Small Aircraft
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 10; Flight Crew Total 120
ATC Issue All Types; Inflight Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
General None Reported / Taken
Chart Or Publication; Environment - Non Weather Related
I was in cruise phase on the flight; from ZZZ to ZZZ1. Around Yuma there was an object in the air which me and my passenger couldn't identify but seemed like a balloon with a human size gray color metal part at the same altitude. We passed very close by; it was scary and since it was a relatively small object I couldn't see it from very far; so I didn't have much time to react. It wasn't moving in horizontal (not 100% sure about horizontal) or vertical space. Also didn't appear on Stratux or GPS. I was on flight following; so I immediately communicated with the ATC and shared details. 2 days after this incident; we were on the way back to ZZZ; exactly same happened around the same area; reported again to ATC the same way. The only difference this time was; it was [a] little smaller. Few days ago; since I'm currently in IFR training I shared my experience with my CFII except giving the location but the destination; he immediately asked if this happened around Yuma and I was surprised with his question. He is not sure what the object is either; but obviously I am not the only one seeing these. So wanted to create this report since I think it's a high potential danger especially if that would be an IFR flight.
Private pilot reported an encounter with a large stationary balloon while in cruise flight near Yuma; AZ.