Section 6 - Additional Information
Official Event Website:
https://www.hotairjubilee.com/
Event Prizes Offered and Details:
Pilot packs for all competitors
Michigan themed prizes for at least podium finishers
No prize money
Michigan themed prizes for at least podium finishers
No prize money
Opening Ceremony:
American 1 Credit Union and Event Center
128 W Ganson
Jackson, MI 49201
Planning and budgeting for approximately 300 pilots, crew, staff and local and international guests
128 W Ganson
Jackson, MI 49201
Planning and budgeting for approximately 300 pilots, crew, staff and local and international guests
Closing Ceremony / Prize Giving:
American 1 Credit Union and Event Center
128 W Ganson
Jackson, MI 49201
Planning and budgeting for approximately 300 pilots, crew, staff and local and international guests
128 W Ganson
Jackson, MI 49201
Planning and budgeting for approximately 300 pilots, crew, staff and local and international guests
Country Admission Conditions:
To be admitted into the USA, foreign individuals must generally have a valid passport (valid for 6+ months beyond intended stay), secure the appropriate visa or be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), and meet specific admission requirements such as financial proof and evidence of intent to comply with U.S. laws. These requirements vary depending on the purpose of travel, with different standards for tourists, students, and other visitors, all of which must be confirmed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.
Preferred Place of Entry & Closest Major Cities:
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to 2025 Competition Center = 61 miles to the west
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to 2025 Competition Center = 231 miles to the east
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to 2025 Competition Center = 231 miles to the east
Local Language:
English
Location Description & Characteristics
General Description:
Situated in south-central Michigan, Jackson is about halfway between Kalamazoo and Ann Arbor, 40 minutes south of Lansing, and an hour west of Detroit. It has a population of over 31,000 and is in the county seat of Jackson County. Jackson is known for its friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community.
Geographic Position:
N42° 12’ 49.96" W84° 24’ 51.92
16T 713420 E
4676760 N
16T 713420 E
4676760 N
Topography:
Jackson is generally flat to gently rolling and includes a mix of wooded areas, agricultural land and numerous lakes. The elevation at Jackson County Reynolds Field (JXN) is 1,001’ MSL.
Landing Areas:
Jackson has an abundance of open fields, residential homes with large yards, schools, churches and industrial areas for landing.
Main villages around the flying area:
Grass Lake, Michigan (E)
Brooklyn, MI (SE)
Spring Arbor, MI (SW)
Albion, MI (W)
Leslie, MI (N)
Brooklyn, MI (SE)
Spring Arbor, MI (SW)
Albion, MI (W)
Leslie, MI (N)
Other Description:
There are numerous privately owned airstrips and public and private golf courses that require individual competitor permission for vehicle access.
Common Launch Areas:
Western High School (Parma, MI) 16T 702840 E 4680540 N
Ella Sharp Park (map center) 16T 713480 E 4677040 N
Skydive Tecumseh (Napoleon, MI) 16T 726320 E 4672500 N
Ella Sharp Park (map center) 16T 713480 E 4677040 N
Skydive Tecumseh (Napoleon, MI) 16T 726320 E 4672500 N
Landowner Restrictions:
Individual competitor permission is required to drive on grassy areas.
Meteorological characteristics
Weather conditions:
July is the warmest month in Jackson with an average relative humidity of 70%.
2023 US Women’s National Championship flight success, including one official AM practice flight, was 6 of 8 (75%).
(5 of 6 scheduled AM flights and 1 of 2 scheduled PM flights)
2024 US Women’s National Championship flight success, including one official AM practice flight, was 6 of 9 (66.6%).
(5 of 6 scheduled AM flights and 1 of 3 scheduled PM flights)
2025 US Women’s National Championship flight success, including one official AM practice flight, was 6 of 9 (66.6%).
(4 of 6 scheduled AM flights and 2 of 3 scheduled PM flights)
Total 2023 to 2025 BFA US Women’s National Championship flight success, including three official practice flights, was 18 of 26 (69.2%), or, 14 of 18 (77.7%) scheduled AM flights and 4 of 8 (50%) scheduled PM flights
