A Center Supervisor and Controller reported an A320 at FL370 experienced an NMAC with a weather balloon.
Synopsis
A Center Supervisor and Controller reported an A320 at FL370 experienced an NMAC with a weather balloon.
Narrative
While attending to another sector in the area; the controller on sector RXX called for me and told me that an aircraft almost hit a weather balloon. After getting more details; we determined that the plane estimated to have missed the white weather balloon by approximately 50-100 feet; while flying at an altitude of FL370. No evasive actions were taken by the pilot.The area and altitude where it was reported; is an area of high traffic throughout the day. No weather balloon information had been provided; and after checking emails and one of the weather balloon websites; we had not seen any information that would've let us know of this balloon.Recommendation: Due to recent events with weather balloons hitting airplanes and the drastic increase in weather balloons operating; better procedures need to be in place. To my knowledge; no further action has been taken on this particular issue besides the controller advising planes of the reported balloon.Recommendations: Transponders on balloons; a liaison on site to determine where and when balloons will enter our airspace; balloons that are more visible (not white)
Second reporter narrative
While working two sectors combined; Aircraft X reported almost hitting a balloon at FL370. Pilot reported the balloon came within 50 to 100 feet of the aircraft. Aircraft was traveling at approximately 500 knots across the ground. He stated it had strings attached to it and appeared to have some kind of payload under it. He stated they barely missed it.I did not have a primary target or anything with a transponder in the area that would have identified a balloon in the area. Many pilots on the frequency became very concerned this was in the area and clogged the frequency asking questions. I did not have any other aircraft report seeing this balloon during my session. I reported this to my supervisor who brought it up to the watch manager. The watch manager at the desk; according to the supervisor; didn't appear to show any concern over it and made a statement about they can be out there. This has been the constant response to these reports and shows a great lack of concern over the safety of aircraft in our airspace in my opinion.Recommendation: Management at the higher level in the building continues to brush off these incidents. After the Local Safety Council briefed an accident over Location X with an aircraft at FL350; I hoped the attitude about this would improve. It remains the same. I fear a serious accident will have to happen before people show attention this deserves. The Local Safety Council has been working on a joint response to this which is already being met with resistance from the operations managers because it would add work to their plate. In an agency that claims to represent safety; I can't believe this is the response to a serious safety concern.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.