PILOTS who receive a ground posting usually remain desk-bound - but there is an exception.

One of the so-called "ground postings" is at No. 28 Squadron RAAF Base Fairbairn involving the Air Force balloon.

28SQN is the only ground posting for pilots which keeps them in the air.

The balloon's role is to make a contribution to the local community while promoting a positive image of the Australian Defence Force.

It attends events within Australia and overseas, offering tethered rides to the public and adding something unusual and visually spectacular to the festivities.

For Flight Lieutenant Greg Ferguson, being given three weeks notice to leave his job flying P3s at RAAF Base Edinburgh and do a conversion course to become an Air Force balloon pilot was more than a surprise.

"I was shocked more like it," FLTLT Ferguson said.

"I'm particularly looking forward to interacting with children and chatting to the public in general."

He is doing training under Squadron Leader Robert Cook, a reserve pilot with more than 10 years' experience with the Air Force balloon.

The Air Force started operating a hot-air balloon in 1990 with the launch of a Kavanagh Balloon D77 model.

The passengers on this first flight included the Soviet Ambassador and then Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ray Funnell.

Apart from regular sightings around Canberra, the Air Force Balloon will be appearing at the following events during the remainder of the year:

• Reserve Forces Day Brisbane, August 19-27.

• Brisbane River Festival, August 27-September 2.

• No. 34 Squadron RAAF Base Fairbairn open day, September 14.

• Back to Quilpie, September 25-October 1.

• Back to Bowra, October 3-9.

• Phillip Island Motorcycle Grand Prix, October 17-21.

• Russell Hill Child Care Centre Canberra, October 23.

• HMAS Cerberus Open Day, October 26 -28.

• Wangaratta Jazz Festival, November 1-6.

• Gundagai Dog on the Tuckerbox Festival, November 21-25.

• Jerrabomberra Cancer Kids Christmas Party Canberra, December 30.

• Koomari Day of Disability Canberra, December 3.

• Camp Quality Nowra, December 17-22.

BY SGT Nerine Eaton