NBC
Omaha Area PZs
Prohibited Zones
This page lists Prohibited Zones - locations where landowner issues have occured, and where landings and low overflight should be avoided.
Please observe minimum safe altitudes at all times, and report any landowner problems to rural.relations@nebraskaballoonclub.org. You may wish to use the Landowner Information Form to gather information.
| Map Legend (click for info) |
Use at your own risk; not responsible for errors or omissions.
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Red Zones - NO LANDING
RZ 1 - Please avoid landing in, and overflights below 500', in the area between 222nd Street and the Elkhorn River, from F Street to 1/4 mile south. Area is directly south of "The Farm" housing development at 222nd and F Streets.
RZ 2 - We've also been asked not to land in the area south of Ida Street, from 168th to 180th, and along the west side of 180th street from Ida to 1/2 mile south of Ida.
RZ 3 - Along the west bank of the Platte River north of Ashland are several private lakes (Big Sandy Lake and Thomas Lakes), as well as the National Guard Camp. These are gated communities, and pilots are advised to avoid landing in these areas.
RZ 4 - South of Arlington, NE, on the east side of the Elkhorn River valley, avoid landing in the area of the intersection of CR-15 and CR-38. (This is near the microwave relay tower.) The Schmidt family farms in this area and are not friendly to anyone entering their fields without permission.
RZ 5 - Southwest of Gretna, the first field on the south side of Capehart Road from just east of the railroad tracks to approximately 3/4 mile west of Highway 6/31. This 20 acre field is off-limits for landing. On August 19, 2006, two pilots each paid $100 to the landowner in compensation for alleged damage to the alfalfa growing in this field.
RZ 6 - From the intersection of 168th and Ruff Road in Sarpy County, north side of Ruff Road 1/2 mile east and west of the intersection, and the east side of 168th Street to 3/4 mile north of Ruff Road. A total of three 40-acre plots owned by Gary Krapp; the house is on Ruff Road. This is a long-extant red zone a little over a mile to the south of the Timmerman feedlot at 168th and Plattview Road; generally an area to avoid.
RZ 7 - Immedately north of King Lake, between 252nd Street and the Elkhorn River, from Ida Street north 3/4 mile.
RZ 8 - West of Waterloo, NE of the corner of 270th and Blondo. From Blondo north to Maple, east side of 270th Street.
RZ 9 - Directly south of our launch site in Waterloo, east side of Highway 275, both north and south of Blondo St.
RZ 10 - Between N 78th and N 72nd Streets, north of Dutch Hall Road.
RZ 11 - East of the Wal-Mart at I-680 and Blair High Road (Hwy 133), south side of Blair High Road.
RZ 12 - The M.U.D. facility at 120th and Fort. Fenced & locked, this is not an area in which to land.
RZ 13 - Southwest corner of 120th and State Streets. West from 120th Street to the creek, and south from State Street to the golf course.
RZ 14 - Removed from list.
RZ 15 - West of Highway 6/31 (204th Street) between West Center Road and Pacific Streets.
RZ 16 - Northwest of Gretna, west of 225th Street and south of Cary Road. Large horse stables and numerous horses in pastures. Avoid flights below 500' in this area.
RZ 17 - Timmerman Cattle Company - West of Springfield, between 168th and 180th Streets along Platteview Road. Avoid flight below 500' over the cattle lots on the south side of Platteview Road, and no landing in the field immediately north of Plattview and east of 180th Street. See also RZ 6.
RZ 18 - Immediately south of Springfield, NE, south of Pflug road and west of 138th Street.
RZ 19 - East of Springfield, northwest from the corner of 96th and Platteview Road.
RZ 20 - Approximately 2 miles north of Blair Airport (Eagle Field), east of State Highway 133 (Blair High Road) and south of CR-32.
RZ 21 - NE of Crescent, IA, east of County Highway 20 and between Leisure Avenue & Mahogany Road. A cattle feedlot is at the corner of Mahogany and Highway 20, and livetock in pastures just across the road down to Leisure Ave.
RZ 22 - Three miles east of Arlington, NE, near intersection of County Roads 32 and 17. A large cattle feedlot; avoid flight below 500'.
RZ 23 - Southwest of Harrison Street (dead end) to 240th Street. Unfriendly tenant farmer. Added Nov. 17, 2007
RZ 24 - 216th & Giles. South of intersection, both sides of 216th. Cattle in fields, avoid flights below 500'.
