Benalla, Australia Flights & Tasks
Flight 4 - 11 Apr 2026 AM
Flight 4 - 10 Apr 2026 AM
Flight 4 - 9 Apr 2026 AM
Flight 3 - 8 Apr 2026 PM
Flight 2 - 8 Apr 2026 AM
Flight 2 - 7 Apr 2026 PM
Flight 1 - 7 Apr 2026 AM
Practice Flight 3 - 6 Apr 2026 AM
Practice Flight 2 - 5 Apr 2026 AM
Practice Flight 1 - 4 Apr 2026 AM
Noticeboard - Latest Posts
Final Jury Report
P-Value Scoring Request to Jury President and Response
New Red PZs
Red PZ R034 (Horses R200m to 1000ft)
Red PZ R035 (Horses R200m to 1000ft)
General Briefing Notes
Power Line Safety
Other Important Information
Aerodromes:
YBLA VHF 125.6 1123/5453
YWGT VHF 119.1 3796/6949
YYWG VHF 126.7 1242/1212
From the Australian Ballooning Federation:
All competitors must be an ABF member and have a current FAI Sporting Licence. This can be obtained by logging into your ABF account, going to Members Only > My Membership and renewing your Licence if it isn’t up to date.
2. Balloon Live Sensors
Each competitor must have a BLS device.
If you need to hire one, the ABF devices will be available for collection at both events. Hire is $50 per event, and can be purchased through your ABF account, through the My Membership section (there is a drop-down tab with the BLS listed). You will need to bring a charger with you (micro USB - see BLS User Manual) to keep the BLS charged.
3. Information about the Australian Hot Air Balloon Grand Prix
The Australian Hot Air Balloon Grand Prix has 2 rounds, Benalla is Round 1, and Mildura is Round 2.
Teams may enter with either one or two pilots. A single-pilot team will have the same pilot fly in both rounds. Two-pilot teams nominate one pilot for Round 1 and the other for Round 2.
Register using this link: https://forms.gle/5rBQJpHWHAvdUvpd8
Competition Rules and Scoring Policies
Items highlighted in yellow reflect either AXMER changes from 2025 to 2026 or items specifically required by the Australian Ballooning Federation (ABF) for this event.
Strikethrough items are not in effect for this event but remain visible for familiarity at future FAI events.
2026 Benalla Competition Rules.pdf
Benalla General Scoring Policies.pdf
Benalla Vertical Speed Policy.pdf
Paul Petrehn, Event Director
Paper Map Details
If you require a printed version of the topo map please order and pay directly online:
Benalla Printed Map Request and Payment
The last day orders can be processed in time for the event is the 26th March.
Competitors are responsible for the cost of $35 AUD per sheet, delivered to Benalla on Friday, April 3.
Paul Petrehn, Event Director
Competitor Jury Details
2026 Benalla Eligible Competitor Jurors.pdf
Paul Petrehn, Event Director
Digital Map Options and Official Files
Satellite Map
Topo Map
- Benalla v1-2026.map (4KB)
- Benalla v1-2026.ozf4 (38.5MB)
- Benalla v1-2026.jpg (59.6MB)
Balloon Nav
- Benalla_Final.mbtiles (31.1MB)
Benalla Custom Google Map (updated 4/3)
(1) 2,000' AMSL Red PZ(s)
(34) 1,000' AMSL Red PZs
- Benalla Combined 1000 ft PZs.plt (added 4/3)
- Benalla Combined 1000 ft PZs.kml (added 4/3)
- Benalla Combined 1000 ft PZs.wpt (added 4/3)
(1) Motorway PZ
(0) Yellow PZ(s)
- None
(1) Contest Area
(1,950) 1km Grid Intersections (allow for optional 4-digit goal declarations in easting; goal numbers are first two digits easting and first two digits northing)
- Benalla 1km Grid Intersections.wpt
- Benalla 1km Grid Intersections.kml
- Benalla 1km Grid Intersections.gpx
Paul Petrehn, Event Director
Balloon Live and WatchMeFly Competitor Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of each competitor to check for the latest Balloon Live App (BLA) and BL Sensor (BLS) updates and become familiar with their Operation Recommendations and the WatchMeFly Learning Center:
CHECK for LATEST UPDATES:
- The latest version of the BLA is v2035. (subject to change)
- The latest BLS firmware is v4.19. (subject to change)
For further information and latest updates, please visit balloonlive.org.
OPERATION RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Download and read the new BLA and BLS Operation Recommendations.
- Frequently asked questions: Balloon Live FAQs
- WatchMeFly Learning Center (Flight Report Forms/Using the App/Updating Firmware etc.)
REGISTER FOR 2026 ART OF FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FESTIVAL AND AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
(Primary and secondary BLA device(s) for use in Competition Mode)
Paul Petrehn, Event Director
Pilot Schedule
Detailed pilot schedule including civil twilight (start/stop), sunrise, sunset, briefing times and location of registration, general briefing, flight briefings and socials.
2026 Benalla Pilot Schedule.pdf (version March 3, 2026 in footer)
Paul Petrehn, Event Director
Accommodation in Benalla
Here is the Benalla Accommodation Guide. It does not have the smaller B & Bs listed so it is worth looking online. Overflow accommodation is available in Wangaratta which is a 26 minute drive on the freeway. Reach out if you need assistance.
Event Details
Pilot Invitation
An invitation to all competitive balloon pilots