Competition Blog Article Count: 0
Here is where other competitors will post information about various competitions and competition activity.
Women's Worlds Blog Article Count: 1
Women's Worlds Blog
US Competition Blogs Article Count: 2
US COMPETITION BLOG
News Article Count: 90
HACD News articles Article Count: 42
Featured Articles Article Count: 2
Awards Article Count: 7
BFA Awards Article Count: 3
FAI Awards Article Count: 5
Ride Operators Article Count: 3
Gas Division Article Count: 4
Welcome to the Gas Division
The gas division welcomes members of the BFA who are interested in gas ballooning. Join the division to today to access information about gas ballooning in the members only area. This area has announcements, a newsletter and technical archive for those interested in learning more about gas balloons used for Lighter Than Air Flights.
Any suggestions for this area should be sent to Brian Critelli: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
What is the Gas Division and why should I join?
The BFA Gas Division is a growing segment of the Balloon Federation of America. It is made up of pilots and crew members interested keeping the oldest part of our sport relevant and growing. Flying a gas balloon is complex, challenging, and extreme. It provides a significantly different perspective on lighter than air sports.
It forces pilots to deal with issues that are much easier to control or avoid when flying a hot air balloon. You will experience longer flights, must deal with weather, airspace and interact with air traffic control. Gas balloons fly differently and perform well in high winds and difficult weather. It provide pilots and crews a great learning opportunity typically not experienced when flying hot air balloons.
You can join the gas division for $10.00 per year as an associate member. Voting members must hold a free balloon rating and they are charged $25.00 per year.
The gas division produces its own newsletter for the membership as a part of your dues. We invite everyone who has an interest to join the group.
Flying A Gas Balloon Article Count: 3
What is it like to fly in a gas balloon? These articles will share some of the fun of gas ballooning.
Gas Division News Article Count: 1
Hot Air Competition Division Article Count: 25
HACD Results Info Article Count: 2
HACD Docs Article Count: 7
Event Updates Article Count: 1
Note: We will be using https://watchmefly.net for the Official Notice Board during the event. Stay tuned here for updates prior to the beginning of the event.
Official Notice Board 2018 Article Count: 56
Welcome to the Official Notice Board for the 2018 BFA US National Championship!
State & Regional Championships Article Count: 5
Click to read the State and Regional Competition results.
US Nationals Results (Archive) Article Count: 11
Here are the archived results from the US Nationals competitions.
International Eligibility List Article Count: 3
Pibal Readings Article Count: 5
Pibal
Readings
Task Sheets Article Count: 4
Task
Sheets
Task Sheets - Womens Nat'ls Article Count: 1
Task
Sheets
Scores - Womens Nat'ls Article Count: 14
Scores
Scores - Waterford Women's Competition Article Count: 6
Waterford
Women's
Scores
Women's Official Notice Board 2019 Article Count: 15
Welcome to the Women's Official Notice Board for the 2019 BFA US Women's National Championship!
Balloon Rides Article Count: 4
Publications Article Count: 2
Members of the Balloon Federation of America receive the bi-monthly publication BALLOONING: Journal of the Balloon Federation of America
BALLOONING is 56 pages of fun-filled news, interviews, features, personality profiles, how-tos, technical tips, new products, book reviews and much, much more. Delivered in eye-popping full color each issue will take you around the world to the most exciting ballooning events, big or small. If it's lighter-than-air, it's in BALLOONING!
BALLOONING gladly accepts contributions, both editorial and photographic, from freelancers. For more information on how to submit materials see "Hot to Get Published.
Advertisers will find current ad rates and specifications at "Advertise in BALLOONING."
For more information please contact BFA Publications Editor This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
BFA Publications
Bluebird Hill Airport
2585 Barron Road
Keithville, LA 71047
318-545-5055
Uncategorised Article Count: 50
Membership Article Count: 5
Divisions Article Count: 2
Information Article Count: 11
Education & Training Article Count: 12
Providing educational opportunities for our members is a key directive of the Balloon Federation of America. This section of the website includes on-line video seminars, articles about crew and ground safety, and information on pilot and crew achievement programs.
