The Air Navigation Order 2016

Mooring, tethering, towing, use of cables, etc.

92.—(1) This article applies to or in relation to—

(a) balloons except unmanned free balloons;

(b) gliders;

(c) kites;

(d) parascending parachutes; and

(e) airships,

within the United Kingdom (which are referred to in this article as “relevant aircraft”).

(2) A relevant aircraft which is launched, moored, tethered or towed must not be operated—

(a) in such a manner as to—

(i) represent a hazard to other airspace users; or

(ii) without the permission of the CAA, result in any part of the relevant aircraft whilst it is being launched or towed, or its tether, mooring or towing equipment, extending more than 60 metres above ground level;

(b) within controlled airspace or airspace notified for the purpose of this article;

(c) within the aerodrome traffic zone of a notified aerodrome during the notified operating hours of that aerodrome except—

(i) during the day and in Visual Meteorological Conditions; and

(ii) with the permission of the person in charge of the aerodrome, the appropriate air traffic control unit or the CAA.

(3) A relevant aircraft which is flown, launched, moored, tethered or towed must be operated in accordance with any guidance issued from time to time by the CAA relating to such operation.

(4) An airship—

(a) must not be moored within 2km of a congested area unless—

(i) it is moored on a notified aerodrome; or

(ii) it has the permission of the CAA;

(b) must not be moored within the aerodrome traffic zone of a notified aerodrome unless it has the permission of the person in charge of the aerodrome or the air traffic control unit;

(c) when moored in the open must be securely moored and must not be left unattended.

(5) A balloon—

(a) in captive flight must be securely moored and must not be left unattended unless it is fitted with a device which ensures its automatic deflation if it breaks free of its moorings;

(b) in captive or tethered flight must not be flown within 60 metres of any vessel, vehicle or structure except with the permission of the person in charge of any such vessel, vehicle or structure.