Launching weather balloons is routine, and requires no special preparation. If you are launching at an airport, you usually have to notify ATC.
But radiosondes and balloons come under an exemption, so can be flown pretty much anywhere. I think the exemption allows up to 2kg payloads. Radiosondes (the new Vaisala ones) are around 120g, and it's pretty cool technology.
I think there's clearly a change. 10 years ago, we hired people for a specific technical role and paid them $80K/year. Now, we still hire people for that same job, but only pay them $60K/year.
Companies loudly announce they're laying off workers to cut costs. A short time later they're advertising those same jobs, but people are hired, or even hired back, at a lower wage.
What used to be a well-paid job 15 or 20 years ago, no longer has job security or the same benefits. It may have even be contracted as a 'gig' job, with no job security or benefits.
But radiosondes and balloons come under an exemption, so can be flown pretty much anywhere. I think the exemption allows up to 2kg payloads. Radiosondes (the new Vaisala ones) are around 120g, and it's pretty cool technology.