More than 100 hot-air balloon pilots took to the skies over the southeastern town Polish town of Krosno on Monday as part of the 26th FAI World Hot Air Balloon Championship. A total of 104 pilots from 32 countries are competing in the event, which Poland is hosting for the first time. The competition tests the flying skills of the pilots to reach set targets. Spectators gathered before dawn to watch the balloons launch, with one saying the event had been planned into a family vacation months in advance. Another said getting up at 4:30 am had been “worth it". Krosno, a city in the Carpathian foothills known for its glassmaking tradition and historic old town, is hosting competition flights till Thursday. The closing ceremony is scheduled for Friday, September 25. Weather permitting, pilots are due to complete two competition flights a day before the world champion is crowned.
