---
kind: "section"
citation: "14 C.F.R. § 31.1"
title: "14"
number: "31.1"
heading: "Applicability."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/14/31.1"
---

# §31.1. Applicability.

- (a) This part prescribes airworthiness standards for the issue of type certificates and changes to those certificates, for manned free balloons.
- (b) Each person who applies under [Part 21](/cfr/14/part21.md) for such a certificate or change must show compliance with the applicable requirements of this part.
- (c) **For purposes of this part—**
  - (1) A captive gas balloon is a balloon that derives its lift from a captive lighter-than-air gas;
  - (2) A hot air balloon is a balloon that derives its lift from heated air;
  - (3) The envelope is the enclosure in which the lifting means is contained;
  - (4) The basket is the container, suspended beneath the envelope, for the balloon occupants;
  - (5) The trapeze is a harness or is a seat consisting of a horizontal bar or platform suspended beneath the envelope for the balloon occupants; and
  - (6) **The design maximum weight is the maximum total weight of the balloon, less the lifting gas or air.**

## Notes

### Amendments

[Doc. No. 1437, 29 FR 8258, July 1, 1964, as amended by Amdt. 31-3, 41 FR 55474, Dec. 20, 1976]

### Authority

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701-44702, 44704.

### Source

Source: Docket No. 1437, 29 FR 8258, July 1, 1964, as amended by Amdt. 31-1, 29 FR 14563, Oct. 24, 1964, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[Doc. No. 1437, 29 FR 8258, July 1, 1964, as amended by Amdt. 31-3, 41 FR 55474, Dec. 20, 1976]