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

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.

Event Description : Hot Air Balloons (pdf / 60 Kb)
Bid Book : Ballooning Events (pdf / 2,1 Mb)
Venue : Mondovi
Test Events : 8 - 13 July 2008
Competition Rules : Open
Athletes : Pilots' selection will be based on the results of two previous World Championships.
Link to LOC Webpages : Ballooning at Mondovi
Contact Details : FAI/CIA Liaison Officer / LOC Air Sport Director



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.

Event Description : Gas Balloons (pdf / 60 Kb)
Bid Book : Ballooning Events (pdf / 2,1 Mb)
Venue : Turin City Center
Test Events : Open
Competition Rules : Open
Athletes : Selection based on results of previous competitions
Link to LOC Webpages : Ballooning at Mondovi
Contact Details : FAI/CIA Liaison Officer / LOC Air Sport Director






PHOTOS

Hot Air Balloons (Test Event at Mondovi)
(Photos : FAI/Jean-Marc Badan)

Task setting by the Event Director David Levin. Early morning pilots' briefing.
Preparation of targets. The competition has started.
Throwing a marker. Close to the target.
Flying over Mondovi's Torre del Belvedere.
Sunset over Mondovi.
The new Italian Champion Paolo Bonanno receives his medal from the hands of Mondovi's Mayor.