MADISON, Wis. — Decisions to shoot down multiple unidentified objects over the U.S. and Canada this month have put a spotlight on amateur balloonists who insist their creations pose no threat.

Source: https://www.startribune.com/decision-to-shoot-down-balloons-puts-spotlight-on-hobbyists/600252561/

Suggesting that the U.S. downing of the spy balloon violated “international practice” is particularly outrageous as American balloonists have been shot down before, while flying in countries that overzealously protected national airspace.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/craighooper/2023/02/05/after-restricting-balloon-overflights-for-25-years-chinas-protests-wear-thin/

The balloons are so light that the Federal Aviation Administration doesn't regulate them and doesn't require balloonists to file flight plans, Medlin said.

Source: https://www.startribune.com/decision-to-shoot-down-balloons-puts-spotlight-on-hobbyists/600252561/

Worcester Balloon Festival, which will take place for the first time in 2023, said more than 50 balloonists have applied to be part of the event.

Source: https://www.eveshamjournal.co.uk/news/23349916.worcester-balloon-festival-will-feature-least-50-balloons/?ref=rss