Michigan Hot Air Balloon Championship Series

2008 MIHABCS Final Standings (Official)

2008-12-11T09:04:00.028-05:00

The first ever Michigan Hot Air Balloon Championship Series (MIHABCS) has come to a close.

Congratulations to Nick Donner for winning the 2008 'Open Series' & 'SEMBA Club Series' and to Shawn Raya for winning the 2008 'BFA Michigan State Championship Series'. Honorable mention goes to Joe Zvada for a solid 2nd place overall finish.

Plans are under way to further develop the 2009 MIHABCS. Have a great Holiday Season and an even better New Year!

MIHABCS Open Flight #6 CANCELLED

2008-10-23T11:09:00.018-04:00

CANCELLED 11-06-08

Fun & Competitive For All...

Propane Included!

MIHABCS Open Flight #6
Rick & Crissy Kerber 486 135th Ave. Wayland, MI
November 8th, 2008
Pilot Briefing 7:00 AM
Sunrise 7:26 AM
Crissy Kerber's Famous Breakfast Following the Flight
SEMBA Montgolfier Party PM in Brighton, MI

Confirmed as of 10-29-08:

Paul Petrehn
Rick Kerber
Derrick Jones
Woody Watson
Keith Kohtz
Ralph Payne
Tom Brown
Doug Mills
Jeff Pestun
Mike Nelson
Jeff Faber
Kristin Romer
Chris Smart
Shawn Raya
Paul Quandee
James Mitchell

Open Sanction Flight #5 CANCELLED

2008-10-16T09:06:00.004-04:00

Open Sanction Flight #5 scheduled for this weekend (Oct. 18th) is cancelled due to a lack of motivation by your organizer. I apologize for having been to our US Nationals, World Championships and The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta all within the last 7 weeks.

I'll be posting additional information regarding our last Open Sanction Flight #6. Rumor has it that Rick Kerber will be hosting in his neck of the woods. We'll keep an eye on the weather and try to get a good one in.

Please keep the family and friends of Steve Lechendro in your thoughts and prayers and pray that Keith Sproul has a safe and speedy recovery.

Best Regards,

Paul Petrehn

MIHABCS Sanction Flight #4 Results

2008-08-14T16:09:00.008-04:00

Joe 'Free Bird' Zvada

(Racer, Joe don't need no stinking Racer)

The MIHABCS sanction flight #4 consisted of a 2-part task. Joe 'Free Bird' Zvada, flying with a chip on his shoulder proved you don't need a racer to compete. Joe won both tasks with some great flying as the first balloon to each target. The 10 km flight took only twenty minutes to complete. All eleven balloons took off from a common launch, received results on both targets and landed in the same field. Very impressive considering there was a 35 km/hr right turn at 1,000-1,500 AGL.

A special thanks to Derrick Jones and John Gibbons for hosting yet another great MIHABCS flight. I hope you'll have us back!

Oh, and thanks to Jeff & Sandy Barlett for picking up Joe Zvada in Ohio on their way from Pennsylvania. Did I hear he's picking up your tab to Austria?

Sanction Flight #4 Battle Creek, MI Saturday AM August 9th

2008-07-30T11:56:00.003-04:00

The MIHABCS Sanction Flight #4 will take place in Battle Creek, MI on Saturday (AM), August 9th. At least a two-part task and maybe even a three or four part task will be planned if the weather allows.

Pilot Briefing: 6:30 AM

Derrick Jones
22120 Waubascon Rd (1st Driveway South of Edmonds Rd.)
Battle Creek, MI 49017

If you're interested in competing in this flight please contact:

Derrick Jones
derrickjjones@comcast.net
or
Paul Petrehn
mihabcs@gmail.com

Open Sanction Flight #3 Midland, MI

2008-07-22T13:42:00.008-04:00

The weather held just long enough for a beautiful flight from Jill & Scott Strouse's home on Saturday morning. A total of eleven balloons flew with nine participating in a two part task. The first JDG was won by Midland's own Steve King with a .25 meter drop (see above photo). The challenging winds required a climb to 4,000-5,000 MSL for a 45+ degree left turn. Congratulations also go to Shawn Raya, Derrick Jones and Paul Petrehn for making the 100 meter scoring area.

Unfortunately, as everyone was setting up for the second JDG the southerly wind stopped altogether. Good thing was, everyone tied for 1st place, but the bad thing was it's only good for 500 points. Some were happier than others for the 500 point no result.