RZ 25 - Feedlot on L34 north of Hwy 191. West side of L34. Cattle in feelot and fields, avoid flights below 500'.
RZ 26 - Newport Hill subdivision at 180th and Hwy 36. Boyer Young Development Company has received a complaint from a resident that litter was left by persons watching a balloon landing. While we belive that this was not the work of NBC balloonists, nonetheless, Boyer Young has asked that balloons do not land in this neighborhood, which is west of Bennington Lake, on the west side of 180th Street and south of State Highway 36. NBC pilots and crews are reminded to be mindful to leave all landing areas better than you find them, and if that includes picking up litter thoughtlessly left by the public, consider it an investment in your community and a downpayment on continued good landowner relations.
RZ 27 - West side of 230th/225th, north of State St. Posted "No Hunting;" consider it also "No Trespassing."
RZ 28 - Southeast corner of 156th St. & Pflug Road. Horses in pasture or in barn. Landowner asks for 500' minimum altitude.
RZ 29 - West of S. 264th St. and Dewey Ave. Landowner Kent Merryweather requests no further balloon landings at their 20 acre property adjoining S. 264th St.
RZ 30 - Southeast corner Highway 64 and County Road 10. (Southwest of Leshara.) No fences or livestock, but landowner is not balloon-friendly.
RZ 31 and RZ 32 - Michael Ellers' asks that we avoid his fields, cattle, and house in two locations: south side of Pflug Rd. between 156th and 168th, and the south side of Platteview Rd from 168th to 1/2 mile east of 156th. (This latter location is due east of RZ 17, the Timmerman Cattle Co.) NO LANDING WITHOUT PERMISSION and please maintain AT LEAST 500' minimum (if not higher). (Added April 2010)
RZ 33 - Barhnart Cattle Company, SW corner of 120th Street and Highway 66, east of Louisville. Mr. Ron Barnhart is quite vocal about his dislike of balloonists, and does not want any balloons landing on, or even flying near his property. NOTE: Glendale Cemetary sits on the crest of the hill NW across the highway; if you are flying toward the cemetary, you should climb to avoid that intersection. (Added August 2010)
Restricted Access Areas - NO LANDING
Ashland National Guard Camp - On the west bank of the Platte River just north of Highway 6. There are two gated communities just north of this as well (see RZ 3).
US Military Reservation - Three miles north of Memphis, NE bounded by CR-6 & CR-7 on the east and west, CR-F on the south, and extending 1/2 mile north of CR-G.
National Guard Training Area - Three miles east of Mead, NE, two miles south of Highway 92, bounded by CR-7 & CR-8 on the east and west, CR-K on the north, and extending 1/2 mile south of CR-J.
Fremont Municipal Well Field - Southeast of Fremont between Highway 275 and the Platte River, just to the South and West of Reichmuth Road (old Hwy 275) and River Road. Fenced, locked gates, NO ACCESS.
Note: Nearly all of the area south of this between Highway US 275 and the Platte River down to Highway 64 at Valley is fenced, private property. Best to avoid landing between US 275 and the river.
Lincoln Water System Well Field - South side of Highway 6, west side of the Platte River (across the river from Linoma Beach). Posted, locked gates, NO ACCESS.
OPPD Fort Calhoun Power Plant - Approximately 2 miles SE of Blair, NE between US Hwy 75 and the Missouri River. Stay at least 2000 feet AGL (above ground level) in this area if you cannot avoid it entirely. DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge (see below) is just across the river, and also requires a minimum 2000 foot clearance.
DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge - Across the Missouri River from Blair, NE, south of US Hwy 30, and Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge east of the town of Fort Calhoun from US 75 east to the Missouri River. Landing of aircraft is prohibited on lands administered by the National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, or US Forest Service without authorization from the respective agency. In addition, pilots are requested to maintain a minimum altitude of 2000 feet above the surface of National Wildlife Refuges.
Eastern Nebraska Gun Club Range is on the north side of Highway 66, 2.5 miles east of Louisville, NE. This is an active gun range, including high-power rifles, and is just about 2 miles due south of Soaring Wings Winery. If you plan on flying in this area, check the range schedule as a precaution. Even if there is not a meet scheduled, avoid landing here as the gates are locked.
Dec. 17, 2005 - One pilot's recent encounter with goose hunters near Valley, NE brings up the following reminder. During hunting season(s), be observant of, and avoid if possible, active hunting blinds, decoy sets, and hunters in fields. While on a flight during the fall of 2006, near South Bend, NE several of us chanced upon a deer hunter in a tree stand. Fortunately, he spotted the balloons as they came up the bluff, nearly at his eye level, and he put up his rifle until all were well clear.
