Upcoming Training

Join us in 2025 for comprehensive balloon pilot and crew training! Gain hands-on experience, safety skills, and expert guidance to elevate your ballooning journey.

Upcoming Training

Join us in 2025 for comprehensive balloon pilot and crew training! Gain hands-on experience, safety skills, and expert guidance to elevate your ballooning journey.

BFA Convention

March 28-29, 2025 Dayton, Ohio. Join your fellow aeronauts at the BFA National Convention & Trade Show. The Convention is held every three years in different locations around the country. This year it will be in Dayton, Ohio at the Dayton Convention Center.

BFA Convention

The purpose of the Symposium, Convention and Trade Show is to promote safety through education, share experiences, and have some fun with fellow pilots, crews, manufacturers and businesses with the latest information and news about ballooning.

Balloon Event Symposium

This one of a kind conference is designed to educate event organizers, communities interested in hosting a balloon event and event officials alike on the various aspects of running a safe and successful hot air balloon event. Or, maybe you already host a great community event but have considered adding hot air balloons to your community event for greater exposure.

Balloon Event Symposium

The Mission of the Symposium is to bring together all parties interested in hot air balloon events including event organizers AND officials who host or may be interested in hosting a balloon event, and pilots interested in learning more about event safety. The Symposium is designed to promote a free exchange of ideas in a social gathering that will feature facilitators with many years of experience as an event organizer or event official who have worked hand in hand with local communities to host successful hot air balloon events.

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From our Members

Testimonials

As we all know, navigating the procedure to obtain your Class II Medical certificate can be difficult. The BFA leadership assisted me in this process and even put me in touch with a doctor at Aeromed. Thanks to the expertise shown by the BFA, I had greater insight and fewer headaches during what was an otherwise very stressful process.

Jamie Hohman

I’ve been a BFA member since 1994, joining shortly after earning my LTA Certificate. This introduced me to the many different aspects of Ballooning. I joined the Competition Division and then became interested in Gas Ballooning. Both have given me many new and different experiences in ballooning, thanks to the BFA.

Ken Draughn

The Balloon Federation of America has been an invaluable asset since I founded my ballooning company in 1977. With a national network of passionate individuals who are dedicated to both the sport of ballooning and its growth, the BFA plays a crucial role in shaping the future of my business and the continued success of our sport.

Ed Vanderhoef

Competing in the Hot Air Competition Division has challenged me to refine my flight techniques, improve my navigation skills, and develop a deeper understanding of weather patterns and strategic decision-making. The camaraderie among pilots, the high level of competition, and the support from mentors have all contributed to my growth—not just as a competitor, but as a more confident and capable balloonist. I’m truly grateful for the experiences and growth I’ve gained through this division, and I highly recommend it to any pilot looking to elevate their skills and passion for ballooning.

Patrick Cloyd

We’re Professionals!!

The BFA is a community of passionate balloonists eager to share our joy and knowledge of the sport with others.

Competition Division

Interested in ballooning competitions? The HACD sets rules, manages national scoring, and supports USA world qualifiers, playing a vital role within the BFA.

Professional Division

Looking to book a ride or gain exposure as a commercial balloon pilot? Click here to visit the PRO site-where all members commit to high standards of safety and ethical business practices.

Junior Balloonist

The BFA’s Junior Balloonist Division connects youth with balloon pilots through education, camps, and mentorship, inspiring the future of ballooning. Click here to learn more.

Gas Ballooning

The BFA Gas Division supports helium and hydrogen ballooning and oversees qualification for national and world gas competitions. Click here to visit the Gas Division.

GUIDING OUR FUTURE

BFA IS THE BEST
Organization

Advocate with government agencies. Drones, ADS-B, medical, 10k rule some of the most recent. Currently working on addendum to the Backcountry Aviation Protection Act to enable change to 91.119
Ballooning Magazine
Provides a mechanism for competing at a world class level
Recognition of excellence in individual achievement
Training efforts support; Continued Education / Safety Seminars
Outreach thru Junior Balloonist programs
Provides access to a community of like-minded individuals