2025 Great Australian Long Jump
The Great Australian Long Jump is on again this year.
The Competition will run from 1st June 2025 to 6pm on 30th September 2025. Any pilot anywhere in Australia can participate by flying from their own preferred launch field at the time of their choice during the competition period - and flying as far as they can on up to 150 litres of fuel or 5 hours, whichever is the lesser. Multiple attempts on a single entry fee are not only possible, but encouraged.
To allow for an adequate safety margin for reserve fuel, the Rules are the same as last year. Any fuel used in excess of 150 litres is penalised, but does not disqualify the attempt. This is explained in the Rules.
Here are the 2025 Great Australian Long Jump Rules
In addition for the first time this year to allow all balloons no matter the size to compete on an equal footing we are introducing both an absolute time limit of 5 hours, to handicap large balloons, which when lightly loaded will fly far longer than a small balloon on 150 litres, and a distance bonus for smaller balloons which will either not fly as long on 150 litres, or simply cannot carry that payload at all.
View the 2025 Great Australian Long Jump Handicapping.
The Entry fee, is $50 as previously and BAV is the stakeholder.
To win the 2025 Great Australian Long Jump, a pilot must be a member of the ABF.
If you have never competed in the Long Jump now is your opportunity to join the current entrants and test your skills on a long distance flight! With 150 litres of fuel, flying solo in a balloon in good condition, you should be able to remain airborne 4-5 hours and fly between 100 and 200km - that’s my aim! The other competitor’s and I (Les Springett) would enjoy your ‘company’ albeit by phone or email and reading the reports of your flight/s.
Broaden your horizons - join the balloon competition that starts in your ‘backyard’, goes nation-wide, ‘tours the country’ and has the easiest entry conditions - fly now, pay up by 1st July, and you’re an entrant! Don’t forget to send in your Record of Flight Form/s before 15th October, 2025.
Here is the 2025 Great Australian Long Jump Record of Flight Form.
Buoyant regards
Les Springett – Co-ordinator 2025 Great Australian Long Jump
