Friday, June 24, 2016

Pylon Racing Seminar 2016


In 1997, it was decided there should be a better way to help prepare pilots for the National Championship Air Races held each year during September, in Reno, NV. Previously, hopeful race pilots may arrive a few days early in September and be taken through a series of air maneuvers the weekend before the races.  As the races started to attract more classes and more racers – a better, more structured training became necessary.

This June marked the 19th Pylon Racing Seminar AKA Rookie School. And - for the fourth year in a row – a record number of participants were in attendance.  Between the 6 Race Classes, 79 airplanes and 130 participants from all over the world made their way to Stead to practice, to qualify to have fun.

“We are beyond excited to have hosted a record number of planes and participants at this year’s Pylon Racing Seminar, Mike Crowell, President and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association said. “Not only is PRS an opportunity for new pilots to get a feel for the course and understand safety guidelines, it is also a chance for returning pilots to train for September. It was a great few days for the Reno Air Racing Association and we are looking forward to this year’s National Championship Air Races.”

There are only two periods per year when racers are able to fly on the course –during PRS and during Race Week. So, PRS doesn’t just attract new racers, but returning pilots and veterans who want to have a little fun or knock the rust off their skills.

Each Class spends part of the time in a General Session learning about NCAR and the Reno Air Races. Then they split up into their specific Classes and learn the specific operations for their group – basically Ground School. The final 2 segments of the training include specific Air Work, based on their Class’s requirements. Then, they can finally get on the race course.

Specific skills are required for each different Class. For example, if they have a ground start like the Biplanes and Formula Classes – they will practice take-offs with a maximum 10 foot deviation in either direction. And to ensure racers know how to get out of bad air on the pylons, they may be asked to do aileron rolls – right and left. If they have an air start, they are required to fly formation and simulate a typical join up and chute approach. And most classes will have the attendees perform a simulated Mayday to show their understanding of their aircraft and the flight characteristics during an emergency.

Something else which is relatively new is the ability for a racer to come to PRS and go through the General Sessions, the Ground School and hold the Air Work for September. This works great for people coming from further away – where flying across the country twice would be quite difficult.  It opens up the field to pilots who have always wanted to race, but couldn’t make both PRS and Race Week.



As expected, the Sport Class was the big winner with over 50 attendees, including rookies, returning racers who have not raced in the last 3 years - to recertify, veterans interested in practice or testing and instructors. Even with all of the attendees, in disparate aircraft and skill levels – the Sport Class worked like a well-oiled machine. Each session was planned out in advance with the instructors, flight leaders and rookies mixing it up and getting it done.

Over 20 participants in Formula 1 mark their best year ever. This seems to be another Class getting renewed interest from the Sport Pilot community. Philip Goforth and Jay Jones have been instrumental in locating pilots around the country who own Formula 1 racing planes and talking them into joining the movement. More on this Class in next month’s column – but for now – know that they are on the move!



The T-6 Clubhouse was buzzing with happy pilots. Jerry Thurman’s hangar has become the “Happy Place for the T-6 Class”. They do their pre-flight and post-flight briefs in this facility and rarely venture too far away. Some great new pilots have joined their #s including Chris LeFave and active duty USN Aviator, Peter Stavrides. Congrats, gentlemen!

Also, Eric Woelbing was there in preparation for his sophomore year. If his name sounds familiar, he is the proud owner of famous racing Sea Furys, Miss Merced and Furias.  But, he will be racing his T-6 – Eddie Van Fossen’s old Miss TNT. I expect we will hear much more from him and his racing team in the future.



Yes, you Unlimited Fans – there were Unlimiteds at PRS. In fact, 2 new pilots were certified – Joel Swager and Bernie Vasquez. Joel flew Argonaut while Stevo Hinton and Bernie shared Voodoo during the week, with Bernie going for his certification and Stevo looking to get some telemetry on the aerodynamic modifications they made prior to the 2015 season – but with their engine not making the power they expected – they felt they never were able to get clear numbers to justify the modifications. PRS is a perfect time to do things like this.



Two other returning racers came back to take Ground School and will finish up their recertification in September. John Maloney and Jim Thomas will likely be flying John and Sue Paul’s P-51B, Boise Bee – and one of their P-40s (likely Sneak Attack) in September. A Big THANK YOU to John, Jim, and the Pauls for coming back!

Three Rookies were also in attendance for Ground School only. Ira Saligman and Olivier Langeard will be flying Yaks in September and Trevor Merton returned – but not sure what he will be flying yet.

Jay Consalvi attended PRS in 2010 in a Corsair. Since then, he hasn’t raced, but has always been around Warbirds. He is a retired Naval Aviator with time in both the F-14 and F-18. He is also the male lead in the movie Speed and Angels – which was touted as the “Real Life Top Gun”.  

