Please read this document in its entirety before submitting Pilot Application Form online.
Invitation
We would like to invite you to fly this year’s Ohio Challenge, July 18,19, 20, 2025 in Middletown, Ohio.
The Ohio Challenge, hot air balloon festival, is celebrating its 22nd year. It will take place on July 18, 19, and 20, 2025 in Middletown, Ohio. Hot air balloons have been popular in the community and surrounding areas since hosting the US Nationals in 1992 through 1994. The area has excellent landowner relationships and plentiful landing areas. The festival attracts 30,000 people during the family friendly weekend event. Middletown is 30 minutes from both Dayton and Cincinnati.
The return of FAA waivered, BFA sanctioned competitive flights was a huge success last year. We are excited that Shawn Raya will return as competition director. Shawn is a respected competitive pilot/event director with years of experience. In discussions with multiple pilots, it was important that the event once again offer this opportunity. The prize package is $3000. ($1000 for first place) A fly in pole grab will be part of both AM competitive flights. A separate prize of $1000 each day for a successful grab.
In addition to the AM flights, each pilot will receive $150 for attending the event and participating in a glow or P.M. flight on both Friday and Saturday nights.
The event will accommodate 30 or more pilots as sponsorships support. Applications will be reviewed on several criteria, and we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. Deadline to return application is March 4th, 2025.
Festival Format
Competitive BFA sanctioned flying has returned to the event at the request of pilots during AM flights. Middletown offers excellent targets and landing areas and has a history of competitive flying. We are excited about its return under the leadership of Shawn Raya who is a respected competitive pilot and event director.
Balloon glows will have half of the balloons each night following the PM flights.
Evening meals are provided both Friday and Saturday night for pilots and crew. A “get-away” informal quick meal Sunday will be served at the hospitality tent after propane while awaiting competition results.
Pilot/Crew Schedule
| Friday July 18 | sunset 9:00 PM | |
| 4 to 5 PM | registration FAA review | Smith Park Pilot Hospitality Tent |
| 5 P.M. | event info/safety briefing | Smith Park Piot Hospitality Tent |
| 5:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. | pilot/crew meal | Smith Park Pilot Hospitality Tent |
| 6:30 P.M. | weather briefing | Smith Park Pilot Hospitality Tent |
| 7:00 P.M. | fly out flight | Smith Park |
| 9:15 to 9:45 P.M. | glow (1/2 balloons) | Smith Park (card distribution) |
| 8:30 to 11:00 P.M. | propane refill | Water Works Entrance Off Columbia Ave. |
| Saturday A.M. July 19 | sunrise 6:28 A.M. | |
| 6:00 A.M. | flight briefing | Smith Park Pilot Hospitality Tent |
| 6:30 A.M. | BFA Competitive Flight and Key grab | Smith Park |
| 8:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. | propane refill | Miami Valley Propane 6675 Chrisman Ln Middletown |
| Saturday P.M. July 19 | sunset 9:00 P.M. | |
| 4:30 to 5:30 P.M. | Pilot meet and greet | Launch Field |
| 5:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. | picnic meal | Smith Park Piot Hospitality Tent |
| 6:30 P.M. | weather briefing | Smith Park Piot Hospitality Tent |
| 7:00 P.M. | fly out flight | Smith Park |
| 9:00 to 9:45 P.M. | glow (1/2 balloons) | Smith Park |
| 8:30 to 11:00 P.M. | propane refill | Water Works Entrance Off Columbia Ave. Smith Park |
| Sunday July 20 | Sunrise 6:29 A.M. | |
| 6:00 A.M. | flight briefing | Smith Park Pilot Hospitality Tent |
| 6:30 A.M. | BFA Competitive Flight and Key grab | Smith Park |
| 8:00A.M. to 10:00 A.M. | propane refill | Miami Valley Propane 6675 Chrisman Ln Middletown |
| 10:30 A.M. | Get-Away quick meal | Hospitality tent (competition results) |
Propane
Propane is conveniently provided after each flight/glow. Come full leave full.
Insurance
The Ohio Challenge requires each participating pilot to name The Ohio Challenge and City of Middletown as additional insured. Every pilot is required to have a minimum of $1,000,000 combined single limit coverage, $100,000 minimum property damage, and $100,000 minimum passenger liability for each passenger.
Pilot Check-In
Check-in for all pilots will be held the Friday of the event from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the pilot tent located at Smith Park (500 Tytus Ave., Middletown, Ohio) adjacent to Hook Field-Middletown Regional Airport – the primary launch field.
Hotel Accommodations
Pilots living > 30 miles from Middletown Airport, receive one room for both Friday and Saturday evenings.
Each pilot requesting a room and requesting additional crew rooms will be sent final details in early April 2025.
Volunteer Crew
We make every effort to provide local crew should you need them. It is imperative that you indicate on the Pilot Application the number of crew members you will require.
Thanks for considering this event for your summer flying schedule. We look forward to seeing you in Middletown this July.
Sincerely,
Mark Frazer
Pilot Committee, Chairman
Contact Mark Frazer for questions.