Nine year old to solo in a balloon.

[gismo]

I came across this in my local paper. I guess it's legal because the balloon in question is an ultralight. From the story it sounds like the boy is competent WRT operating the burner and likely knows how to judge a landing but I wonder how much judgment is required vs available in a nine year old. I suppose his parents can supply some of that prior to launch and in the air as well using a handheld.

http://tinyurl.com/balloonboy9

P.S. I don't think you need to log in for viewing this link but let me know if that's a problem and I'll try a different route.

 

[tonycondon]

aren't all balloons ultralights?

 

[poadeleted20]

Already under discussion at http://www.pilotsofamerica.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41352.