What is the name of the ballooning sport involving precision landings and navigation contests?

Competitive ballooning is the sport of flying balloons in precision and navigation contests.

Unlike powered aircraft, balloons cannot normally choose a direct horizontal route. Pilots instead control altitude and use wind layers moving in different directions or at different speeds. Competition tasks therefore test planning, observation, altitude management, and the ability to reach or mark targets accurately.

Events may involve dropping a marker near a target, navigating to a designated area, or completing a task within a specified time. Pilots often study weather forecasts and measure conditions during the flight before selecting the best altitude.

Competitive ballooning is sometimes confused with balloon festivals. Festivals emphasize mass ascents and public displays, while competitions formally score pilots on tasks. The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale recognizes ballooning as an air sport and publishes international competition rules.