Past issues of the Balloon Builders' Journal have covered a wide range of topics. Subjects have included ammonia gas ballooning, the design of custom envelopes, reports on individual building projects, design and building of replacement envelopes, construction of a custom burner system, homebuilt special shapes, lightweight balloons, the design of low cost, low effort systems, as well as ultralight aircraft. Finally, a report on the EBAA's annual Experimental Balloon and Airship Meet has been included every year since the event's origination in 1994, describing new creations and innovative ideas presented there. The Balloon Builders' Journal was published by Bob LeDoux five or six times per year for approximately five years until 1999. As of early 1999, Bob LeDoux decided to cease publication of BBJ with Issue No. 28 in order to dedicate more time to his family and flying.
Back issues are no longer available.
However, efforts are under way to re-publish all issues online at some point in the year 2000. Materials and ideas listed here are in part unproven and may be hazardous to use in the construction and operation of experimental hot air balloons and airships. Building and flying experimental aircraft involves significant risk and may lead to serious injury or death.