Cautionary Zones - LANDING ONLY WITH PRIOR PERMISSION
CZ1 In contrast to the PZ on the east side of the Elkhorn (see RZ 1 above), we have had a good relationship with the sod farm caretaker and landowners at McDermott Turf Farms (The Grass Pad) on the west side of the Elkhorn River along Highway 92 west of Highway 275. They do ask that you contact them before landing or driving on to the field; at certain times, the ground may be soft from irrigation, and access will not be granted. If they have not been irrigating, you may be given permission to enter and recover the balloon, if you call and ask permission. Contact 402-510-6054 or 402-510-5398.
CZ2 Marvin Ostransky's property is directly north of Springfield, NE, and runs from Platteview Rd to Fairview Rd. and 132nd St. east to Springfield Creek. If you plan to fly in the Springfield area, please contact Mr. Ostransky to determine whether it is permissible to land in this mile section. His home number is 402-339-4391, and cell phone is 402-680-6298.
CZ3 (270th & Maple Rd, between Valley and Waterloo.) This former sand pit is now a residential, developed lake. Removed from the Cautionary Zone list August 2010.
CZ4 If you plan to land at the sod farm south-east of Highway 36 and 264th Street, 4 miles due north of Valley, please call Bill O'Dell at 402-359-5618 to obtain permission to land. Please keep vehicles off the sod areas, and if the ground is soft from rain or irrigation, please don't land here.
CZ5 Jim Schram's property is on the north side of Gretna, across Lincoln Rd at 210th St. (the farm with the blue Harvestore bins.) Mr. Schram asks that we not land on his property while he has crops (oats) growing; we will re-evaluate landing permission with him this fall.
CZ6 - South of N. 180th St. and Dutch Hall Road. Horse stables and horses in paddocks (thoroughbreds - expensive). Avoid flights below 1000'.
Green Zones
Also see the Launch Sites Map page.
L1 Soaring Wings Winery just south of Springfield, NE (click for map). Winery owner Jim Shaw has graciously granted permission to launch from the winery grounds if you contact him first. The Soaring Wings Winery phone number is 402-253-2479, and Jim Shaw's cell phone number is 402-699-2057.
L2 Lake Zorinsky from center of loop near the boat docks. Enter park from 156th and F Street (click for map).
L3 Chalco Hills (Wehrspann Lake)- adjacent to soccer fields on east side of the dam (click for map). Hot air balloon launches by permit only. NOTE: GATES CLOSED AND LOCKED AT 10 PM.
L4 Standing Bear Lake - north side of the lake - enter from 132nd Street (click for map). Launch area is the grassy slope just south of the restroom building. The unmowed grass just north of this loop provides better wind protection, but be aware of numerous small trees and possible standing water.
L5 Waterloo, NE - behind Great Western Bank (click for map) northeast of 240th and Cedar Drive. Note the red zone (PZ 9) immediately to the south of this launch site.
L6 Council Bluffs Airport - Launch from area adjacent to road (see map). Contact Airport Manager Dan Smith (712) 322-2284 before arrival to advise.
L7 Christensen Field, Fremont, NE - Launch from grassy area south of the baseball field and west of the RV parking lot (click for map). Check the Christensen Field Calendar for information about horse shows and other equestrian activities taking place. Since this is adjacent to Fremont Municpal Airport (KFET), listen for and advise local air traffic on frequency 122.8 prior to launch.
L8 Milliken Park, Fremont, NE - Park property south of the elementary school (click for map). Again, due to proximity of Fremont Muncipal Airport, advise local air traffic on frequency 122.8 prior to launch.
L9 Plattview High School - 10/23/2006 The following received from Rich Jaworski: "We do not have official permission to launch from Platteview High School. I have been launching from the parking lot without driving off the pavement. No one has told us "no" so be careful and proceed." (click for map).
L10 Elkhorn Jr. High School - Greeley and W. Cleveland Streets.
L11 Childers - Wayne & Geraldine Childers on Angus Road just west of Gretna. Call 332-5595 to obtain permission to launch from their yard.
