Weekend Update & Fw: Balloon Fiesta Park - Weekly Events for week: March 30 - April 5, 2026
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President - DCEF
Mar 29, 2026, 8:32:23 PM (3 days ago) Mar 29
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Hi All,
Flight Awareness: Stand 25' back from the Runway to allow for a Safety Margin and so all Pilots have a clear visual perspective. All turns from the Runway shall be away from the Pits. (Always fly to the west of the Runway over D6) The prevailing wind directs the Flight Pattern. (North Wind effects a Left Pattern and South Wind effects a Right Pattern at BFP) Call out Take-Offs, Landings, and any Maneuvers that could affect another Flyer. Use common sense if performing an unusual Flight Plan or Maneuver. Communicate with others if flying large or fast aircraft. Try to stay north of Key Grab (E/W road) so as not to interfere with the gliders.
Weekend Update: The Balloon Fiesta Park is OPEN this week and weekend. Adult Soccer will be in D3 on Sunday as usual. Fly safe!
BFP Weekly Forecast: Weather Underground 10 Day
Daily Reminders: Don't forget to visibly hang your Gate Card from your rearview mirror while you are at the Park. Check the 2 Runway Barriers/Signs for center position with the signs facing out to block each end of the Runway. Do respect the Balloonists if they are up and give them full airspace. Watch for and avoid other park users. Refrain from flying in the airspace above them. Remember that the airspace over the Golf Training Center (Driving Range) is a NO FLY ZONE. Clean up your Area (cigarettes/trash) or Crash Site (all pieces/parts) when you're finished, as well as all broken prop blades. If you see a broken prop, even if it is not yours, please pick it up and throw it away. Thanks.
Unless everyone agrees otherwise, AIRCRAFT may NOT be flown in or from the Infield (D7 between the Blue Awning and the Runway) while others are using the Runway.
It is OK to fly from the Pits only IF:
A. You are alone, just you and your plane.
B. Everyone else agrees, understands, and is doing the same.
As soon as anyone goes to fly from the Runway, Infield Flying and any Infield Agreement STOPS. Even if you are already flying, land safely or move to the Runway. MICROS may use the Infield to the north or south of the North Blue Awning when the Runway is occupied and there is agreement with everyone flying. However, remember that BFP is primarily for bigger, faster planes because of its fantastic Runway and grass. Please keep these little wonders well behind the Runway and NOT over any Pilot. Refer to Protocol.
>>>NEW<<< Los Lunas Indoor Flying: Friday Night Indoor Flying, sponsored by the Belen Area Radio Controllers (BARC), has moved to the Los Lunas Senior High School Gym on the 1st and 3rd Friday from 6-10pm of every month. 1776 Emilio Lopez Rd., Los Lunas, 87031. Check attached 2 maps for entry.
The entrance map shows how to get to the parking areas from Main Street in Los Lunas and the second map shows the parking areas. Follow the blue line. The handicap parking area is where you will park if you need to use the elevator to come up to the gym. These doors will NOT be open. You will need to call me (John) and I will come down and let you in. If you can carry your stuff up 13 steps with 3 landings breaking them up, then you can park in the Park Here area and up the steps to that open door.
If you should happen to arrive and the main gate is closed, please call me and I will open it for you.
There are chairs available in the gym, but you will have to bring your own table or just use an extra chair or 2. We will have to get out any chairs we use and return them when we leave.
You must be an AMA member to fly for insurance reasons. So, don't forget your AMA card.
Thanks,
John (505) 975-0321
Cumberland Heights Presbyterian Church Indoor: NOTE: NO FLYING this coming Thursday April 2 at Heights Cumberland church. The gym is hosting a church activity that evening. Flying will resume on Thursday, April 16th at 6:30 pm. See you then.
Normally: 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Heights Cumberland Presybyterian Church
8600 Academy Rd NE (SE corner of Moon and Academy)
Park/Enter on North end along Academy Rd.
What: Anything that fits in the gym: airplane, drone, heli.
Note: AMA required (sign-up sheet requires your AMA number)
Cheers,
Greg Rullman
President
Duke City Electric Flyers
Hint of the Week: Here's a couple, when it comes to setting your CG (Center of Gravity)
Now, I've written before about CG and how important it is to aim for a neutral CG. But, this little trick can also help find a CG starting point, if it's not pointed out in the instructions.
If the airplane is a taildragger, the CG will always be just behind the main gear axle as the plane sits on the main gear level (tail off the ground).
If you have a tricycle gear, the CG will be slightly in front of the main gear axle as the plane sits level.
I write this assuming the designers got the layout right. You will encounter some aircraft were they didn't. You will know they didn't because the plane will either not sit right on the ground or it will have an issue rotating on take off. But, these incorrect examples are rare. I do happen to own one tho. Yep, straight from the company!
The reason for a CG location very close to the main gear axle is for ease of rotation at take off. The more distance the CG is from the gear, the harder it becomes for a correct rotation to flight. A taildragger will lift off too soon, possibly stalling. A trike will need more up to get the nose to come up. Then, when it does, it does so, fast!
Now, I know I've written about finding the true CG when in the air, so I won't go into that here. I just wanted to show you another way of where to start if you didn't know. So, check that CG and know before you go. Best!
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----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Rice, Susan <asr...@cabq.gov>
To: Rice, Susan <asr...@cabq.gov>
Cc: Gonzales, Sarah <sarahg...@cabq.gov>; Martinez, Jimmy <jimmym...@cabq.gov>
Sent: Friday, March 27, 2026 at 01:32:51 PM MDT
Subject: RE: Balloon Fiesta Park - Weekly Events for week: March 30 - April 5, 2026
Hi all,
Watch for an invitation to a Balloon Fiesta Park Daily User meeting in the first half of April. It will most likely be around 3:00pm in person at the Event Center with a zoom option.
We will address a few items relative to use of the park this summer and then open the floor to questions and discussion.
The Parks & Recreation Department, especially the Recreation Services and Park Management Divisions, is heavily invested in the maintenance and improvement of the Balloon Fiesta Park. Working closely with the Daily Users and the Special Event renters is important to maintaining the park in good condition for all users.
I am looking forward to our exchange of information and ideas!
SUSAN RICE
recreation services division manager
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