Many of the videos and sessions are only viewable by current members who have logged onto the site. Be sure to click on the LOG IN in the upper right if the education areas you are looking for do not show below.
Weather Article Count: 3
Journal Article Count: 15
The Balloon Federation of America produces a bi-monthly publication,
BALLOONING: Journal of the Balloon Federation of America.
BALLOONING is 56 pages of fun-filled news, interviews, features, personality
profiles, how-tos, technical tips, new products, book reviews and much,
much more. Delivered in eye-popping full color, each issue will take you
around the world to the most exciting ballooning events, big or small.
If it's lighter-than-air, it's in BALLOONING!
All members can view the magazine online, or can add home delivery to their
membership to receive the printed version.
Click the photo on the right to view a sample magazine!!!
For more information please email BFA Publications Editor Glen Moyer or write:
BFA Publications
Bluebird Hill Airport
2585 Barron Road
Keithville, LA 71047
PH: 318-925-4908
Junior Balloonists Article Count: 1
BFA Youth Program Mission
The Mission of the BFA Youth Program is to encourage the natural curiosity of youth to pursue involvement in the lifelong sport of ballooning. The BFA Youth Program encourages and supports members to develop programs and activities to expand the knowledge of youth who want to learn more. BFA Youth Program activities are designed to nurture the skills and develop interpersonal connections that will connect youth to the balloon community and help them become pilots or crew thus ensuring the future of ballooning.
BFA Youth Summer Camp Programs
The BFA offers a variety of camp types. Use the tabs below for descriptions.
Basic Camp
Basic Camp - 5 to 6-day Sleep over Camp –Camp for those who want to have a traditional summer camp experience. Topics will include introduction to ballooning, safety, flight and pilot decision making skills. There will be field trips, time together for socialization and community building.
The BFA Basic Youth Balloon Camp is a program-oriented sleepover camp targeted for youth aged 13-17 who are interested in an introductory hands-on experience and exposure to hot air ballooning in a week long traditional summer camp format.
PREVIOUS BALLOONING EXPERIENCE IS NOT REQUIRED!
They will be mentored by FAA certified commercial pilots and staff who are focused on providing training and experiences in a safe environment. They will be working with various balloon systems including set-up, tethering and if weather permits, maybe even a flight. The focus will be to provide the campers with introductory level knowledge and skills to encourage them the expand their knowledge about hot air balloons and set them on a pathway to become crew members, educate them on how to become a pilot and encourage them to further participate in ballooning events and activities.
The BFA Basic Camp tuition covers all meals, housing, balloon activities, field trips and all the fun. Balloon camp is staffed by volunteers who are subject to background checks and trained to provide a safe and rewarding camp experience for all. To view Frequently Asked Questions about our youth protection policy CLICK FAQs.
A nonrefundable $100 registration fee is due now and the remaining $525 tuition balance will be due by May 15, for a total of $625. Limited scholarships are available, see scholarship information below.
Day Camp
Day Camp –This 5–6-day camp has all the usual components of the daytime activities held during a Basic camp. The difference being that the campers will go home at the end of the day, saving the cost and logistics of sleepover arraignments.
PREVIOUS BALLOONING EXPERIENCE IS NOT REQUIRED!
They will be mentored by FAA certified commercial pilots and staff who are focused on providing training and experiences in a safe environment. They will be working with various balloon systems including set-up, tethering and if weather permits, maybe even a flight. The focus will be to provide the campers with introductory level knowledge and skills to encourage them the expand their knowledge about hot air balloons and set them on a pathway to become crew members, educate them on how to become a pilot and encourage them to further participate in ballooning events and activities.
They will be mentored by FAA certified commercial pilots and staff who are focused on providing training and experiences in a safe environment. They will be working with various balloon systems including set-up, tethering and if weather permits, maybe even a flight. The focus will be to provide the campers with introductory level knowledge and skills to encourage them the expand their knowledge about hot air balloons and set them on a pathway to become crew members, educate them on how to become a pilot and encourage them to further participate in the week long BFA Jr Balloonist Camps.
