Bulletin 1 • Competitor FAQs • Airport Info
Bulletin 1
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Competitor FAQs
Q. How do I register for the contest?
- If you haven’t already done so, please create an account by clicking on the icon at the upper right of the screen:
- Fill out and submit the registration form
- Contact us for electronic payment instructions.
Q. Will we be able to select a registration option that does not include hotel accommodations?
- Yes. You will have options to register for the contest alone with hospitality included, but not accommodations, if you wish. Here are suggestions for local hotels, however the rate that we have negotiated with the partnered hotel will allow you to spend less money overall when you choose to register with accommodations. All of our partnered hotels have a variety of services including breakfast, laundry service, fitness center, pool, and business center.
Q. Will transportation be provided to all scheduled activities and events?
- Yes. We are working out the details on what type of transportation will be provided, but all transportation to and from the hotel and other contest events will be provided. We are also looking into a secondary transportation option for regional activities for contestants, friends and family, and officials during down-time or weather delays.
Q.Will additional transportation options be made available for use?
- Competitors can rent vehicles from Enterprise Rent-a-Car for whatever duration is desired.
Q. Can I see a diagram of the box?
- The contest bulletins include a box diagram and coordinates.
Q. What is the price of fuel at the contest site and fuel at practice airports?
- Currently the price of 100LL is set at US$7.05 per gallon (approximately 1.71 Euros per liter ). If this changes drastically, we’ll update it to reflect pricing changes.
Q. What is the hangar situation at both the contest site and practice sites, before, during, and after the competition?
- Contest Site (KMCW): Sufficient ramp and aircraft parking capacity, and hangar infrastructure – it is anticipated all contest aircraft would be in secured hangar storage each night.
We have support from the local aviation community, including interest and cooperation from local hangar owners. If you are planning on staying in the area and need hangar space, please contact your liaison and we will arrange it for you.
Q. Recommendations for local restaurants and attractions?
- If you’re looking to stay in Mason CIty, there are a number of local restaurants and things to do that can be viewed on the Mason City page that we’ll be posting on our website.
For an additional variety of restaurants, we can recommend a number of great ones in Clear Lake, a resort town with lakeside entertainment venues, which is only three miles from the airport. If you need help with a recommendation or reservation, please reach out to our Contest Concierge on site.
Q. What are the closest Airports to Airline into?
- Direct flights from Europe are readily available to Chicago Illinois (KORD) and to Minneapolis, Minnesota (KMSP).
– There is a 2-hour transfer flight from Chicago directly to Mason City (the contest location) twice daily.
– The drive time from Minneapolis to Mason City is only 2 hours.
These times are comparable or less than recent WAC and WAAC venues in Europe, and much less than from NY airports to the previously planned venue.
See our travel page for more details.
Q. How do I get a US Pilot validation?
- If you are bringing your aircraft from your home country, you will not need to possess a United States pilot certificate. If you are renting a United States N-registered plane, you will need a United States validation in order to fly the aircraft. If you would like assistance in understanding the regulations or acquiring the validation, please contact your liaison.
Q. What aviation rules apply to me?
- If you’ll be flying your non-US registered plane across the United States, our Federal Aviation Regulations and some helpful tips on both airspace and communications. You are of course welcome to reach out to your liaison for support in cross country planning as well.
Q. What do I need to be able to drive in the United States?
- If you will either be renting a car or using one of our courtesy vehicles, you must submit a valid driver’s license from your country of residence 30 days before the start of the contest. Best practice would be to submit that along with your registration documents so long as your license does not expire before the contest start date. You will not need an international driver’s permit (IDP) to rent a car or use our courtesy vehicles in Iowa State. Unlicensed drivers will not be allowed to drive.
Q. What costs can I expect to come out of pocket for while traveling to the US?
- Our goal is to make this competition as seamless as possible for you. We want to keep the out of pocket costs to you at a minimum as we know the time, dedication, and costs already associated with this sport to begin with. Any outside food or drinks, laundry facilities, services not provided by the contest are not covered by the entry fee.
Q. Are there mechanics or a maintenance facility available at the airport? Will parts or replacement parts be available with a short lead time if needed?
- Yes, we have multiple partners who will be on standby who have promised to give priority to parts requests and sourcing for the competitors.
Q. Who are my points of contact as a competitor or team manager?
- For general inquiries that are not time sensitive, you may reach out to our contact email: contact@2026wac.com and we will respond to you within 24 hours. If you need immediate support, please call or WhatsApp your designated liaison for support in less than 24 hours.
Q. What food and drink will be available to us onsite and off site as part of the entrance fee?
- Our goal is to make sure all competitors are treated well and have everything they need. We will have water, coffee, energy drinks, and healthy food snack options and meals. Breakfast will be available at the hotel or a lighter breakfast (bagels, yogurt, granola, berries) will be offered at the airport each morning. Lunch will be provided daily. Dinner will be provided either on the airport or off-site depending on the event schedule for the evening.
Q. Are there laundry facilities that we can use?
- Yes, you will have access to laundry facilities in your hotel.
Q. If I am bringing my friends and/or family with me, will there be a place for them to hang out at the airport and will there be options for activities for them while I’m practicing or flying?
- Absolutely! In Clear Lake, located just 3 miles west of the airport, this popular resort town offers boating, beaches, and the historic Surf Ballroom, the final venue where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper performed before their tragic 1959 plane crash
Mason City, which is located just 6 miles east of the airport they can enjoy: MacNider Art Museum: Features American art, sculptures, and the famous Bil Baird puppets (the masterminds behind the marionettes in The Sound of Music).
Local Eats: Grab classic ice cream at Birdsall’s Ice Cream, a local staple operating since 1931.
Outdoors: Enjoy over 20 miles of scenic trails, such as the River City Greenbelt & Trail System, or grab a craft pint at Fat Hill Brewing in the downtown district.