The 2012 U.S. Nationals Schedule of Events, and an updated list of participating pilots has been released by the organizer (GTBR).  We're looking forward to the National Championship that is now just a few weeks away.  Pilots and crew will get a final schedule at registration, but few times are likely to change.  In the updated version of the schedule GTBR has added a Happy Hour Monday evening.  Looking forward to seeing everyone there.

The updated list of pilots can be found here.

The recently released schedule can be found here.

 The 2012 U.S. Nationals Map has been made available and the link below will allow you to download the map at your convenience.  A detailed list of all the files within folder can be found below. 

The Map can be downloaded here.

1. The jpeg image file of the map without targets and intersections for Scoring use and for those who don’t want these items on their moving map or GPS unit
     a.     2012 Nationals Longview Final release 12-10 without targets.jpg
2. The OziExplorer / CompeGPS / 2NAV calibration file for the above image – for use by scoring and by folks using computer moving map displays
     a.     2012 Nationals Longview Final release 12-10 without targets.map
3. The custom map image of the above jpg for loading onto the scoring team’s Dakota 10 GPS units and for anybody else who doesn’t want the clutter of the targets and intersections. This can also be loaded into Google Earth.
     a.     2012 Nationals Longview Final release 12-10 without targets.kml
4. The jpeg image file of the map as printed on paper and given to competitors – targets and intersections ARE on this map
     a.    2012 Nationals Longview Final release 12-10.jpg
5. The OziExplorer / CompeGPS / 2NAV calibration file for the above image – for use by scoring and by folks using computer moving map displays
     a.    2012 Nationals Longview Final release 12-10.map
6. The custom map image of the above jpg for loading onto GPS units (or Google Earth)
     a.      2012 Nationals Longview Final release 12-10.kml
7. The Google Earth file of all the targets and intersections
     a.      Longview Google Earth Target File v12-10.kml
8. The target and intersection file for loading into GPS units
     a.      Longview GPS Target File v12-10.gpx
9. The text listing of all targets and intersections along with descriptions
     a.      Longview Text Target File v12-10.pdf
10.  The outlines of all the PZs on the Longview map – for loading into GPS units that don’t support custom maps so one see and avoid or set proximity warnings
     a.      Longview PZ 12-2.gpx 

It's that time of the year again when we call upon the membership to step up and take on a volunteer role within the HACD by serving as one of the Regional Directors.  Up for election this year are the Southeast and North Central Regions, as well as the At-Large Official position.  Prerequisites for a Director's role include only that each applicant be a member in good standing with both the BFA and HACD.

2012 U.S. Nationals Competitors 5-16-12.pdf 

The finalized version of the rules has been recently approved by the HACD Board of Directors (2012 Nationals Rules & Regulations FINAL.pdf).  I encourage you to take some time to familiarize yourself with the rules as there are some subtle changes which were needed as the Championship shifts from Battle Creek, MI to Longview, TX.  The BFA will again be using the Dakota 10 loggers so if you haven't yet familiarized yourself with the units please do so.  Should you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact your Regional Director or myself. 

Chase Donner

HACD Chairman

Brazil will host the 2014 World Hot Air Balloon Championship