Competition

Competition Tasks

FLY IN TASK (FIT)

Competitors find their own launch area at a minimum and maximum distance from the target and attempt to drop a marker close to a target set by the BalloonMeister. The target will be placed on the Launch Field

JUDGE DECLARED GOAL (JDG)

Competitors use available surface and upper level winds to navigate and attempt to drop a marker or achieve a track point close to a goal selected by the BalloonMeister. Pilots generally have to fly at least 1 mile to a target designated on the Balloon Fiesta Pilot Map.

MULTIPLE JUDGE DECLARED GOAL (MJDG)

Competitors use available surface and upper level winds to navigate and attempt to drop a marker close to one of several goals selected by the BalloonMeister. Pilots generally have to fly at least 1 mile to a target designated on the Balloon Fiesta Pilot Map. Pilot does not have to declare his goal in advance.

MINIMUM DISTANCE DOUBLE DROP (MDD)

Competitors attempt to drop two markers close together in different scoring areas. The scoring areas are frequently geometric designs laid out on Balloon Fiesta Park. Valid marks must be achieved in each scoring area or the competitor will receive a no result. The shortest distance between the two markers is best.

GORDON BENNETT MEMORIAL (GBM)

Named after a pioneer in gas balloon racing, the GBM requires the competitor to drop a marker in a defined scoring area (often a geometric or unusual shape) adjacent to the defined goal. The target is generally outside of the scoring area. The objective is to drop the marker inside the defined or outlined scoring area (cactus shape in this example) as close as possible to the target. Markers dropping outside the scoring area, even if closer to the target, receive a no result.