World Air Games - Hot Air Balloon Competition

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!