelopes’ for heavy balloon type designs. ACME LLC is a "Design Organization"; our focus is the design, prototyping, and FAA Certification of "light weight" balloon designs. Occasionally we offer some of our prototype designs for sale, however, companies like ‘Head Balloons’ might be better choice for your request to provide a "Replacement Envelope" service for you: Link to Head Balloons
ACME Aerostats is promoting FAA Accepted Light Sport Ballooning; something you won't likely see from The BFA, any of the traditional Type Design balloon manufacturers, their sales representatives or the Old-timer owner/operators of this heavy antiquated ballooning equipment. Why? Maybe they are afraid the dwindling market and/or resale value for their heavy expensive balloons will disappear altogether.
Regards, Jim Rogina
Question: Should I consider building my own? or should I purchase an ELSA kit or SLSA Light Sport balloon instead of the applying under the Amateur Built Experimental category?
Answer: A few will inevitably choose to try designing and building on their own balloon, but why?
Pick any sport you can think of...Would you design and build your own: Snowmobile? Skis? ATV? Watercraft? Parachute? Surfboard? Skateboard? Bicycle?
Why would you even consider designing and building your own balloon? Maybe because the traditional ballooning equipment available today is so ridiculously cumbersome and so outrageously expensive? In the old days, you had no choice, but today... Forget About It ~, Go Light-Sport. If your only option was to purchase one of those ridiculously expensive traditional cumbersome 'type design' balloons, OK, maybe I'd be a little crazy too...
So, you insist on building your own balloon; OK, this is the year 2008, you have many new options. Light-Sport balloons travel well, and make use of all the latest technologies. You can purchase an ELSA kit up to 99% complete, forget about the old 51% rule, you're in the driver's seat now. You can learn to fly operating solo under Part 103. For ELSA, you will need training and a pilot's license, but you have the privilege of taking a passenger. If you purchase a ready to fly SLSA balloon, you can charge your passengers "for training"; the SLSA balloon and operator can advertise, accepting fees for Flight Training and/or Rental, while accumulating the hours of aeronautical knowledge required for a Commercial Pilot Certificate. ACME Light Sport Balloons can be upgraded for commercial operations and a Standard Airworthiness Certificate.
The Light Sport Rule has "filled the gap", providing the student/amateur balloon builder with a contiguous training and certification path. For the first time in history, the privileges of the pilot and the aircraft are allowed to follow each other in lock step as the student learns.
Hundreds of balloon home-builders have experienced the 51% "Amateur Built Experimental" aircraft certification scenario. Under these old rules; (AC 20-27e) they were forced to design and build most of their balloon themselves and sign an affidavit affirming that they undertook the construction process solely for their own educational or recreational purposes. With a little investigation you will quickly determine that most of these so called 'experimental' balloon builders ignore the operational flight restrictions associated with their "Operating Limitations" and their required "Phases of Flight Testing". Ask your local FAA FSDO about operations over "Congested Areas", ask your local FAA FSDO to define a "Congested Area".
For those who are serious about balloon design, building at least one SLSA balloon will make it possible for the designer/builder to manufacture and market their design as Kit-Built ELSA.. Granted, the SLSA manufacturer scenario is not for everyone, but it doesn't have to be. Designing and building an Amateur Built Experimental balloon isn't easy either but note that there are already hundreds of aeronauts who have demonstrated the value in taking on that responsibility. Light Sport ballooning is more structured than Amateur Built Experimental scenarios, more lucrative and ACME LLC is in a position to help. Contact Us
Question: What Can I Expect from the FAA? Is the FAA "in control" of everything? Why do I feel so intimidated? Answer: Your privileges and limitations as an aviator in the USA are granted by 14 CFR, not through the interaction with or by the "approval" of any individual FAA employee. The FAA must follow the same regulatory mandate that we all must follow; i.e. 14 CFR. Any individual ruling must be applied in the same way at every FSDO. The FAA must also follow the rules of it's own Customer Service Initiative. You can require The FAA to provide....
Contact your congressman if the FAA doesn't respond appropriately. Reference the FAA's own Customer Service Initiative. Goals of FAA's Customer Service Initiative
Question: What about the 14CFR Part 103 Powered Vehicle category? Are there any other alternatives? Answer: If your Ultralight Balloon carries "a method of propulsion", and the dry weight of the balloon system including the empty propane tanks is less than 254lbs, this vehicle design could accommodate the design limitations required to be operated under Part 103. The weight of the propane fuel that is used for lift is not limited. The fuel used for propulsion is limited to 5 gallons.
Question: Will a basket/burner assembly that was at one time part of a system that was issued an Airworthiness Certificate have to 'come up with' and surrender an Airworthiness Certificate to be eligible for use under the Light Sport Rule or Part 103? Answer: The basket/burner assembly is only one component of a hot air balloon system and therefore is not, by itself, eligible for issuance of an Airworthiness Certificate. FAA Order 8130.2F (11/5/2004) Chapter 2, Section 2 Paragraph 32, states; "Manned free balloons are type-certified as complete aircraft consisting of three major components: the envelope, the burner and fuel system, and the basket. The burner and fuel system and basket also are known as the "bottom-end" components. Airworthiness certificates will not be issued for any individual component."
Question: Is the ACME Aerostats Balloon an "Experimental Balloon" design? Answer: We can build and certificate "Experimental" designs, if you like. ACME Aerostats are available with a variety of Aircraft Certification options, tailored to its owner/operator's intended use profile. All ACME Aerostats Balloon models are designed and manufactured in accordance with FAA Approved design data and production quality control procedures. For example; The ACME Aerostats design is eligible for a Standard Airworthiness Certificate or Export Certificate of Airworthiness subject to compliance with FAR Part 21, Subpart L, Sections 21.321 through 21.339. The applicable procedures are contained in Advisory Circular No. 21-2F.
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