2023 US Women’s National Championship flight success, including one official AM practice flight, was 6 of 8 (75%).
(5 of 6 scheduled AM flights and 1 of 2 scheduled PM flights)
2024 US Women’s National Championship flight success, including one official AM practice flight, was 6 of 9 (66.6%).
(5 of 6 scheduled AM flights and 1 of 3 scheduled PM flights)
2025 US Women’s National Championship flight success, including one official AM practice flight, was 6 of 9 (66.6%).
(4 of 6 scheduled AM flights and 2 of 3 scheduled PM flights)
Total 2023 to 2025 BFA US Women’s National Championship flight success, including three official practice flights, was 18 of 26 (69.2%), or, 14 of 18 (77.7%) scheduled AM flights and 4 of 8 (50%) scheduled PM flights
Prevailing winds:
Generally light surface winds during AM and PM flight times with an average daily wind speed of 8 mph (12.8 kph) from the southwest.
Temperatures:
July average high temperatures around 82F (28C) and average lows around 62F (17C)
Sunrise:
06:12
Sunset:
9:14
Airspace Structure & Limitations
NOTAM Description:
See 2025 BFA US Women’s National Championship Electronic Notice Board (ENB) for FAA Certificate of Waiver (CoW) and Special Provisions
Flight Limitations:
See 2025 BFA US Women’s National Championship Electronic Notice Board (ENB) for FAA Certificate of Waiver (CoW) and Special Provisions
Number of PZs expected & Descriptions:
(3) Red PZs at 1,500’ MSL
(1) Red PZ at 2,000’ MSL
(4) Red Road Motorway PZs at 1,250’ MSL
(12) Yellow PZs
(1) Red PZ at 2,000’ MSL
(4) Red Road Motorway PZs at 1,250’ MSL
(12) Yellow PZs
Competition Area Altitude Limitations:
10,000’ MSL
Competition Area Dimensions:
North/South = 36 km
West/East = 36 km
West/East = 36 km
Competition Map Details
DATUM:
WGS84
Scale:
1 : 19,200 (1 cm = 192.0 m)
Grid Lines:
UTM
Paper Size:
188 cm x 188 cm
Electronic Version Available:
Expected on Date:
Expected on Date:
Yes
currently available
currently available
Electronic Version File Format:
JPEG
PNG
Other: .map, .ozf4 etc.
Driving Particularities:
When driving in the U.S., you must follow the laws and regulations, which can differ slightly by state. Key general rules include driving on the right side of the road, having a valid license and insurance, and adhering to specific traffic laws for turns, speed limits, and yielding to others.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required for all drivers in Michigan, but it serves as a certified translation for foreign driver’s licenses not printed in English. Drivers from countries with a treaty with the U.S. can often drive with just their original license if it is in English. For non-treaty countries, if the license isn’t in English, an IDP or certified translation is needed, along with proof of legal presence like a passport and visa.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required for all drivers in Michigan, but it serves as a certified translation for foreign driver’s licenses not printed in English. Drivers from countries with a treaty with the U.S. can often drive with just their original license if it is in English. For non-treaty countries, if the license isn’t in English, an IDP or certified translation is needed, along with proof of legal presence like a passport and visa.
Road Network and Infrastructure:
Interstate Highway System, National Highway System (NHS), State and Local Roads and Private Roads
Venue Description, Coordinates & Characteristics
Competition Center:
Spring Arbor University / Kresge Student Center
133 Ogle Ave
Spring Arbor, MI 49283
133 Ogle Ave
Spring Arbor, MI 49283
Briefing Facilities:
Spring Arbor University / Kresge Student Center
133 Ogle Ave
Spring Arbor, MI 49283
133 Ogle Ave
Spring Arbor, MI 49283
Media centre:
Spring Arbor University / Kresge Student Center
133 Ogle Ave
Spring Arbor, MI 49283
133 Ogle Ave
Spring Arbor, MI 49283
Internet connection:
Restricted high speed wireless is available for officials
Guest high speed wireless TBD
Guest high speed wireless TBD
Social activities:
Opening ceremonies
Mid-event social TBD
Closing ceremonies
Mid-event social TBD
Closing ceremonies
Other:
Propane refueling will be in the vicinity of:
Spring Arbor University / Kresge Student Center
133 Ogle Ave
Spring Arbor, MI 49283
Spring Arbor University / Kresge Student Center
133 Ogle Ave
Spring Arbor, MI 49283
Competition Staff
Stewards
Name, country, email:
Sylvia Meinl, GER, sylvia.meinl@web.de
Nicola Cronin, AUS, nicolaacronin@gmail.com
Nicola Cronin, AUS, nicolaacronin@gmail.com
Attached CVs:
Chief Scorer
Name, country, email:
James "JC" Smith, USA, j.c.smith586@gmail.com
Attached CVs:
Chief Debriefer
Name, country, email:
Erica Hahn, USA, enhahn5@gmail.com
This role is primarily administrative. Additionally, Erica will serve as office/briefing room manager, lead onsite competitor registration in coordination with the Hot Air Jubilee and the FAA and debrief with the Chief of Measuring Teams.