A great afternoon of fun, food and games were had by all. The evening flight was canceled by the sound of cold beer cans opening when a rain shower developed overhead causing a strong, but cool outflow breeze to cool things down.

Thanks again to Jill & Scott Strouse for opening up their home for a fun filled Saturday in July!

Open Sanction Flight #3 Midland, MI July 19th

2008-07-10T14:40:00.004-04:00

The MIHABCS open sanction flight #3 is just around the corner. Scott Strouse will play host for an AM competitive flight, afternoon cookout and an evening fun flight for those that can stick around. A block of 10 rooms has been secured for a special rate of $72/night. All reservations must be made by Sunday, July 13th or the normal rate of $89/night will apply. Please contact the following hotel:

Fairview Inn

2200 W. Wackerly St.

Midland, MI 48640

(989) 631-0070

If you plan on attending, please contact either Scott Strouse, Steve King or Paul Petrehn so we can plan accordingly for the competition and cookout.

See you on the 19th!

Battle Creek Field of Flight

2008-07-07T21:51:00.005-04:00

(Chase Donner 0.00)

The 2008 Battle Creek Field of Flight provided 56 pilots with the opportunity to make up for lost flights at the previous two MIHABCS events. The weather cooperated for 7/9 scheduled flights and 2/2 glows. A total of 9 competitive tasks were completed with two-part tasks in three morning flights and single-part tasks in three evening flights. An optional Sunday evening cash flight was a great finish to the Holiday weekend.

Congratulations to Nick Donner for a very impressive showing. Nick not only took top overall honors for the event, but also leads both the 'Open & SEMBA' Championship Series. Congratulations also go to Shawn Raya for taking the lead in the Michigan 'BFA' State Championship Series. Shawn also put the first baggie into one of three dumpsters on Sunday evening for $1,000. Derrick Jones and Jeff Pestun also put baggies in for $700 and $500 respectively.

Please check out the standings and results sections for more detailed information.

MIHABCS Standings & Results Updated

2008-06-16T21:09:00.009-04:00

Congratulations to Shawn Raya for winning task #1 and to James Mitchell for winning task #2 this past weekend in Stockbridge, MI. It should be noted that on task #2, which was 9.25 km to the ESE, that 6/10 baggies were within 15 feet of the 'X' after a 35-40 minute flight.

Congratulations again go out to James Mitchell for grabbing the top spot in the MIHABCS. You can check out the 'Standings' & 'Results' sections for the latest information. For BFA National Ranking results you can go to www.bfa.net. It should be noted that MIHABCS and BFA National Ranking scores may differ.

Sanction Flight #2 Stockbridge to Gregory

2008-06-14T12:43:00.005-04:00

A two-part task was successfully completed this morning from Stockbridge, MI to Gregory, MI. A 2k FIT to the Stockbridge Park was strategically followed by a 9k JDG to the Richmond Glider Park in Gregory, MI.

This target was chosen to allow pilots to land immediately following the second target. Many of the fields have standing water in them from the powerful thunderstorms that have been leaving many without power. All ten pilots were able to land down wind of the target, albeit some closer than others. The joke was if you passed up the glider park, you would end up in Hell, MI. Nobody wanted to go to Hell.

Congratulations to the following pilots on their unofficial results.

James Mitchell 1,800
Shawn Raya 1,600
Paul Petrehn 1,500
Derrick Jones 1,500
Andrew Baird 1,100
Chuck Walz 900
Phil Clinger 700
Ken Myer 500
Matt Niemi 300
Jody Leatherberry 100

A big thanks to Jody Leatherberry for providing donuts, coffee, tickets to the Lions Club pig roast and propane. Jody, you can host a flight anytime!

See you at the Michigan Challenge Balloon Fest.

MIHABCS Sanction Flight #2 Update (6-13-08 3:20 pm)

2008-06-13T15:14:00.002-04:00

Friday PM:
No briefing or competition flight. A late fun flight for the locals and anyone else who shows if weather allows.

Saturday AM:
6:00 AM briefing is a GO! Be ready for a 1-2 part task and the Lions Club pig roast for lunch.

