The Balloon Federation of America, the world s largest organization of balloonists, has announced its Officers and Board of Directors that will lead the organization through 2001, the BFA s 40th Anniversary year. As the official ballooning branch of the US National Aeronautic Association, the BFA represents the interests of some 3,500 member hot air and gas balloon pilots and crew. 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. 2001 marks the 40th anniversary of the Balloon Federation of America. 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.