Section 6 - Additional Information
Official Event Website:
To be established upon acceptance of bid.
Event Prizes Offered and Details:
Medals for the top three finishers and trophies for podium finishers. Travel stipends may be provided.
Opening Ceremony:
Gull Meadow Farms will host the Opening Ceremony with agenda, entertainment, protocols and hospitality to be determined at a later date.
Closing Ceremony / Prize Giving:
Gull Meadow Farms will host the Closing Ceremony with agenda, entertainment, protocols and hospitality to be determined at a later date.
Country Admission Conditions:
Valid passport
Preferred Place of Entry & Closest Major Cities:
Primary airports best serving domestic flights include:
AZO Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International
GRR Grand Rapids - Gerald R Ford International, located 40 miles to the N/NW
International arrivals best at
DTW Detroit Metropolitan Airport, located 120 miles east
AZO Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International
GRR Grand Rapids - Gerald R Ford International, located 40 miles to the N/NW
International arrivals best at
DTW Detroit Metropolitan Airport, located 120 miles east
Local Language:
English
Location Description & Characteristics
General Description:
Gull Meadow Farms will serve as the featured venue for the Championship. Located in a rural area northeast of the city it offers open flying areas in all directions. Most of Kalamazoo is on the southwest bank of a major bend in the Kalamazoo River. The northeastern portion of Kalamazoo sits in the broad, flat Kalamazoo Valley, while the western portions of Kalamazoo climb into low hills to the west and south. Several small lakes are found throughout the area. It is halfway between Detroit and Chicago along I-94.Rural area with rolling hills and flat land with rivers and lakes ideally suited for take offs, landings. City of Kalamazoo located just 8 miles south with numerous restaurants, taverns and places of interest. The flying area has a small number of red and yellow PZs.
Geographic Position:
16T
626581 E
4691720 N
626581 E
4691720 N
Topography:
Kalamazoo, Michigan is characterized by its topography, which includes various features such as lakes, rivers, and other water bodies.
Landing Areas:
Large open fields with ample landing areas in all directions.
Main villages around the flying area:
While the primary flying area is rural Kalamazoo is located halfway between Battle Creek and Grand Rapids.
Other Description:
Area city populations are as follows:
Kalamazoo 74,000
Grand Rapids 195,000
Battle Creek 52,000
Kalamazoo 74,000
Grand Rapids 195,000
Battle Creek 52,000
Common Launch Areas:
CLA 1: Gulf Meadow Farms, 8544 Gull Rd, 2658 / 9172
CLA 2: Gull Lake High School, 7753 N 34th St, 2810 / 9231
CLA 3: Gilmore Car Museum, 6865 Hickory Rd, 3020 / 9983
CLA 2: Gull Lake High School, 7753 N 34th St, 2810 / 9231
CLA 3: Gilmore Car Museum, 6865 Hickory Rd, 3020 / 9983
Landowner Restrictions:
The event has excellent landowner relations with surrounding farmers and commercial landowners. Mike Moore and Dale Wilson have served as Landowner Relations liaisons for several years.
Meteorological characteristics
Weather conditions:
In Kalamazoo, the summers are warm and partly cloudy. Average temperatures for August are a high of 82* and a low of 61* F. The chance of rain is minimal, especially between July and August, with daily sunshine hours reaching their peak. Based on the tourism score, the best time of year to visit Kalamazoo for warm-weather activities is from mid June to mid September.
Prevailing winds:
Wind speeds vary minimally from 10.1mph (16.3km/h) in January to 6.4mph (10.3km/h) in July and August, indicating a reliably gentle breeze throughout the year.
August winds generally run under 11 knots in the morning hours and are primarily from the south and southwest. Evening winds are generally less than 11 knots and are from the west to northwest.
August winds generally run under 11 knots in the morning hours and are primarily from the south and southwest. Evening winds are generally less than 11 knots and are from the west to northwest.
Temperatures:
August provides warm and comfortable temperatures and breezes with temperatures ranging from 61-82* F
Sunrise:
07:50
Sunset:
20:40
Airspace Structure & Limitations
NOTAM Description:
To be issued by FAA upon formal application to be made 120 days before the event
Flight Limitations:
Operating in proximity to AZO and flight operations will be in contact with air traffic control during all flight operations. Communication requirements will be part of the FAA Waiver application, operations manual and details of the approved FAA Waiver.
