Pilot Achievement

The Pilot Achievement Award Program (PAAP), initiated by the Balloon Federation of America (BFA) in 1982, aims to enhance the sport of ballooning by motivating pilots to elevate their flying skills and aeronautical knowledge through a structured series of challenges and rewards. The program addresses the increasing diversity in pilot experience and the growing seriousness with which the sport is regarded by both the public and regulatory bodies. With eight progressive levels, the PAAP encourages continuous learning and offers public acknowledgment for each achievement, fostering a professional and engaging environment for balloon pilots.