The Rules of the Air Regulations 2007

Captive balloons and kites at night

52.—(1) A captive balloon or kite flying at night at a height exceeding 60 metres above the surface shall display lights in accordance with paragraphs (2), (3) and (4).

(2) A group of two steady lights shall be displayed consisting of a white light placed 4 metres above a red light, both being of at least five candela and showing in all directions, the white light being placed not less than 5 metres nor more than 10 metres below the basket or, if there is no basket, below the lowest part of the balloon or kite.

(3) On the mooring cable of the balloon or kite, at intervals of not more than 300 metres measured from the group of lights specified in paragraph (2), there shall be displayed—

(a) groups of two lights of the colour and power and in the relative positions specified in paragraph (2); and

(b) if the lowest group of lights is obscured by cloud, an additional group of such lights below the cloud base.

(4) On the surface of the ground there shall be displayed a group of three flashing lights arranged—

(a) in a horizontal plane at the apexes of a triangle, approximately equilateral, each side of which measures at least 25 metres;

(b) so that one side of the triangle shall be approximately at right angles to the horizontal projection of the cable and shall be delimited by two red lights; and

(c) so that the third light shall be a green light, placed so that the triangle encloses the object on the surface to which the balloon or kite is moored.