Hot Air Ballooning Competitions

In hot air ballooning competition, the pilots need to be able to read different wind directions at different altitudes (heights). Some experienced hot air balloon pilots are able to take a flight in one direction, rise to a different altitude to catch wind in a returning direction. With experience, luck and the right conditions, some pilots are able to control a precision landing at the destination. On rare occasions, they may be able to return to the launch site at the end of the hot air balloon flight.

The dangers of the sport include excessive (vertical or horizontal) speed during landing, entangling high voltage power lines and mid-air collisions that may collapse the balloon.

In the United States, hot air balloon pilots must have an FAA license. In the United Kingdom a Private Pilots Licence issued by the CAA.

Please visit our hot air resources section to find some past hot air ballooning competitions.