This includes providing programs of educational and safety training, organizing and operating the US National Balloon Championships as well as other local, state and regional competitions, and selecting US representative pilots for participation in World Championships and the prestigious Coupe de Gordon Bennett gas balloon race. The BFA is a non-profit, volunteer organization.
Membership is open to anyone interested in promoting the sport of ballooning.
The BFA also offers youngsters 18 years and under membership in the BFA Junior Balloonist program to encourage their interests in the sport, science and technology of ballooning while enforcing the importance of living a drug free life and staying in school to complete their education. The organization's corporate offices are in Indianola, Iowa which is also home of the National Balloon Museum. The National Balloon Museum opened in 1988, admission is free and open to the public seven days a week.