World Air Games - Hot Air Balloon Competition

by FliteTest | February 22, 2016 | (4) Posted in News

World Air Games - Hot Air Balloon Competition 

Alex’s brother Joe stopped by Flite Test HQ to talk about his experience as a hot air balloon racer.

Joe developed an interest in hot air balloons from a young age, a passion that led him to become a competitive hot air balloonist. He got his balloon license at the age of 16, and has been flying ever since.

Joe recently travelled to Dubai to compete in the World Air Games (WAG), the Olympics of air sports. The WAG features everything from full-scale balloons, airplanes and gliders to R/C combats with 3D helis and planes.

The American balloon team at the WAG had seven spots. Joe received one of these spots based on his national ranking.

There were 70 pilots in the balloon competition at the WAG. Each pilot also had their own crew, whose primary job was to follow the balloons and pick up the pilots wherever they landed.

Competitive ballooning is strategic, precision flying. The balloonists launch from a point and fly toward set targets. Then they throw a beanbag on the target. Whoever hits the target closest to the center wins.

Of the nine tasks that the balloonists were required to complete, Joe won the beanbag target task with an awesome throw that landed near the center!

Because the city of Dubai is located along the coast, balloonists were able to fly over the city and safely land in the desert, seeing an incredible perspective of Dubai and the surrounding area.

If you’re interested in learning more about balloons, check out Joe’s blog at balloonpong.com or visit the Balloon Federation of America (BFA) website at bfa.net!

COMMENTS

HilldaFlyer on February 27, 2016
Totally awesome! A long time ago I was privileged to see a hot air balloon competition or something of the like near Medford OR. I really liked the night glow show. It was a real treat, and had I known what a great treat it was, I would have stayed longer and watched.
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GTSoundGuy on February 22, 2016
Very cool! Would love to go to something like this in the states! We have a very big ballooning community community in my area! Hopefully see a west coast Flite Fest someday soon! Ohio is just a little too far for our family! Bet it's an absolute blast!! :)

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bruin12 on February 24, 2016
Great story and choice for a FliteTest Show. My young son loves everything aviation and I am always looking for ideas and activities that could be in his future. Ballooning is now definitely on the list. Please keep this sort of content mixed in to the regular FliteTest activities - great stuff!
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gasrol on January 2, 2023
Wow, such a fantastic tale and FliteTest Show topic selection. My kid is at an age when he is interested in flying, therefore I am constantly searching for things to do with him. The addition of ballooning to the itinerary is final. Thanks for include information like this in the normal FliteTest routine, we really appreciate it.
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World Air Games - Hot Air Balloon Competition