As a day camp the campers will join the staff each morning at camp facilities, participate with the pilots, crew, counselors’ instructors throughout the day and return to their parents/guardians in the afternoon. There will be NO OVERNIGHT LODGING OR FUNCTIONS.
The BFA Day Camp tuitions covers all meals, balloon activities, field trips and all the fun. Balloon camp is staffed by volunteers who are subject to background checks and trained to provide a safe and rewarding camp experience for all. To view Frequently Asked Questions about our youth protection policy CLICK FAQs.
A nonrefundable $100 registration fee is due now and the remaining $185 tuition balance will be due by May 15, for a total of $285. Limited scholarships may be available, see scholarship information below. NOT ALL DAY CAMPS OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS.
Event Camp
Event Camp – Typically this is a camp separate, but part of an existing ballooning event. Campers may have separate activities throughout the day yet joining the event for flying activities. The event management and the camp director coordinate event flying activities. The event designates a few balloons to work with the campers or allow additional pilots to be brought in to accommodate the campers, giving them the opportunity to crew and fly in the balloons.
The BFA Event Youth Balloon Camp is a program-oriented day camp targeted for youth aged 13-17 who are interested in an introductory hands-on experience and exposure to hot air ballooning in a day camp format. Parents are encouraged to participate alongside their children if desired.
PREVIOUS BALLOONING EXPERIENCE IS NOT REQUIRED!
They will be mentored by FAA certified commercial pilots and staff who are focused on providing training and experiences in a safe environment. They will be working with various balloon systems including set-up, tethering and if weather permits, maybe even a flight. The focus will be to provide the campers with introductory level knowledge and skills to encourage them the expand their knowledge about hot air balloons and set them on a pathway to become crew members, educate them on how to become a pilot and encourage them to further participate in the week long BFA Jr Balloonist Camps.
The $100 Youth Camp tuition covers meals (post-flight breakfast and lunch), balloon activities, field trips and all the fun. The balloon camp is staffed by volunteers that are trained to provide a safe and rewarding camp experience for all. Any volunteer or staff member that will have one-on-one exposure to the campers will undergo a background check from the BFA’s background check provider.
As a day camp the campers will join the staff each morning at camp facilities, participate with the pilots, crew, counselors’ instructors throughout the day and return to their parents/guardians in the afternoon. There will be NO OVERNIGHT LODGING OR FUNCTIONS.
The BFA Event Youth Balloon Camp has endorsed and will follow the BFA’s Youth protection policy as it pertains to the day camp format.
2023 Camps Planned
Basic Sleepover Camps
Southeastern Balloon Camp
Director: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Cordele, Georgia
June 20-25, 2023
Rio Grande Balloon Camp
Director: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
July 8-13, 2023
High Sierra Balloon Camp
Director: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Reno, Nevada
July 16-21, 2023
Event Camp
DinahSOAR BFA Youth Camp
Director: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Vernal, Utah
August 24-26, 2023
Boise BFA Youth Camp
Director: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Boise, Idaho
September 1-2, 2023
Camp Registration Process
March 1 -Online Camp Registration opens - Camp Registration requires a $100 Camp Registration fee to hold your spot in camp. This fee is nonrefundable unless selected camp has reached capacity.
March 1-14 - Youth who have not attended a BFA Youth Camp have priority acceptance.
March 15-21 - Campers who have attended BFA Youth Camp in previous years but are registering for a different camp location will be given priority acceptance at that location
March 22 - All campers will be considered for camp acceptance at any camp location given space and payment of registration fee.
March 22 - Beginning on March 22, campers will be informed of their registration status. Any campers that register after this date will be informed of status as space is verified.
April 1 - All scholarship essays and letters of recommendation are due to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
April 15 - Beginning on April 15, campers will be informed of scholarship status. All campers who have camp tuition balance due, will be invoiced.
May 15 - Full camp tuition due or spot in camp may be forfeited.
Scholarships
The Balloon Federation of America grants a limited number of scholarships for youth attending BFA Youth camps. In addition, many local balloon clubs and service organizations provide varying levels of scholarships for campers. Contact balloonists in your area to see if local scholarships are available.
