Updated CLA 4 Waypoint

The location on CLA 4 has moved slightly (200m) from the coordinates originally supplied.

The new coordinate is 1090 / 1750. 

This has been updated in PZ/SZ/CLA document

And also in a new version of the OziExplorer Waypoint file. 

Balloon Live for Full Competition

For those who are wanting to compete in the full competition at Mildura, we will be using the Balloon Live App for event. The use of Balloon Live Sensors is optional (those who have them can use them).

Please make sure you are running the latest version of the App and Sensor.

• Balloon Live App - Version 2034 (available at the Apple App Store and Android Store)
• Balloon Live Sensor - Firmware 14.9 (Latest available here)

If you are unfamiliar with the use of Balloon Live, please watch this video and check out https://balloonlive.org/

There is a practice flight (Practice Flight 1) live at the moment that you can use to test your Balloon Live App is transmitting data to WatchMeFly correctly.

Program of Events (First Draft)

Below is the first draft of the event schedule. Please note this may be subject to change over the coming weeks.

You might also be interested in what else there is to do.  Below is a document with some ideas.  You will see that there are some group activities should there be no-fly days. 

Rule Book - Version 2

An updated version of the Rule Book (Version 2) is now available.

For those who have read the previous version, the few minor changes are highlighted in yellow.

Air Display - Big Balloon Bash Mildura VIC 2024

Please find below a link to the Air Display document for the Big Balloon Bash Mildura VIC 2024.

All pilots will be required (at check-in) to sign a sheet declaring that they have read and understand the Air Display permit.

Note: In regards to the conditions about flying passengers, pilots flying under the permit will be given written permission (at check-in) from the organiser allowing them to fly their crew.

PZs/SZs and Common Launch Areas - V1

Version 1 of the PZs/SZs/CLAs are now available.

The details of all PZs (x10), SZs (x2) and CLAs (x4) can be found in this document: mildura PZ SZ CLA 2024 v1.pdf

OziExplorer files (WPT & PLT) can be found here: OziExplorer Files

Hot Air App overlay (KML) can be found here: Hot Air App Files

If there are any changes to this list, we will provide updates on the ENB and also notify you at briefings during the event.

Competition Structure for the Big Balloon Bash 2024

Since there is a varied interest in competition flying among those registered for the Big Balloon Bash, we plan to run a competition that meets everyone's preferences. The event will feature:

• Casual Competition: Participants will be able to drop markers on a variety of fun/interesting target based tasks. 
• Full Competition: This will include the Casual Competition tasks and some additional tasks that use of the Balloon Live App.
• Fiesta Flying: For those who prefer no competition, except perhaps the Key Grab.

The competition flights will be flown from the Monday AM to the Friday AM (we plan to fly mornings and afternoons). Pilots can decide for each flight whether they will participate in all, some, or none of the tasks.

As this is a social event, we have no plans to split up the fiesta, competition and commercial balloons. Generally, all balloons will be launching together and flying in the same airspace. So please be courteous to those flying around you knowing that some will be competing and some will not.

The two competitions (Casual and Full) will be scored separately, and the Task Data Sheet will clearly indicate which tasks count towards each competition's score.

A Rule Book (see link below), based on the latest FAI AMXER 2024 Rule Book, has been prepared for those undertaking the Full Competition. Although the event is not as formal as the Nationals, scoring and penalties will follow the rule book to ensure a safe and fair competition. This will also provide a good chance for those attending the World Championships later this year to learn the rules (I am always happy to help you with that).

Regarding the use of Balloon Live for the "Full Competition", the Balloon Live Sensors will NOT be mandatory. Pilots without a sensor can simply use the Balloon Live App with the device GPS. Scoring will be based on GPS altitude and the task setting will be adjusted to account for mobile device GPS inconsistencies.

A note for those pilots with a relatively low number of hours as PIC that might wish to try some competition tasks. We request that you consider only flying the Casual Competition. This will provide you with plenty of things to keep you occupied and entertained.

Further details will be shared during the General Briefing, however in the meantime, please contact me if you have any questions (via email or FB Messenger).

Looking forward to seeing you in all Mildura!

Andrew "Robbo" Robertson

Map - Mildura 2024 - OziExplorer

A new digital OziExplorer map is now available in the Google Drive below. This is using the latest VicMap data (2022).

Google Drive -  Maps

Note: PZ files will be provided closer to the event in both Ozi and KLM formats.