ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Tired of all the crashes into power lines, buildings and trees, the Federal Government may be getting ready to crack down on hot air ballooning and that has pilots worried about the future of their sport and the future of New Mexico's big event - the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
In a recent memo released by the National Transportation Safety Board, regulators say crashes are becoming way too frequent. They're now asking for tougher regulations for the sport which some fear could let some of the air out of Balloon Fiesta.
"As it was proposed, it would have potential for huge negative effect on the hot air ballooning industry across the board," said Scott Appelman, a longtime balloon pilot.
Appelman has been ballooning for 31-years. He's also the president of the "Rainbow Ryders" Hot Air Balloon Company and Chairman of the Balloon Federation of America (BFA.)
Appelman is among others in the BFA who are now opposing the NTSB's preliminary call for more oversight into hot air ballooning for specific reasons.
The NTSB has asked the FAA for more oversight on balloon pilots which could likely mean things like more flight tests, inspections and licensing.
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