If you wish to apply for a national scholarship, these are the requirements.
- Campers must pay the nonrefundable camp registration fee to be considered for a scholarship.
- Campers must write a 200-500 word essay on one of the following topics.
- Why do you want to attend a BFA Youth Balloon Camp?
- What does the sport of ballooning mean to you?
- Email completed essay toThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the name of the camper and the camp location attending by April 1.
- Provide a letter of recommendation from a non-family member. This can be someone associated with ballooning or a teacher, coach or other adult familiar with the camper. This letter should be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the name of the camper and camp location attending by April 1.
- Essays and letter of recommendation must be received by April 1 to be considered for scholarship award.
- Any additional applications and scholarships received after April 1 will be awarded based on need, requirements met and timeliness of application.
- Camp Directors will inform campers of their scholarship status around April 15.
- If a camper completes the application process as written and no scholarship is available and they cannot find other means of paying for camp, the BFA Youth Chair will consider a refund of the camp registration fee.
- Campers receiving scholarships will be required to write a thank you during camp.
Volunteers
The BFA Junior Balloonist Camps are run by a dedicated group of volunteer FAA Certified pilots and crew members who share their knowledge and passion for ballooning each summer with youth from across the country. Camp Staff are required to complete a BFA Background Check and are trained to make sure campers have a safe and rewarding week nurturing their natural curiosity in ballooning. If you are interested in joining our camp staff, please click the box below for BFA Summer Camp Volunteer Registration.
Questions – Contact Katie here:
Katie Griggs
BFA Youth Program Chairman
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
775-771-4175
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Contacts - generic Article Count: 4
Competition Videos Article Count: 2
US Nationals Applications Article Count: 6
HACD General Documents Article Count: 1
HACD Tools Article Count: 7
BFA On-Line Seminar Article Count: 2
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You have successfully registered for the upcoming seminar.
Look for an email confirmation shortly!
Click any menu item above to continue.
Links Article Count: 1
Corporate Members Article Count: 1
Our Corporate Members provide extra support for the Balloon Federation of America. We appreciate their contributions and encourgage our members to support these businesses.
BFA Documents Article Count: 5
Event Lists Article Count: 1
Choose an event list from below:
{Dean will fix these}
All Events
Competition Events
Balloon Festivals
HACD NEL Approved Competitions
Competitons by region perhaps
BFA Video Library Article Count: 9
BFA Video Library
Videos are now available for viewing by BFA members of the varying sessions from previous Seminar Webinars. Each video session is about an hour long.
If you are a BFA member and have logged into this website, click on the pictures in the following articles to view a video.
Planned Giving Article Count: 1
Giving to the Balloon Federation of America
From an Annual Fund gift to a bequest, there are many ways to make a gift to the Balloon Federation of America that best fits your individual circumstances. Some planned gifts can provide income for life to the beneficiary you name, and some allow you to unlock the income potential from a low-yielding asset. Most planned gifts receive favorable tax treatment, and all give you the satisfaction of investing in the Balloon Federation of America’s future.
Basic categories of gifts to the Balloon Federation of America
- Cash
Cash gifts, the easiest way to give, offer a tax deduction for the full amount of the gift in the year it is made. We thank you in advance for sending your gift of cash or check, made payable to the Balloon Federation of America, to:
Balloon Federation of America
PO Box 400
Indianola Iowa 50125
515-961-8809
- Credit Card
Credit card gifts have become a quick and easy way to give. The Balloon Federation of America accepts American Express, VISA, MasterCard and Discover. If you would like to make a gift with your credit card, please call the Office at 515-961-8809.
- Matching Gifts
You can double or triple the impact of your gift to the Balloon Federation of America. More than 15,000 companies sponsor matching gift programs to support education for employees and their families. Many companies will also match the contributions of their retired employees and spouses of employees.
Find out if your employer has a matching gift program.
- Recurring Gift Program
A recurring gift is an ongoing, specific gift amount determined by a donor that is charged monthly to a donor's credit card. Your recurring gifts will be a dependable source of support that the Balloon Federation of America can count on throughout the year.
