gorgon wrote:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8Tb8...ayer_embedded#

Not LSA of any sort since it wasn't registered.

Appears to fall under either Part 101 or 103 of the FARs, probably
depending on whether the balloon was intended to carry a person. I believe
news reports said it wasn't intended to carry a person, meaning it falls
under 101. Then it is a case of whether it was intended to only be moored
or be a free balloon.

Since it was moored and the launch was accidental, it may have violated
101.19, which requires a rapid deflation device if it escapes it moorings
and the operator fails to contact the nearest ATC if the deflation device
fails.

I came across dimensions somehere suggesting a diameter of 20 ft by 5 ft
high, which seems to make it just plausible that it had enough volume for ~
100% helium concentration to loft an average weight (~50 lb ) 6 year old
boy - provided the basket and envelope weren't too heavy.