BFA Hot Air Competition Division

08/25/2026

08/20/2026

🗓️Tune in Tomorrow, August 20, for the next HACD board meeting at 8:00 PM ET via Google Meet!

Member call-ins will take place during the first 15 minutes of the meeting — check your email for this month’s agenda and participation details.

08/16/2026

The 2026 US National Balloon Championship concluded yesterday morning at the Old West Balloon Fest in Scottsbluff, NE!

After 4 flights and 20 competive tasks, our top 3 finishers are…

🥇 Landon Kohtz
🥈 Johnny Petrehn
🥉Jonathan Wright

Congratulations to all the competitors! Full results from the championship can be viewed on Watch Me Fly!

🔗 https://watchmefly.net/events/event.php?e=usnationals2026&v=tt

08/15/2026

Official results are in through Flights 1-3 of the 2026 BFA U.S. National Championships in Scottsbluff, Nebraska! 🇺🇸🎈

Competitors are taking to the skies for the final flight of the championship this morning! Stay tuned for the final results! 🏆

Check out Watch Me Fly for the full results and standings!

🔗 https://watchmefly.net/events/event.php?e=usnationals2026&v=t

08/11/2026

Official results are in through Flights 1 & 2 of the 2026 BFA U.S. National Championships in Scottsbluff, Nebraska! 🇺🇸🎈

Check out Watch Me Fly for the full results and standings!

🔗 https://watchmefly.net/events/event.php?e=usnationals2026&v=t

08/11/2026

The 2026 BFA US National Balloon Championship kicked off this week at the Old West Balloon Fest in Scottsbluff, NE! 🎈

Good luck and safe flying to all the competitors!

Follow along with the championship tasks and results on Watch Me Fly!

🔗 https://watchmefly.net/events/event.php?e=usnationals2026&v=t

07/24/2026

🗳️ Voting is now open!

It’s time to make your voice heard! All eligible BFA members should have received an email with instructions to cast their ballot. If you do not have an email address on file, a paper ballot will be mailed to you.

Voting Deadlines:
🗓️ Online voting closes August 21
📬 Mailed ballots must be received by August 22

If you have difficulty voting, please contact Denise at the BFA office!
📞 (515-961-8809)
📧 [email protected]

07/23/2026

🗓️Tune in Today, July 23, for the next HACD board meeting at 8:00 PM ET via Google Meet!

Member call-ins will take place during the first 15 minutes of the meeting — check your email for this month’s agenda and participation details.

07/23/2026

🗳️ Meet Ben Leatherman, HACD Great Lakes Region Candidate!

Ben grew up around hot air ballooning, spending years crewing for balloon teams before becoming a competitive pilot. He has competed in balloon competitions for the past five years and is passionate about giving back to the ballooning community while helping strengthen the future of competitive ballooning.

Be sure to read Ben’s full candidate bio this Friday when HACD Board elections officially open!

07/22/2026

🗳️ Meet Ryan Duff, HACD At-Large Candidate!

Ryan grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and became a second-generation balloon pilot at the age of 19. He went on to earn his Commercial LTA pilot certificate at age 21. As an avid competitor, Ryan is passionate about growing competitive ballooning by supporting the next generation of pilots and strengthening the HACD’s connection with pilots, events, and the ballooning community.

Be sure to read Ryan’s full candidate bio this Friday when HACD Board elections officially open!