The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) assume oversight of sightseeing balloon operators.
The NTSB made its recommendation in April, citing several accidents that caused one death and several injuries. The NTSB said that, like airplane and helicopter tour operators, balloon operators would need a letter of authorization from the FAA. Subject to such a letter, balloon operators would be motivated to comply, knowing that failure to do so could result in loss of business. Balloon operators also should brief passengers on safety, the NTSB said.
The NTSB cited in its recommendation an April 2013 Pennsylvania incident that seriously injured three of 10 passengers and a September 2008 incident in which a balloon pilot died.
