On Friday, December 7, 2012 6:52:28 AM UTC-8, Anders Petersson wrote:
Yes a UAV (aka drone) would be convenient. It would need to be very reliable to offset the cost of losing the more valuable airframe. The cheapest Micropilot circuit I find is $1500; I'm sure there are cheaper ones but you still get a lot of helium balloons for the price.



Craig is right, max UAV altitude is normally 400 feet.

There have been a number of amateur balloon lofted model glider flights with trackers in the glider. Does a balloon lofted glider with a return home autopilot & tracking beacon avoid the UAV restrictions?

Cheers,
Craig