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AP I urges people not to release hot air balloons near airport areas
PT Angkasa Pura I stated that releasing unmanned hot air balloons and other similar flying objects would jeopardize flights' security and safety.
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Residents of Payaman village in Secang district, Magelang regency, release a hot air balloon. Residents in many areas in Central Java have a tradition of releasing hot air balloons as part of the Idul Fitri festivities. (Kompas.com/Ika Fitriana)
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tate-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura (AP) I has urged people not to launch unauthorized hot air balloons, kites, drones, lanterns or other flying objects near the airport area as it could threaten flights' security and safety.
The announcement was made following 14 reports received since June 14 about the disturbance of unmanned hot air balloons from pilots who passed through Yogyakarta Military-controlled airspace, such as Wonosari, Kebumen, Sleman, Surakarta, Kulon Progo, Purworejo and Cilacap, at altitudes ranging from 4,000 to 25,000 feet above sea level.
AP I director Faik Fahmi said such reports became a serious concern for the airport. “Therefore, again, we urge people not to release hot air balloons or other similar flying objects without our permission near the airport area,” Faik said in a press release.
As specified in Article 421, Paragraph 2 of Law No. 1/2009 on aviation, people who create obstacles and/or conduct other activities that will put flight operation, security and safety at risk will receive a maximum of three years’ imprisonment or a Rp 1 billion (US$71,800) fine.
On May 7, the Transportation Ministry released Ministerial Regulation No. 40/2018 that specifically regulates the use of hot air balloons during cultural events, such as by setting a standard of maximum diameter of 4 meters and a height of 7 m for oval-shaped balloons, or if it is not oval, the maximum dimensions of the balloon must be 4 m by 4 m by 7 m.
Moreover, the balloon must have striking colors with a minimum of three ropes connected to the ballast on the ground. It has to be released with a maximum altitude of 150 m in uncontrolled airspace area, such as 15 kilometers outside the airport and helicopter landing areas.
A post shared by Angkasa Pura Airports (@ap_airports) on
Faik said the operator had collaborated with the Civil Aviation Directorate General, the Indonesian Flight Navigation Service Institution (AirNav), the Indonesian Military (TNI) and airlines in supervising hot air balloons in the airport area.
“We’ve actively educated people, especially those who live around 13 AP I airports' area, regarding flights' security and safety regulation, in the hope that they will understand and obey the rules while participating in the local tradition,” said Faik.
Releasing hot air balloons is a tradition in parts of Central and East Java in celebrating Idul Fitri. (wir/wng)
