User:J Boogie1/U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship

The U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship is an annual hot air ballooning competition sanctioned by the National Aeronautic Association through the Balloon Federation of America. It was first held in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1963. The Piccard Memorial Trophy is awarded to the top finisher of the competition, whom earns a bid to the world championships.

History
The first event was held in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1963. The first champion was 18 year-old Dick Pollard and was awarded the Edward J. Hill Memorial Trophy. This award was later renamed to the Piccard Memorial Trophy.

Event
Up to 50 pilots compete at the national competition each year. The pilots are selected from those that receive the most points throughout the year from competitions held around the United States, and the top 50 are invited. If pilots within the top 50 cannot attend, the next highest finishers are invited.