Number of PZs expected & Descriptions:
8-10 red PZs primarily comprised of cattle farms
5-6 yellow PZs
5-6 yellow PZs
Competition Area Altitude Limitations:
10,000’ MSL generally as determined by the FAA Certificate of Waiver
Competition Area Dimensions:
The map is 39 km north/south and 39 km east/west
Competition Map Details
DATUM:
WGS 84
Scale:
1:37,500
Grid Lines:
UTM, 1 km
Paper Size:
36
Electronic Version Available:
Expected on Date:
Expected on Date:
Yes
July 25, 2027
July 25, 2027
Electronic Version File Format:
JPEG
PNG
Other: MAP, KMZ, RMAP, PLT
Driving Particularities:
All USA driving is on right side of the road. Speed limits vary from 25-40 MPH on local raods with Interstate roads at 65-70 MPH. An international drivers license is not required.
Road Network and Infrastructure:
Excellent road network throughout the competition area.
Venue Description, Coordinates & Characteristics
Competition Center:
Gilmore Car Museum, CLA 3. See description under Briefing Facilities
Briefing Facilities:
Gilmore Car Museum, CLA 3, situated on 90-landscaped acres in rural southwest Michigan will serve as the primary briefing facility as well as the Competition Center.
Museum collection is housed in a recreated factory building from the turn of the century and within a historic campus of several historic buildings, which include eight restored 19th century barns, an authentic operating 1940s diner, a recreated 1930s Shell gas station and train depot from the 1890s. Recreated auto dealerships include a Franklin dealership from around 1918, a Model A Ford dealership from 1928, a 1930s Lincoln and a 1948 Cadillac dealership. Venue website is: https://gilmorecarmuseum.org/
Museum collection is housed in a recreated factory building from the turn of the century and within a historic campus of several historic buildings, which include eight restored 19th century barns, an authentic operating 1940s diner, a recreated 1930s Shell gas station and train depot from the 1890s. Recreated auto dealerships include a Franklin dealership from around 1918, a Model A Ford dealership from 1928, a 1930s Lincoln and a 1948 Cadillac dealership. Venue website is: https://gilmorecarmuseum.org/
Media centre:
Gilmore Car Museum
Internet connection:
WiFi is provided at all venues
Social activities:
Located at CLA 1 nestled in Richland, MI, just outside Kalamazoo, Gull Meadows Farm is a destination offering a variety of farm activities and games for all ages, a 5-acre corn maze, and special events. Venue website is https://gullmeadowfarms.com/
Other:
-
Competition Staff
Chief Scorer
Name, country, email:
James Smith, USA, j.c.smith586@gmail.com
Attached CVs:
Chief Debriefer
Name, country, email:
N/A
Attached CVs:
-
Technical Support Officer
Name, country, email:
Andrew Pestun, USA, andrew.pestun@gmail.com
Attached CVs:
Travel & accommodation arrangements for officials
Travel Arrangements:
Coach airfare or mileage reimbursement for those driving.
Travel Arrangements:
Coach airfare or mileage reimbursement for those driving.
Travel Allowances:
$1,000 max for airfare
Vehicles Provided:
Event rental cars provided for all international staff and domestic operations needing a vehicle up to 12
Type of Accommodation:
One room at Fairfield Inn and Suites, Kalamazoo, MI
Meals Provided:
Opening and closing ceremonies and one evening social as well as snacks and beverages prior to all briefings.
Other Information / Remarks:
-
Scoring Program
Scoring Program:
WatchMeFly Scoring
Special Arrangements and Assistance for Competitors
Details:
Car, truck and van rentals are available, and a limited number of local volunteers will be also available. All competitors will receive one complimentary room at the Fairfield Inn & Suites for the evenings of August 17 - 21 with check out August 22, 2027. Additional crew rooms are the responsibility of the competitor.
Equipment Limitations:
None
Special Safety Requirements:
Standard event safety protocols will be in place including tie offs for all common launch areas.
Insurance Requirements for Competitors and Details
Insurance Type:
Third party : $100,000
Third party : $100,000
CSL
Third party : Event policy covering in air and ground risks