Paul Petrehn
mihabcs@gmail.com
paulp@cameronballoons.com

MIHABCS Sanction Flight #2 Schedule (weather permitting)

2008-06-12T09:31:00.004-04:00

All Briefings:
Phoenix Realty Advisers
134 E. Main
Stockbridge, MI

Friday PM: 6:00 PM
Flight: fly-out from High School practice soccer field
Social: pizza buffet at local golf course after flight (details @ briefing)

Saturday AM: 6:00 AM (Gee Farm donuts and coffee available)
Flight: fly-in to park for 5k run benefit
Social: Lions Club pig roast (details @ briefing)

Refueling: details @ each briefing

Pilot List: (as of 6-12-2008 11:30 am)

Jody Leatherberry
Chuck Walz
Andy Baird
Paul Petrehn
Derrick Jones
Ken Myer
Steve King
Dennis Hall (pm only)
James Mitchell
Shawn Raya
Phil Clinger
Scott Strouse
Ron Groce

Everyone is welcome! Please advise if you need to be added or removed from the above list.

I look forward to your responses and hope to see you Friday.

Paul Petrehn
mihabcs@gmail.com
paulp@cameronballoons.com

Sanction Flight #2 Stockbridge, MI

2008-06-11T13:50:00.002-04:00

Please contact me if you plan on attending Sanction Flight #2 this weekend in Stockbridge, MI. The plan is to have a fly-out on Friday evening and a fly-in on Saturday morning.

Jody Leatherberry promises to be the host with the most. Rumor has it, there are socials lined up for both days!

This site will serve as the information board for the entire weekend. I'll be sure to have a schedule of some sorts added no later than Friday AM.

Please don't hesitate to contact me should you have any questions. I look forward to your responses.

Paul Petrehn
mihabcs@gmail.com
paulp@cameronballoons.com

MIHABCS Event #2 Carson City, MI

2008-06-11T13:34:00.003-04:00

Mother nature got the best of us this past weekend in Carson City, MI. All flights and glows were cancelled due to either wind or rain. Strong upper winds prevented flying on Saturday AM while Ron Groce was able to tether for the crowd during the calm before the storm on Saturday PM. Sunday AM was a combination of wind and rain.

A special thanks to Lainie Niemi and the entire Carson City Frontier Days Hot Air Balloon Shoot-Out staff for being such great hosts.

We look forward to the 2009 Shoot-Out!

BFA, Hot Air Competition Division (HACD) & SEMBA Membership Renewals

2008-06-03T09:08:00.003-04:00

If you want your tasks to count towards the Michigan BFA State Championship Series (Michigan pilots only) and/or the SEMBA Club Championship Series, all memberships must be in place prior to your first event. To be eligible for the SEMBA Club Championship Series you may be either an in-state or out-of-state SEMBA member ($20). To be eligible for the MI BFA State Championship Series you must be a BFA member ($55), HACD task card holder ($55) and reside in the state of Michigan ($Priceless$).

A pilot becomes eligible with five qualified task scores
The best five qualified task scores will be used
Pilot with highest best five score will be Open Series Champion
Highest ranked MI BFA/HACD pilot will be MI BFA State Champion
Highest ranked SEMBA pilot will be SEMBA Club Champion
BFA/HACD National Ranking Results will be grouped & re-scored prior to submitting to BFA Office

***NOTE***

(National Ranking Scores May Differ From MIHABCS Scores)

MIHABCS Rules Update

2008-05-29T14:14:00.006-04:00

The first ever Michigan Hot Air Balloon Championship Series is underway. In preparation for the larger 20-75 balloon events down the road, it has become apparent that some of the original rules would create a scoring nightmare. The scoring process has been simplified to ease in the efficiency of posting MIHABCS scores.

A pilot becomes eligible once they complete a minimum of five (5) qualified tasks
A pilot's 'best' five (5) qualified tasks may be used
There is no event or flight minimum
Scores will be taken directly from the event and/or open sanctioned flight scores
There will be no re-grouping for each individual series
Only BFA National Ranking scores will be re-grouped before submitting to BFA

You can check out the rules section for a detailed description of the changes. Please don't hesitate to contact me directly should you have any questions or concerns.

Paul Petrehn

Hot Air Hounds Task 1-4 FINAL

2008-05-26T17:04:00.009-04:00

The first ever Hot Air Hounds balloon race came to a conclusion on Sunday PM with the cancellation of the final scheduled flight. The weekend was a great success completing 3/4 flights and 2/2 glows. A special thanks to Derrick Jones and staff for providing yet another wonderful community balloon event to all who participated.

I'd also like to thank each of the pilots for their cooperation in providing GPS tracks so that results could be given outside of the measured scoring areas (MSA's). Task #2 was scored completely by GPS track results. Unfortunately, I placed the target a few degrees too far to the right preventing anyone from throwing a baggie on that task. In all, we completed four tasks that counted for event and BFA scores and two additional practice tasks for experience in GPS scored tasks. Congratulations to Paul, Shawn, James & Jeff for each winning a task over the weekend!

