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United States Pilots Association |
USPA Executive Director Jan Hoynacki has notified the Supervisor of the Columbia (MO) FSS of a confusing situation in the vicinity of the M. Graham Clark Airport (PLK) at Pt. Lookout, MO.
Although pilots are currently briefed that a moored helium balloon, which goes up to 1,500’ MSL day and night, is tethered 2.8 NM from PLK, pilots looking for the balloon at night instead see a nearby water tower that is brightly lighted to resemble a hot air balloon. In fact, it looks very much like a balloon, while the real balloon looks simply like a small black hole in the sea of lights in the Branson, MO, area, since it has only one red light at its top. PLK is 936’ MSL.
Is this a concerning (dangerous?) situation? You decide. However, if you are approaching PLK for landing at night, be aware of it.
The water tower is 1.6 NM bearing 298 true from PLK. The balloon is 2.8 NM bearing 305 true from PLK.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association