Ballooning

The FAI Ballooning Commission (CIA) is the International Air Sport Commission responsible, within FAI, for developing the Ballooning air sport events available for inclusion in the Event Program of the World Air Games, for preparing Competition Rules and selecting the Athletes invited to the World Air Games.

This section provides information and references on the Ballooning disciplines included in the Event Program of the World Air Games 2009.

The structure and content of this section will be regularly updated to reflect preparation work completed by the LOC and the Commission.

• CIA Information Bulletins
• Hot Air Balloons
• Gas Balloons

CIA INFORMATION BULLETINS

Open

HOT AIR BALLOONS

The modern successors of the balloon flown by the Montgolfier Brothers in 1783, hot air balloons have no means of propulsion. Competitions consist of precision tasks, where pilots use the winds at different altitudes to navigate towards set goals and targets. Their pilots must therefore exercise particular skills to analyse weather conditions, observe natural features, and make the best use of burning propane gas to control their altitude. Launches are particularly spectacular, with balloons painting amazing and colourful pictures in the sky.

GAS BALLOONS

These ancient mariners of the skies, evoking the fantastic adventures imagined by Jules Verne, use hydrogen or helium as lifting gases, water or sand as ballast. Though the only way of controlling the balloon is by throwing sand overboard or releasing gas from the envelope, gas balloons can also fly precision tasks. But the most prestigious gas balloon competitions are long-distance races, highlighting the adventure and bravery of the teams as they try to cover the longest distance, relying strictly on the winds. Since gas balloons can fly for several days, GPS technology is used to track the flights so that spectators can follow their progress in real time.