This role is primarily administrative. Additionally, Erica will serve as office/briefing room manager, lead onsite competitor registration in coordination with the Hot Air Jubilee and the FAA and debrief with the Chief of Measuring Teams.
Attached CVs:
Technical Support Officer
Name, country, email:
Mike Meinl, GER, mike.meinl@web.de
Attached CVs:
Travel & accommodation arrangements for officials
Travel Arrangements:
Economy airfare or domestic mileage reimbursement
Travel Arrangements:
Economy airfare or domestic mileage reimbursement
Travel Allowances:
Economy airfare not to exceed $1,500 USD
Vehicles Provided:
To key officials with airfare; domestic officials use personal vehicles
Type of Accommodation:
College suite dorms or hotel for 8 nights
Meals Provided:
$35 USD/day x 8 = $280 USD
Other Information / Remarks:
N/A
Scoring Program
Scoring Program:
WatchMeFly Scoring
Special Arrangements and Assistance for Competitors
Details:
Details on balloon equipment and chase vehicles are not available at this time
Negotiated and discounted rent-a-car assistance are not available at this time
Negotiated and discounted lodging options (college suite dorms or hotel) ranging from $80/night USD to $160/night USD (2-4 people; subject to 2027 pricing)
No meals other than indicated social activities
Allowance:
$500 USD refunded at onsite registration to competitors of North American NACs
$1,000 USD refunded at onsite registration to competitors of NACs from all other continents
LPG will be provided for all Championship flights
LPG will be available for the official practice flight on 11/07/2025 for a TBD flat rate fee, paid to the organizer. For expediency, multiple competitors will be filled at one time through a refueling manifold system. The LPG supplier will invoice the organizer.
LPG will be available prior to 11/07/2025, subject to 2027 pricing. Competitors will be filled individually and pay the LPG supplier directly.
Negotiated and discounted rent-a-car assistance are not available at this time
Negotiated and discounted lodging options (college suite dorms or hotel) ranging from $80/night USD to $160/night USD (2-4 people; subject to 2027 pricing)
No meals other than indicated social activities
Allowance:
$500 USD refunded at onsite registration to competitors of North American NACs
$1,000 USD refunded at onsite registration to competitors of NACs from all other continents
LPG will be provided for all Championship flights
LPG will be available for the official practice flight on 11/07/2025 for a TBD flat rate fee, paid to the organizer. For expediency, multiple competitors will be filled at one time through a refueling manifold system. The LPG supplier will invoice the organizer.
LPG will be available prior to 11/07/2025, subject to 2027 pricing. Competitors will be filled individually and pay the LPG supplier directly.
Equipment Limitations:
NAC license requires FAA license validation for use with USA registered aircraft
NAC aircraft registration must be acknowledged by FAA for use with NAC pilot license for use within USA
NAC aircraft registration must be acknowledged by FAA for use with NAC pilot license for use within USA
Special Safety Requirements:
Inflation restraints are mandatory at all CLAs and highly recommended at all ILPs
Pilot restraints are highly recommended during all flights
Pilot restraints are highly recommended during all flights
Insurance Requirements for Competitors and Details
Insurance Type:
Third party : MIN $100K USD
Third party : MIN $100K USD
CSL : MIN $1M USD
Third party : Additional Insureds for US registered aircraft (i.e. Hot Air Jubilee, City of Jackson, Jackson County and BFA/HACD)