Using class A airspace

[piratemike 0]

So I'm working with Mark on some high altitude Ham radio work that we would like to do.
More info on that here:http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=3245705

We would like to do some work from 20k feet or more.

That's class A airspace right(above 18k)?

Does anybody have any experience doing things involving flying canopies in Class A airspace?

I know that skydivers jump from Class A airspace periodically, but those jumpers aren't in that airspace for very long, even from 30k feet.

Some of the high altitude balloon work must involve going into Class A airspace. Do the balloons require transponders? Radios?

If this is going to involve paperwork or extra equipment. I'd like to know about it now.

Thanks!

[bfilarsky 0]

Quote

So I'm working with Mark on some high altitude Ham radio work that we would like to do.
More info on that here:http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=3245705

We would like to do some work from 20k feet or more.

That's class A airspace right(above 18k)?

Does anybody have any experience doing things involving flying canopies in Class A airspace?

I know that skydivers jump from Class A airspace periodically, but those jumpers aren't in that airspace for very long, even from 30k feet.

Some of the high altitude balloon work must involve going into Class A airspace. Do the balloons require transponders? Radios?

If this is going to involve paperwork or extra equipment. I'd like to know about it now.

Thanks!

Paperwork - most likely. Extra equipment - most likely. You would need to contact NorCal Tracon and talk to them about it. That close to SFO, you probably would need a transponder and a radio.

I don't have their number anymore, but if you call FSS (1800-WX-BRIEF) you can ask them for a number for the Tracon. They may be able to just give you an IFR clearance number, which you can call and ask to talk to someone about what you want to do, and they should transfer you right over.