Weekend Update & Fw: Balloon Fiesta Park - Weekly Events for week: April 13 - 19, 2026

[President - DCEF]

Hi All,

Weekend Update:  The Balloon Fiesta Park is OPEN this week.  Crews will be setting up an event in D4 on Friday for the weekend.  It shouldn't affect us in D3, but watch for traffic.  BFP is CLOSED to flying this weekend.

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.

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.

   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:

When:  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)

Questions:  Neall Doren - ne...@haughtmail.com

Call/Text:  Neal Doren (505) 681-5998

Cheers,

Greg Rullman

President

Duke City Electric Flyers

Video of the Week:  I know, I know...  This is a video of a drone and the work involved getting to a point of incredible success.  But, it's really a focus on technology and human ingenuity.  That stuff encourages a huge drive in one's inner self to be the best.  And, while this Aussie team currently hold this: the World Record for the fastest quad set this past December, I'm 100% certain that this too will fall.  Enjoy!

658kmh 408mph! | When everything just goes right

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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: Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 11:14:25 AM MDT

Subject: RE: Balloon Fiesta Park - Weekly Events for week: April 13 - 19, 2026

Hi all,

 

You should have a zoom invitation to our Daily User meeting for 2026. The date is April 16 at 3:00pm. There is also an option to come in person to the Golf and Event Center.

We will address a few items relative to use of the park this summer and then open the floor to questions and discussion. Working closely with the Daily Users and the Special Event renters is important to maintaining the park in good condition for all users.

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

SUSAN RICE

recreation services division manager

o  505-768-6050

m 505-228-3144

e  asr...@cabq.gov

cabq.gov/parks