Event Calendar

Rio Grande Classic 2023 – May 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th

Dear Pilots:

Welcome to Rio Grande Classic 2023!   On behalf of the entire RGC Committee and the Top Gun Board of Directors, we are looking forward to an amazing event!

Pilots will be competing for RGC Champion, SW Regional Champion, and NM State Champion.

A special thank you to all our sponsors.

Our Maverick Sponsor is AERCO-Balloon Port!

Goose Sponsor: Highland Balloon Repair

Iceman Sponsors: K & V Accounting, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, TBC General Contracting , and Electric Motor Co, Power Generation Service

Viper Sponsors: Centric Title, Primary Colors/Oodaloop Ballooning, Desert Valley Plumbing Heating and Cooling and BrewLab 101

Jester Sponsors:  Edustat Air, Siarza:Digital Public Relations and Advertising, and Ace of Paws

In-Kind Sponsors: Coldwell Banker Legacy, SW Cyberport, Treat Yourself and Marble Brewery

We will be using the Remind System for Pilots and Crew Chiefs.   Pilots will be automatically entered, and you will receive one test communications prior to RGC to confirm that you are in the system.  Crew Chiefs and other crew can sign up by texting 81010 and use the code @7c3c7e3

Your Event Directors for the 2023 Rio Grande Classic are: Maury Sullivan & Sam Parks

Maury Sullivan – RGC Event Director

Sam Parks – Assistant Event Director

If you would like to view Maury and Sam’s full bios please visit the main RGC website.  You can count on some incredible tasks being called by Maury and Sam for the 2023 Rio Grande Classic!

Please Visit Watchmefly.net for all important updates, Official Rules, map downloads, etc.

RGC Cash prizes (Open to all RGC Pilots)

1st Place – $800, 2nd Place – $400, 3rd Place – $200

Southwest Regional Championship (Open to all NM, TX and OK Pilots)

1st Place – $500, 2nd Place – $300, 3rd Place – $100

NM Championship (Open to NM Pilots only)

1st Place – $500, 2nd Place – $300, 3rd Place – $100

Schedule of Events

Friday, May 26th

Practice flight morning briefingColdwell Banker Legacy at 5:25am

  • 500 Unser Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
  • Propane is on your own for this practice flight

Registration Party:  Friday, May 26 from 4 pm to 7 pm at the BrewLab 101

  • 3301 Southern Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
  • Register and pick up your pilot banners, badges, and shirts.
  • Pilots and crew welcome. Appetizers and cash bar available.
  • Master Briefing will be at 6 PM – ALL PILOTS MUST BE THERE

Saturday, May 27th and Sunday May 28th

Morning BriefingRio Rancho Middle School at 5:25am, doors open 5am

  • 1600 Loma Colorado Blvd NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144
  • Continental Breakfast & coffee provided
  • Pilot plus Navigator/Crew Chief only in briefing room
  • Please see attached map for exact entry, parking and location within the school

Post Flight (BEFORE FUELING) Drop off baggies/loggers-Coldwell Banker Legacy Competition Center

  • 500 Unser Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
  • Please enter drop off lane from Unser Blvd northbound (See attached Map)

Refuel at Pinnacle – 8 am to Noon

  • 6400 Edith Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107
  • Must present your pilot badge for refueling.

Enjoy your afternoon and don’t forget to visit our sponsors BrewLab 101 and Marble Brewery!

Monday, May 29th

Morning BriefingRio Rancho Middle School at 5:25am, doors open 5am

  • 1600 Loma Colorado Blvd NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144
  • Continental Breakfast & coffee provided
  • Pilot plus Navigator/Crew Chief only in briefing room
  • Please see attached map for exact entry, parking and location within the school

Post Flight – Drop off baggies/loggers-Coldwell Banker Legacy Competition Center

  • 500 Unser Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
  • Please enter drop off lane from Unser Blvd northbound (See attached Map)

Awards Ceremony and lunchPongal Events Center 11 am – 1 pm

  • 1101 Golf Course Rd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
  • Pilots will each receive 5 tickets. Additional tickets may be purchased for $15

Important Phone Numbers:

Event Director, Maury Sullivan, 303-323-4455                     Asst Event Director, Sam Parks, 505-280-0637

Weather Officer, Ray Bair, 505-934-1223                                Safety Officer, Pat Chado, 505-228-4638

Measuring Teams, Dave Bagley, 505-226-3266                    Scoring Team, Andi Babcock, 505-620-2190

Steward, Lynn Sullivan, 330-323-4673                                     TG President, Kelly Price, 702-845-0080

RGC Co-Chair, Jessica Price, 505-850-0173                            RGC Co-Chair, Elisa Talbert, 505-269-2503

Photos to Help In Navigation:

Coldwell Banker:

Rio Rancho Middle School: