OE-ZZM, Gas Balloon Type Woerner STU-NL-1000
(Manned Gas Balloon)

1. Gas Balloons – General Information

Gas balloons are lighter-than-air aircraft that generate lift by filling the envelope with a lifting gas (typically helium or hydrogen). Unlike hot air balloons, the lift is constant and does not depend on heating air.

Key characteristics:

• Long endurance capability (several hours up to multiple days), suitable for long-distance and cross-border flights
• Altitude control by releasing ballast (fine sand or water) or venting lifting gas
• Very low noise emission
• Slow and steady cruising speeds (compared to other aircraft)
• Gas balloons, as hot air balloons, have no propulsion system and move with prevailing winds.
• Directional control is achieved by selecting different wind layers at various altitudes.

2. Gas Balloon Operation (Non-Local Flights)

For cross-country and international long-distance flights, detailed flight planning and monitoring during flight is essential.

Flight planning and monitoring includes:

• Filing flight plans where required
• Multiple area meteorological planning in combination with continuous weather monitoring
• Coordination with relevant ATC units
• Route planning and monitoring according to airspace requirements
• Continuous radio contact to ATC/FIS
• Mode-S transponder with ADSB-out for best coverage with ATC units

In flight operation:

• Crew consistent of two pilots
• Continuous PIC change according to SERA regulations
• Rest capabilities (bunk) in the basket for off duty pilot
• Open basket with personal thermal protection
• Continuous oxygen intake above FL100 with very economical 'on demand' emitting system for up to 48h+ usage
• General operation mode is VFR and VFR-night.
• Possible flight paths are significantly influenced by wind systems and cross-checked against airspace, terrain and meteorological requirements
• 24h Command Center (CC) on ground to support with planning and monitoring tasks in addition to the in flight operation

3. Description of Balloon System and Equipment – OE-ZZM

Registration: OE-ZZM
Balloon Type: Woerner STU-NL-1000
Category: Manned Gas Balloon
Envelope volume: 1,050 m³
Lifting gas: Hydrogen

Main Components:

• Gas tight envelope with valve system
• Basket (gondola)
• Ballast system (fine sand and water)
• Altimeter and variometer
• VHF radio
• redundant GNSS systems and digital ICAO maps
• Transponder (Mode S with ADSB-out)
• Oxygen supply system for high altitude flight
• Night operation lighting in accordance with SERA regulations
• GNSS and satellite based additional tracking system
• Constant internet connection via satellite mainly for communication with ground support and for inflight meteorological updates
• Multiple redundant battery systems for essential flight operation systems (radio, transponder and navigation) with endurance 48h+. Photovoltaic (PV) system for additional endurance.

Safety equipment:

• ELT
• backup oxygen supply system
• Satellite phone and inReach satellite communication

• Life raft
• Immersion suits
• Flares, orange smoke
• Handheld VHF radio with DSC
• PLB/Epirb

4. Specific Information for ATC Authorities

Call Sign: OE-ZZM
State of Registry: Austria
Operation Type: Non-powered free balloon

Operational characteristics relevant for ATC:

• Typically stable flight path concerning velocity, altitude and direction of travel
• Turning capability: altitude change required to reach different wind layers if existent -> any change of altitude will involve ballast use or gas release, which are limited resources.
• Typical climb/descent rate: 1-4 m/s, occasionally above. Controlled via gas valve and ballast use
• Horizontal speed: wind-dependent (no independent propulsion)
• Limited maneuverability compared to powered aircraft

The pilot will:

• Maintain radio contact when required
• Report position and altitude as requested
• Inform ATC in time about planned changes in altitude, speed or direction of travel if significant (usually hours in advance and if relevant to controlled airspace known before entry)
• Usually not change track and speed substantially over time and can therefore be considered a foreseeable slow moving obstacle at given altitude
• Provide estimated track based on wind forecasts

5. Command Center / Ground Contact

During long-distance operations a ground support team (so called "Command Center" or "CC") is on duty to provide basic services to the airborne crew.

Ground contact provides:

• Operational monitoring
• Weather updates
• proactive ATC coordination if required
• Logistical coordination

Direct contact (telephone, messaging) to the CC or the airborne crew can be found in the password protected part below.

6. Live Tracking

Current Real-time tracking via race organizers website (live.gordonbennett.aero):

7. Balloon and Pilot Documents / Contact Details

Official aircraft and pilot documentation can be accessed via the protected section. Access is restricted to authorized authorities.

• If you are an ATC unit in contact with the balloon and require access please contact the inflight crew via radio
• If you are any other authority and require access please contact the support crew by phone or WhatsApp on +49 176 45 63 11 62 or +32 476 43 84 63

8. Impressions (Images)

Operational and structural images of OE-ZZM are available in the impressions section. These include envelope, basket, instruments and operational configurations.