Mission Statement
We are proud to share our Mission, Vision and Values with our membership
The Balloon Federation of America is a membership organization dedicated to the art, sport and science of Ballooning, and to providing a unified voice for the purpose of representing U.S. balloonists and ballooning enthusiasts across the United States of America, its territories and possessions, before the international ballooning community.
The Balloon Federation of America will provide a national forum for the exchange of ideas to advance the cause of Ballooning as a safe activity that enriches not only the lives of those that directly participate, but the general public as well. In seeking to meet these objectives, the Balloon Federation of America will maintain the highest standards of excellence by promoting understanding and cooperation between ballooning disciplines, by establishing safety and training programs of value to all members, and by encouraging sporting activities that meet American values for fair and just competition.
Vision
The Balloon Federation of America is an open forum where all Balloonists may find support in achieving their dreams, excellence in their area of interest and assistance in reaching their goals. We envision all forms of Ballooning as a safe, family oriented sport where all members may come to enjoy the art of Aerostatica and the wonder of flight. We support those competitors that come to ballooning for the thrill of winning.
We will serve as the Official Sanctioning body for America's Team to the World's Ballooning Competition. We support all members that come to ballooning seeking community with others of like interest. We will continually strive to provide an environment that espouses Safety, Skill, and Achievement. We will seek an organization that provides enjoyment of ballooning all the while valuing basic human values of ethics, honesty and respect for all.
Values
- Safety is most important.
- We value human dignity.
- We support all common social values, respecting individuals and differing opinions.
- We seek all contributions to the sport of ballooning for the common good.
- We value education for all that seek knowledge in ballooning.
- We insist on fairness in all competitive events.
- We will recognize significant contributions to the sport and important achievements through individual endeavors.
- The affairs of the BFA will be administered in a Democratic Forum with fairness, trust and integrity among the participants.
Latest News Headlines
Many of you have a growing concern about the increase in drone activities in your area. The growth of the number of companies that have obtained an operations certificate, better known as an FAR 135 C [ ... ]
ELECTION 2023
Candidates have been selected by their respective nominating committees and we are please to announce the candidates for the 2023 election. All [ ... ]
UAS Beyond Visual Line-Of-Sight Operations
On the evening of June 13, 2023, the BFA made its final comments (see attached) in response to the recommendation made to FAA by the UAS com [ ... ]
Most of you will remember that we brought to your attention a few months ago, an attempt by some commercial drone operations to change the right of way rules to allow drones operating BVLOS, or beyond [ ... ]
MUST-SEE Safety!
Ballooning’s biggest buzzkill – literally and figuratively - is a power line strike. The just-released 20-minute video “Crossing the Line” offers pilots and crew dozens of pr [ ... ]
The BFA has had some success with the Aeromedical Branch of the FAA lately. Approximately 3 weeks ago the BFA posted a request for anyone having applied for a medical and were waiting for the FAA to r [ ... ]
The 2023 BFA OnLine Seminar is now available!
REGISTER HERE
All BFA members can watch any of the continuting education videos at no extra cost by logging in and then visiting the Seminar Video Libra [ ... ]
Dear BFA Members,
As the deadline draws near for the requirement for the second class medical, the BFA is hearing from many pilots that have applied and have some medical deficiency [ ... ]
President Pat Cannon
(515) 961-8809
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Balloon Federation of America PO Box 400 Indianola, Iowa January 23, 2023
The BFA has been continuing to work with FAA to provide better explanations for some of [ ... ]
As we march toward May and the reality that commercially rated LTA pilots will be required to possess a second-class medical certificate if they intend to use their certificate for commercial purposes [ ... ]
Letter from BFA President, Pat Cannon
12/30/2022
It has been over a month now since the final date was set for the requirement for a second class medical for pilots holding a commercial LTA [ ... ]
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