Albuquerque, NM - On Thursday, September 25, the FAA notified Balloon Fiesta's Executive Director Paul Smith that it had changed its interpretation of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARS) stating foreign pilots would be required to complete a biennial flight review (BFR) before being issued a license to fly in the United States. As a result International pilots were granted a waiver to fly in this year’s event.

“We want to thank Senator Pete Domenici, Senator Jeff Bingaman and Congresswoman Heather Wilson for their timely intervention in keeping the 32nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta from being impacted by a recent FAA ruling,” said Smith.

Source: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® spokesperson Kathie Leyendecker.