Originally, Jay was looking to race Strega – but it looks like Czech Mate may be his ride this year instead. Either way, he is a welcome addition to the roster. With his name on the list, it looks like we will have approximately 18 Unlimiteds in September. Great news for you Warbird Fans!

Special thanks to all the volunteers who helped out at PRS – especially the photographers, race control and the TUG GUYS! The unsung heroes of keeping us on schedule! And of course, Anthony Taylor and Warbird Fotos for providing the amazing shots for this month.

There is more to come in the next few months. We will be focusing on a few racers who have a great story to tell and will keep the fans up to date with the exciting happenings in preparation for September.

Until then – Fly Low, Fly Fast and Turn Left!

Marilyn Dash
Pylon Place
Ruby Red Racing

Thursday, June 23, 2016

National Championship Air Races Pylon Racing Seminar Attracts Record Number of Participants and Planes

NCAR_Logo
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2016
              

National Championship Air Races Pylon Racing Seminar Attracts Record Number of Participants and Planes
Annual safety briefing and qualifying seminar for September races occurred last week

Reno, Nev. – The 19th annual National Championship Air Races Pylon Racing Seminar (PRS) was held last week, June 15-18, at the Reno Stead Airport. PRS is a qualifying and safety seminar for pilots new to the National Championship Air Races. This year’s event, which was not open to the public, hosted a record 79 airplanes and 130 participants, including students, instructors and certified pilots.

“We are beyond excited to have hosted a record number of planes and participants at this year’s Pylon Racing Seminar, Mike Crowell, President and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association said. “Not only is PRS an opportunity for new pilots to get a feel for the course and understand safety guidelines, it is also a chance for returning pilots to train for September. It was a great few days for the Reno Air Racing Association and we are looking forward to this year’s National Championship Air Races.”

The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) has sponsored PRS as a unique and productive opportunity for race pilots to prepare, practice and become certified to race in the National Championship Air Races each September. RARA, along with the individual race class organizations, opens PRS to all pilots, though it is mandatory for rookies. The seminar offers race practice time, education, training and certification to all pilots, allowing them to race with maximum competitiveness and safety at the air races.

Tickets are on sale for the 53rd Annual National Championship Air Races held September 14-18, 2016 at Reno Stead Airport. For more information, or to volunteer, visithttp://airrace.org.

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About the Reno Air Racing Association:
The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the National Championship Air Races every September just north of Reno. The Reno Air Races have become an institution for northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world. Last year’s event generated more than $66 million for the region’s economy. The event features six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civil flight demonstrations. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.

Media Contact:
Mary-Sarah Kinner
The Glenn Group

mary-sarah kinner
public relations manager
the glenn group
advertising  interactive  public relations
50 washington street, reno nv 89503
241 w. charleston blvd., ste. 111, las vegas, nv 89102
775.686.7777 c 775.762.5178
theglenngroup.com  facebook.com/TheGlennGroup

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

RARA Issues Call for Volunteers

NCAR_Logo
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 7, 2016

RARA Issues Call for Volunteers

RENO, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) issued a call for volunteers for this year’s National Championship Air Races, held September 14 – 18th at the Reno-Stead Airport.

Volunteers are needed in areas including security/gate control, parking management, food & beverage services, hospitality, transportation services, ticket sales, site preparation, operations, logistics, and in the office. RARA will work with volunteers to schedule convenient days and time slots.

Those who are interested in volunteering are encouraged to apply online: http://airrace.org/about-us/volunteer/. Questions may be directed to the Air Races office at (775) 972-6663.

About the Reno Air Racing Association:
The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the National Championship Air Races every September just north of Reno. The Reno Air Races have become an institution for northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world. Last year’s event generated more than $66 million for the region’s economy. The event features six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civil flight demonstrations. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.

Media Contact:
Mary-Sarah Kinner
The Glenn Group
mary-sarah kinner
public relations manager
the glenn group
advertising  interactive  public relations
50 washington street, reno nv 89503
241 w. charleston blvd., ste. 111, las vegas, nv 89102
775.686.7777 c 775.762.5178
theglenngroup.com  facebook.com/TheGlennGroup




Wednesday, June 1, 2016

U.S. Navy Blue Angels to Headline 2016 RARA Performers List

NCAR_Logo
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2016

U.S. Navy Blue Angels to Headline 2016 RARA Performers List

RENO, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) announced performers for the 2016 National Championship Air Races, to be held September 14 – 18, 2016 at the Reno-Stead Airport. The United States Navy’s Blue Angels will headline this year’s performers.

The Wings of Blue United States Air Force (USAF) Jump Team will also perform and Jim Peitz will pilot an aerobatic Beechcraft F33C bonanza. Performers will also include the Lucas Oil Pitts, the Smoke ‘n Thunder Jet Car, and for the first time, an F-35A stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona will join the line of static displays.

