Other flight operations and activities

Use of captive balloons

Applicable legislation:

Regulation on the Rules of the Air (OG 32/18, 10/21)
Air Safety Order ASO-2014-003 – Use of captive balloons

The use of captive balloons is permitted only with the authorization obtained from the Agency.

Use of captive balloons is forbidden in the airspace at distances less than 5 km from the aerodrome reference point during the working hours of the aerodrome.

Application for approval must be submitted by the balloon operator and include:

Name and address of the balloon operator
Name and surname of the balloon handler
Area of flight (if known)
Expected flight altitude (if known)
Planned start of operations, and
Intended (purpose of) use.

Together with the application, operator shall submit:

Captive balloon specifications, and
Captive balloon Operator's statement regarding familiarization with all applicable flight safety regulations
Croatia Control (AMC Croatia) approval for the use of captive balloons with rope longer than 30 m in controlled airspace (when applicable).

Flights (launches) of unmanned free balloons

Applicable legislation:

Commission Regulation (EC) 923/2012 laying down the common rules of the air and operational provisions regarding services and procedures in air navigation (SERA)
Regulations on the Rules of the Air (OG 32/18, 10/21)
Regulations on the Airspace Management (OG 104/18, 32/18)

An unmanned free balloon shall not be launched and operated in the Croatian airspace without the authorization from the Agency.

Flights of unmanned free balloons with a total mass of the dome and ballast exceeding 0.5 kg can be performed only with a prior Croatia Control (AMC Croatia) approval for establishment of ad hoc structure. More information can be found here.

An unmanned free balloon, other than a light balloon used exclusively for meteorological purposes and operated in the manner prescribed by the competent authority, shall not be operated across the territory of another State without authorisation from the other State concerned.

The authorisation shall be obtained prior to the launching of the balloon if there is reasonable expectation, when planning the operation, that the balloon may drift into airspace over the territory of another State.

An unmanned free balloon shall be operated in accordance with conditions specified by the State of Registry and the State(s) expected to be overflown.

An unmanned free balloon shall not be operated in such a manner that impact of the balloon, or any part thereof, including its payload, with the surface of the earth, creates a hazard to persons or property.

Uncontrolled self-propelled flying objects (rocket models and fireworks)

Applicable legislation:

Regulations on the Rules of the Air (OG 32/18, 10/21)
Regulations on the Airspace Management (OG 104/18, 32/18)

Flights (launch) of uncontrolled self-powered flying objects require authorization from the Agency if propulsion fuel mass is more than 20 g and there is no danger for aircraft safety.

Launch of rockets and fireworks is forbidden in the airspace at distances less than 5 km from the aerodrome reference point during the working hours of the aerodrome.

A prior Croatia Control (AMC Croatia) approval for establishment of ad hoc structure is required for flights of uncontrolled flying objects in controlled airspace at a height greater than 50 m above ground level or at a distance greater than 5 km from the aerodrome reference point during airport working hours.

Release of Sky Lanterns

Applicable legislation:

Regulation on the Rules of the Air (OG 32/18, 10/21)
Regulations on the Airspace Management (OG 104/18, 32/18)

The Agency does not issue permission for release of sky lanterns. The launch of sky lanterns is subject to the approval of the competent air traffic control. More information can be found here.