- IRA Charitable Rollover
The IRA Charitable Rollover Provision allows individuals who have reached 70 ½ to donate up to $100,000 to charitable organizations directly from their Individual Retirement Account (IRA), without treating the distribution as taxable income. This provision had expired on January 1, 2015, but was reinstated and made permanent.
- Tribute and Memorial Gifts
In moments of joy, celebration, sadness or gratitude, we often look for ways to honor or remember a special person in our lives. The Balloon Federation of America welcomes gifts made in tribute or memory of individuals whether that person is a family member or friend.
A tribute or memorial gift can be made in honor of your special person at any time and in any amount.
- Appreciated Securities
Giving appreciated securities is a convenient way to support the Balloon Federation of America while gaining tax advantages. You will receive an income tax deduction for the full market value of the stock on the date of the gift, provided you have owned the securities for more than 12 months. Most donors avoid liability for capital gains tax otherwise due on the sale of securities.
How to Give Securities
When the security is held by your broker or commercial banker:
Notify your broker that you want to give securities to the Balloon Federation of America and send a letter to the broker and the Balloon Federation of America Office, and also include the amount of shares, the name(s) of the stock(s), and state your intention for the gift. In the letter, direct your broker to transfer your gift into the BFA’s account.
When the security is in your name and in your possession:
- You must obtain the stock/bond power from your broker or banker.
- You must also obtain a Release form.
- Sign the stock/bond power and the Release form and have your signature notarized. Sign exactly as your name appears on the stock certificate. If the security is jointly owned, both owners must sign the stock/bond power.
- Mail the signed stock power and Release forms in a separate envelope to the BFA Office along with a copy of your letter of transmittal.
- Mail unendorsed certificates by first class or registered mail with a letter of transmittal to the Balloon Federation of America.
- If the certificates are already endorsed, send them by insured mail or deliver them in person to the Balloon Federation of America Office.
Valuation of Your Securities
The gift value of securities is the mean of the high and low prices on the date that the securities are transferred by your broker and received in Balloon Federation’s account or hand delivered or mailed (date of the later postmark if not the same) in negotiable form to the BFA.
The ceiling on deductibility of your gift of appreciated securities is 30 percent of gross income. However, usually you may carry forward any excess as a deduction for as many as five years. Please consult your attorney or accountant for further information.
Benefits of a Gift of Long-Term Appreciated SecuritiesExample
Securities Gift |
Cash |
|
Market Value |
$10,000 |
$10,000 |
Original Cost |
- $2,000 |
|
Equals Capital Gain |
$8,000 |
|
Income Tax Deduction |
$10,000 |
$10,000 |
Income Tax Avoided (Percent used in reference to tax bracket) |
$3,100 |
$3,100 |
Capital-Gain Tax Avoided $8,000 x 20% |
+ $1,600 |
|
Equals Total Tax Savings |
$4,700 |
$3,100 |
Cost of $10,000 gift |
$5,300 |
$6,900 |
Benefit to the Balloon Federation of America |
$10,000 |
$10,000 |
Short-term Appreciation
It is usually inadvisable to make a charitable gift of appreciated securities when your capital gain is short term (e.g., you have owned the securities 12 months or less). Such a gift is deductible only on the amount of its cost basis, not its market value.
Depreciated Securities
In general, it is not advisable to donate securities that are currently worth less than you paid for them. If the sale of stocks or bonds would result in a tax-deductible loss, it is usually to your advantage to sell them to establish a tax loss and then donate the proceeds to the BFA.
Closely Held Stock
Making a gift to the Balloon Federation of America of closely held or restricted stock may allow you to gain immediate cash benefits through tax savings. Because closely held or restricted stock requires special handling please contact an attorney or tax advisor.
Gifts of Property
Real Estate
Real estate can be contributed outright or through a life-income gift. You can contribute the entire interest in your property or a fraction of the interest. You can even contribute your personal residence, but continue to reside there for the rest of your life. This gift of a future interest in your home lets you continue to enjoy your home without diminishing your standard of living and while obtaining a substantial current income tax charitable deduction.
This information is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes include federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results