Ballooning Ballooning is an air sport using large hot air or buoyant gas balloons. These flying machines originated in the 18th century and have made a revival in the last part of the 20th century. Competitions consist of a variety of tasks, where several tasks can be set for just one flight. Ballooning is governed by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, the international federation for air sports, which was founded in 1905. World Hot Air Balloon Championships World Gas Balloon Championships World Hot Air Airship Championships European Hot Air Balloon Championships Defunct Events: European Hot Air Airship Championships