Balloon group launches ‘e-blast,’ will light up Airportfest

Countless early risers have been rewarded on a beautiful morning with the sight of a hot air balloon drifting peacefully above the scene, and resolved on the spot to learn more about ballooning and the pilots who practice the art.

Following up on that resolution will be just a mouse click away Oct. 21 when the Balloon Federation of America (BFA) launches a new monthly "e-blast" electronic publication.

Free to anyone interested in learning more about the color-filled world of ballooning, "the monthly e-blast will featurefun-filled news, how-tos, technical tips, and more. The e-blast is everything about lighter-than-air aviation that is ballooning," said a BFA announcement.

Federation members will write the publication's article, which will be edited by volunteers from the BFA's board of directors. Readers will be welcome to submit reports of newsworthy events, said Mick Murphy of Aer Blarney Balloons of Litchfield, Conn. Subscribe or visit the BFA website.

Balloon glow set for Summit

If the idea of lighter-than-air flight lights you up, and suggests that a closer inspection of ballooning is in order, be sure to attend AOPA Aviation Summit's Rock 'n Rally at Airportfest at Brainard Airport in Hartford, Conn., the evening of Friday, Sept. 23, when five balloons will put on a glow to the music of the band "Out of Touch." Balloons will fly from Brainard each morning Sept. 22 through 24, weather permitting, and be on static display, adding a lighter-than-air flavor to the early fall weekend's aviation events .