Overall Results

(click on results section for individual task & overall scores)

Paul Petrehn
Shawn Raya
James Mitchell
Jeff Pestun
Andrew Baird
Rick Kerber
Chuck Walz
Larry Coan
Steve King
Derrick Jones
Mike Nelson

Hot Air Hounds Task 3 & 4

2008-05-25T14:23:00.002-04:00

The weather once again cooperated for another two-part task with a FIN and a JDG. No GPS track results were needed as 10/11 pilots scored within each of the 250' MSA's. A minimum distance practice task was also called for more experience with a GPS scored task. Each pilot had to exit a sketched diagram as close as they could from another common point from within the provided diagram.

Please check out the results section for task 3 & 4 scores and the overall of tasks 1-4.

Hot Air Hounds Frankenmuth, MI May 24-26

2008-05-24T14:06:00.002-04:00

The weather has kept all eleven competitors very busy so far at the 1st Hot Air Hounds Balloon Race. This event is being held in conjunction with the Frankenmuth Dog Bowl at River Place. A two-part task was completed this morning for event and BFA scores with a third practice task for experience with a GPS scored task. Pilots provided GPS track scores for 2D results outside of the 100 meter measured scoring area (MSA) on task 1 & 2. A practice maximum distance task was flown taking a GPS track point of where each pilot exited a sketched diagram and measuring the distance back to a common point within the sketch.

The evening ended with a beautiful evening sponsor/fun flight and balloon glow.

Please check out the results section for Task 1 & 2 scores.

Open Sanction Flight #1 Cancelled (5-14-08 update)

2008-05-14T10:47:00.003-04:00

The MIHABCS Open Sanction Flight #1 for Saturday AM, May 17, 2008 has been officially cancelled.

Please see the events section for the latest on Open Sanction Flight locations. Open Sanction Flight #2 will be taking place in Stockbridge, MI on the evening of June 13 and the morning of June 14. Jody Leatherberry will play host to those who can make it.

Open Sanction Flight #3 could possibly take place in Jackson, MI. I've been asked about having balloons flying on or near the dates of what would typically be the Jubilee. More to come...

Open Sanction Flight #4 will take place in Battle Creek, MI on the morning of August 9. This will be a celebration of host Derrick Jones 30th Birthday. Details to follow...

Paul Petrehn
mihabcs@gmail.com
paulp@cameronballoons.com

Open Sanction Flight #1 (5-12-08 update)

2008-05-12T10:11:00.003-04:00

The first MIHABCS sanction flight will take place this Saturday AM, May 17th, in Howell, Michigan (weather permitting). This website will serve as the official notice board for tasks, scores, participants as well as for the final go/no-go decision. I will post the briefing time and place along with a task sheet no later than 5:00 PM on Friday afternoon , May 16th.

Please email me your intent to participate and indicate whether or not you are a SEMBA and/or BFA HACD member.

I look forward to your responses.

Paul Petrehn
mihabcs@gmail.com
paulp@cameronballoons.com

Open Sanction Flight #1 Update

2008-04-28T08:57:00.004-04:00

The date for the first sanction flight has been pushed to May 17, 2008. This was done so there was no conflict with the Mother's Day weekend. Also, please notice the site location of the first sanction flight will be Howell, MI. All other sanctioned flight locations are up for grabs. If you would like to have a flight near you, please contact me directly so that you can secure one of the available dates.

Get your equipment ready!

We'll be flying soon!

2008-04-21T14:13:00.010-04:00

The 2008 flying season is rapidly approaching. Please click on the events section to see an updated list of approved events and open sanction flights. Open sanction flights will take place the 2nd Saturday (AM) of June, July, August & November and the 3rd Saturday of May & October.

If you wish to participate in either the SEMBA or BFA MIHABCS, please be sure to have your appropriate membership renewed prior to participating in your first event and/or task. Each membership must be paid through the end of the year. Scores will not count after the fact.

There will be a minimum of $200 prize money and trophy awarded to the winner of each of the three series. Remember, participation in the 'Open Series' is free to all.

See you in the air.

Soft Landings!

Welcome to the MIHABCS

2008-03-12T22:30:00.003-04:00

You are invited to participate in the 2008 'Triple Crown' of ballooning for the state of Michigan. This free, all-inclusive 'Series' is intended to provide a safe, fun and competitive forum for all pilot skill levels. Many details of the MIHABCS are still being formulated, so your comments are greatly appreciated.

See you at the races!