L12 Ditmar's Orchard - 19475 225th St, Council Bluffs, IA (click for map) Directions: 1) Take I-80 to the east side of Council Bluffs, 2) Exit at Exit 8 (Highway 6 and Iowa Western Community College); 3) Go east on Highway 6 to the first left turn, Hunt Avenue; 4) Follow the turns on Hunt Avenue about 3/4 mile to the triangular grassy area in the intersection of Hunt Ave and 225th Street. 5) Proceed North on 225th Street about 0.2 miles; 6) Ditmar's Orchard is the first driveway on the right, East, side of 225th Street. The balloon launch area is east of the large building. Please call Lyle Ditmar, (712) 256-7053 to obtain permission.
L13 Valley (DC West) High School - 401 S. Pine St. North soccer fields; keep vehicles and trailers off grass and in the parking lot.
L14 Sarpy County Fairgrounds - From Main Street, go past the arena and turn south (right) onto Railroad St. Enter the north side of the field from Vine St.
L15 Billones' Balloonport - 184th St., south of F Street. Lou & Maureen's is the last yard on the east side of 184th at the circle. Lou says no need to wake them up for permission to launch.
L16 Falcone's - 20010 Military Rd (between Military and Beninnington Roads, east of 204th). Permission to land in the alfalfa east of the house and west of the treeline.
L17 Gretna Elementary & Middle Schools - S. 216th and South Streets. Launch area is behind both schools, south from intersection of South and Wesgaye Streets, adjacent to running track.
L18 Gutheil's - 25805 Bennington Road. Ron Dobesh reports that Jeanie Gutheil has asked that their 40 acres of brome grass surrounding their house be added as a Green Zone for takoffs or landings any time. This is just west of Rawhide Creek, 1 mile south of Highway 36 and 1/2 mile west of the Elkhorn River (between King Lake Road/252nd St. and 264th St on the south side of Bennington Road). Note also the Odell's sod farm 3/4 mile northwest of this, which is Cautionary Zone C4.
L19 Wallace's - 25454 Rainwood Road. Steve & Elane Lacroix launched from Scott Wallace's on the north side of Rainwood Road, just west of 252nd St. The club is welcome to launch or land from 10 acres of mowed lawn. Scott Wallace's telephone number is (402) 618-4184. This is just south of Guthiel's (above), also 1/2 mile west of the Elkhorn and 2 miles south of Highway 36.
L20 Leshara - Corner of Main St. & Estina Ave. Take Highway US 275 to Valley, exit at the Highway 64 exit and follow the highway across the Platte River bridge. At the T-intersection at the top of the hill, turn right toward Leshara.
L21 Ericson's - 26250 Douglas Street. Gene and Barb Ericson offer their property for landing at any time. NOTE: This is just a block NE of RZ 29.
L22 Jorn's - 36807 Quail Ridge Road just west of Louisville. Doug and Charlene Jorn would welcome landings at any time. This is a neighborhood of 1 acre lots just south of Louisville Recreation Area. Added 7/5/2009
L23 Kolb's - 20 acres of brome grass on south side of County Road F between County Roads 4 and 5 (about 3 miles NE of Memphis, NE). Harold Kolb says balloon landings are welcome. His house is on County Road 5 where indicated on map, SW of this field. Added 4/17/2010
L24 Brechbill's - South of Cornish Road on Crestview Drive. Shawn Brechbill says balloon landings are welcome. Added 7/25/2010
L25 Ervin's - Southeast of 322nd St. and Church Road. Patrick Ervin says balloon landings are welcome when crops are out. August 2010 - there is a harvested wheat field just east of the house on the south side of Church Road. Added 7/28/2010
L26 Hobbs's - 15106 S. 108th Street - Louisville, NE, (402) 234-2371. Hayfield west of farmstead and mowed grass immediately surrounding farmstead on west and north. East-West fence on north side of mowed grass. Landing/Launching is OK. Added July, 2010
L27 Diederich's - 16876 114th Street - Louisville, NE (402) 290-9233. South of Cedar Creek, west off of 114th/Cedar Creek Road. Hayfield and pasture north of pond. Long driveway has no fences or power lines. Landing is OK. Added August, 2010
L28 Maack's - 28966 East Rockcreek Rd - Ashland, NE (402) 944-2570. One mile south of I-80 / Hwy 66 interchange. Mowed grass area surrounding farmstead. Landing/Launching is OK. Added May, 2010
L29 Williams' - 9216 N. 252nd St - Valley, NE (402) 315-7933. West side of 252nd halfway between State and Rainwood. Mowed grass area surrounding house. Landing/Launching is OK. Added August, 2010
Bundie's - Removed from list, February 2009
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