Basic Rules
Target Area: 100 meters or the field boundaries.
Flying Window: ~2 hours, set each morning.
Launch Distance: Minimum 1 km from the target unless noted otherwise.
Registration: Pilots and balloons must be registered via the Flying Events committee by 5 pm on Friday before the event.
Crew Certification: Submit electronically by noon on the event day to earn points. Click here for COU form.
FAA Requirements: All pilot and balloon details (e.g., registration, airworthiness, insurance) must be current with AAAA to fly in any and all events. Send current documents to flying-events@hotairballooning.org no later than 5 pm on Friday before the event.
Sign-In:
- In-person briefing: Sign in on the field before the briefing.
- Zoom briefing: Attend for the full duration to earn Show-Up Points.
- Electronic Scanning: Not being used at this time.
Special Events: To participate in Friends & Lovers Rally or Jingle Bell Non-Rally, pilots must send current documents to flying-events@hotairballooning.org no later than 5 pm on Friday before the event.
Scoring Area Rules: No landing in the scoring area (except emergencies).
Radio Requirement: Pilots must carry an operational aircraft radio.
Baggies: Only official baggies are allowed. Clearly label them, and ensure they are safe for the scoring team.
Live Streaming: Prohibited during competition.
Weather Cancellations
- Events are canceled if conditions violate safety or FAA waivers.
- Morning Cancellation: Pilots at the briefing and signed in earn Show-Up Points.
- Prior Cancellation: No points if canceled via email by 9 pm the previous day.
- Zoom Briefings: Attend the full session to earn Show-Up Points.
Points System
Show-Up Points: 200 points for attending the briefing, signing in, and meeting AAAA documentation requirements.
Scoring Points:
- Maximum: 1,000 points.
- Deduction: -5 points per meter from the target center, measured precisely.
- Example Scores:
- Dead center: 1,200 points (1,000 + 200 Show-Up Points).
- 25 meters out: 1,075 points.
- 50 meters out: 950 points.
- 100 meters out: 700 points.
Tasks: Includes Fly-In, Judge Declared Goal, Watership Down, or Hare ‘n Hound (announced at briefing).
- Hare Task: Hare pilot scores the average of all pilots’ scoring points plus Show-Up Points.