The BFA returns to Oshkosh and the EAA's Airventure airshow this summer with great expectations.

A steady increase in the BFA presence at Oshkosh will continue this year with the addition of fly-outs on Saturday and Sunday mornings and the display of the 1960 Raven replica built by the Sioux Falls Ballooning Association.  Special shape and experimental balloons will be featured during daily morning and evening tethers.  Jonathan Trappe will be launching his cluster balloon.  A number of members will be giving presentations on subjects such as balloon building and how to get a balloon rating.  The BFA has a tent in the static display area for the entire week where we will be giving everyone who visits it a chance to win a balloon ride for two.  Recent years’ participation has resulted in a number of new balloon pilots and BFA members.

Here’s what we need from you BFA members to support this: 
•Come and bring a balloon to tether any number of the days you can (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and  5:00 PM to 6:00 PM). 
You will get day passes to Airventure for you and your crew for the days you attend.  We hope to have a group of the EAA Young Eagles for one of the tethers and we will be educating them on the BFA camps.
•Join the fly-out on Saturday and/or Sunday morning.  Same deal on day passes.  No competition, prizes, passengers etc., just a simple flight from the grounds at 6:00 AM.
•Help man the BFA tent (It’s open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day) and get to tell the rest of the aviation community what they’re missing not flying balloons. Same deal on day passes.

Here are opportunities for you to be part of the biggest aviation event of the year, help the BFA, meet lots of new aviators, and tell all of your old ballooning stories to a new audience. If you want to be a part of this you need to send an email to bhughes@bfa.net and tell Bill what you would like to do and he will coordinate the schedule to accommodate as many members as possible.  There will be reimbursement for propane on all tethers and flights but that is the limit of support.  On site is one of the finest run campgrounds you will find anywhere so bring your tent or camper.  Motel space is at a premium in the area.  For locally residing members we would appreciate any offers of a room or a cot or whatever, to accommodate travelers.