“The National Championship Air Races are honored that the Blue Angels will be returning to Reno this year,” RARA President and CEO Mike Crowell said. “We are also excited that on its first ever tour of air show performances, Reno will see an F-35 in the line of static displays. Each and every year, the performers take this event to an even higher level. I hope that race fans, visitors and spectators will be as excited about this year’s lineup as I am.”

Descriptions of each performer are included below.

Blue Angels
The Blue Angels is the United States Navy's Flight Demonstration Squadron, with aviators from the Navy and Marines. Formed in 1946, the Blue Angels' six demonstration pilots fly the F/A-18 Hornet. The Blue Angels’ C-130, affectionately known as Fat Albert, begins each demonstration by exhibiting its maximum performance capabilities during a ten-minute performance. Shortly thereafter, you will see the graceful aerobatic maneuvers of the four-jet Diamond Formation, in concert with the fast-paced, high-performance maneuvers of its two Solo pilots. Finally, the team illustrates the pinnacle of precision flying, performing maneuvers locked as a unit in the renowned, six-jet Delta Formation. Since 1946, the Blue Angels have flown for more than 260 million spectators.

Wings of Blue USAF Academy Jump Team
The Wings of Blue have a long standing commitment to personal and organizational excellence as well as a storied history of success. While the airspace that the Wings of Blue operates in is one of the busiest in the world, their drop zone is one of the safest. The primary mission of the Wings of Blue is to run the Air Force’s Basic Freefall Parachuting course, known as Airmanship 490 (AM-490). Members of the team serve primarily as jumpmasters and instructors for this course, devoting most of their time to teaching students about parachuting and training them to make unassisted freefall skydives. AM-490 is the only certified first-jump program in the world where students can make their first freefall jump without assistance. Each year, over 700 cadets are given the opportunity to take AM-490 and earn their jump wings.

Jim Peitz
Jim Peitz performs an aerobatic routine in a Beechcraft F33C Bonanza. One of the very few Aerobatic Bonanza’s ever built, Jim is guaranteed to turn heads in this plane – loops, point rolls, barrel rolls, snap rolls, Cuban eights, hammerheads (yes, this Bonanza goes vertical!) and more. With a smoke system included, this is the act air show fans will talk about long after the show.

Lucas Oil Pitts
Mike Wiskus brings the Lucas Oil Pitts to the Air Races this year. The Pitts S-1-11B was the last design of the famous Pitts Special line. The airplane is one of the few, if not the only, unlimited type aircraft that can be built from scratch. (With a set of plans that is.)

Known as the Super Stinker, the S-1-11B was created for competition aerobatics, a field that was becoming more and more dominated by monoplanes. What’s more, Mike took this particular Super Stinker to a silver medal in the 2004 world championships in Sweden.

Mike has owned a number of Pitts aircraft over the years. He has owned the Lucas Oil Pitts S-1-11B, which he rebuilt after purchasing the plane on EBay as a wreck, since 2000.

Smoke ‘n Thunder Jet Car
Out on the taxiway you can hear the deafening roar of an engine and see billowing clouds of smoke. You can feel the reverberations of mini sonic booms. You look up and realize it’s not an aircraft. In front of you is the Smoke ‘n Thunder Jet Car preparing to accelerate.

Before beginning his show, Bill Braack, driver, slowly drives past the crowd. He engages the afterburner which shoots 20-foot flames, produces billowing smoke and mini sonic booms.

At the end of the runway, the jet car comes to a standstill. An airplane above has challenged Bill to a race. Jaws drop as the aircraft approaches. Bill is signaled by his crew member "Scuba" Steve Uhrich, that the aircraft is directly overhead. He kicks in the afterburner and accelerates the jet car—he races at speed approaching 400 mph and overtakes the plane in seconds. Bill is pulling 4.5 Gs. As he deploys the parachute to bring the car to a stop, he experiences 11 Gs of negative force. Eyes blinking, the crowd is astonished at what it just witnessed.

F-35
For the first time ever, an F-35 fighter jet, piloted by Maj. William Andreotta, USAF, and assigned to Luke Air Force Base in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale will visit air shows across the country this year.

The jet will make its first appearance as part of the Air Force Heritage Flight program at Luke's air show on April 2nd and 3rd and then travel to air shows nationwide, including Reno.

The heritage flight program, of which the F-35 is a part, teams up current Air Force fighters with planes from the World War II, Korean and Vietnam eras in a dynamic display of our nation's airpower history.

Tickets are on sale for the 53rd Annual National Championship Air Races held September 14-18, 2016 at Reno Stead Airport. For more information, or to volunteer, visit http://airrace.org.

###

About the Reno Air Racing Association:
The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the National Championship Air Races every September just north of Reno. The Reno Air Races have become an institution for northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world. Last year’s event generated more than $66 million for the region’s economy. The event features six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civil flight demonstrations. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.

Media Contact:
Mary-Sarah Kinner
The Glenn Group