Det beror på hur stor ballongen eller draken är. Ballonger och drakar styrs av 14 CFR 101 , men specifika bestämmelser gäller bara över en viss storlek. 101.1 säger:
a) This part prescribes rules governing the operation in the United States, of the following:
(1) Except as provided for in §101.7, any balloon that is moored to the surface of the earth or an object thereon and that has a diameter of more than 6 feet or a gas capacity of more than 115 cubic feet.
(2) Except as provided for in §101.7, any kite that weighs more than 5 pounds and is intended to be flown at the end of a rope or cable.
Notera dock hänvisningen till 101.7, som säger (delvis):
No person may operate any moored balloon, kite, amateur rocket, or unmanned free balloon in a manner that creates a hazard to other persons, or their property.
Det betyder att om din ballong eller drake är för liten för att styras av del 101 så finns det inga specifika begränsningar för hur du använder den, men du kan fortfarande inte flyga den på ett sätt som sätter andra i fara.
Om del 101 gäller för dig måste du följa reglerna i 101.13 och 101.15:
§101.13 Operating limitations. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate a moored balloon or kite—
(1) Less than 500 feet from the base of any cloud;
(2) More than 500 feet above the surface of the earth;
(3) From an area where the ground visibility is less than three miles; or
(4) Within five miles of the boundary of any airport.
(b) Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to the operation of a balloon or kite below the top of any structure and within 250 feet of it, if that shielded operation does not obscure any lighting on the structure.
§101.15 Notice requirements. No person may operate an unshielded moored balloon or kite more than 150 feet above the surface of the earth unless, at least 24 hours before beginning the operation, he gives the following information to the FAA ATC facility that is nearest to the place of intended operation: [contact details, time, altitude etc.]
Det finns fler krav i 101.17 och 101.19.