Balloon Federation of America

The Balloon Federation of America (BFA) is a 501c3 non-profit group for the advancement of lighter-than-air aviation which includes hot air and gas balloons. Founded in 1960, located in Indianola, Iowa, BFA membership is open to everyone. The BFA partners with the National Balloon Museum to induct outstanding individuals into the United States Ballooning Hall of Fame. The Federation presents multiple awards including the Ed Yost Master Pilot Award and the National Crew Person Award. The BFA facilitates balloon events by providing advice and guidance on FAA compliance.[1]

Balloon Fiesta, Fiesta park, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Night glow for pictures

Membership

Membership at BFA.net includes: the organization's magazine "Ballooning;" achievement recognition for pilots, crew, and observers; flight instructor program; balloon education via on-line video library for pilot and Crew training; and on-line safety seminars. Optional membership benefits include: youth programs; balloon regional, national, and world competitions; Professional Ride Operators (PRO) Division; gas balloon competitions the America's Challenge and Gordon Bennett; and a legal services plan.[2]

History

In 1948, balloonist Don Piccard formed the first national balloon organization in the United States, the Balloon Club of America (BCA). He teamed with early BCA member Tony Fairbanks, a student pilot in the Cleveland Balloon Club (CBC) before WWII, donating a 80,000 cu ft balloon net. Fairbanks was not drafted for WWII so while the Cleveland members went to war he inherited all the CBC's balloons and equipment. US Navy Lieutenant Punderson, working for Douglas Leigh Sky Advertising, convinced owner Douglas Leigh to donate several salvage U.S. Army balloons from the War Assets Administration. These balloons were distributed free to balloon clubs across the country. The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) designated the BCA as the official US representatives to enter European balloon races thereby qualifying the BCA for free air travel on the Military Air Transport Service (MATS). MATS eventually required benefits to be granted only to national associations, thus the Akron balloon group was invited to join the BCA. [3]

In 1960, five years of study and development by a group of General Mills employees, including Ed Yost, produced the modern hot air balloon. A delegation represented by NE Philadelphia FAA tower controller Pete Pelegreno, Iowa lawyer/balloonist Don Kersten, and veteran balloonist Ed Yost, traveled to Washington D.C. seeking government recognition for the BCA. Under the guidance of the National Aeronautic Association, with the support of NAA's Randy Randelman, the Balloon Club created a new organization: "The Balloon Federation of America" (BFA). The initial Balloon Club group volunteered their time, expenses, and initially funded the BFA. Ed Yost, known as the "Father of Hot Air Ballooning", charged new organization members: "Balloons are precious!, make our organization likewise!"  [4]

Licensing

Depending on the size of the balloon, location, and intended use, hot air balloons and their pilots need to comply with a variety of regulations.

Balloons

All aircraft in the US which includes hot air balloons subject to FAA regulations via US Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). All balloons must be registered with an N-number, have an airworthiness certificate, and pass an annual inspection. Balloons below a certain size (empty weight of less than 155 pounds or 70 kg including envelope, basket, burners and empty fuel tanks) can be used as an ultralight aircraft.

Pilots

Pilot certificates are issued by the FAA via US Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 61 - CERTIFICATION: PILOTS, FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS, AND GROUND INSTRUCTORS. Pilots must operate via Title 14 CFR PART 91—GENERAL OPERATING AND FLIGHT RULES. [5]

Raven Industries developed the first modern hot air balloon in 1960-1961 and being a new aircraft, no specific FAA requirements existed. Circa 1963, Raven Industries engaged the FAA for certifying hot air balloons. Around 1964 the FAA introduced the balloon category with no requirements until 1974 with 14 CFR Part 61 guidance for Private and Commercial pilot certificates. [6]

See also

References
  1. "Welcome to the BFA!". BFA.net. BFA. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  2. "Become a member". BFA.net. BFA. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  3. "Balloon Club of America - history". BFA.net. BFA. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  4. "Ed Yost - BFA History Letter". BFA.net. BFA. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  5. "Electronic Code of Federal Regulations". ECFR.gov. ECFR. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  6. "Early FAA Balloon Pilots Licenses". BFA.net. BFA. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
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