Rare Bear Creator, World Record Holder and Motor Sports Hall of Famer

Lyle Shelton has Gone West

The Reno Air Races community is mourning the loss of yet another legend. Lyle Shelton died last month after a long illness.

You could say that Lyle Shelton became an air-racing champion because of a missed flight. Shelton was a Naval Aviator in 1964 when he took a month's leave intending to travel around the world via space available military transportation. But, while in California after missing his flight to Hawaii, he came across an article in a magazine saying there was going to be an Inaugural Air Race in Reno. The idea of air racing intrigued him enough to abandon his journey and hop a ride to Nevada. He must have liked what he saw, because less than a year later he flew in his first air race.



After racing both a P-51 Mustang and a Hawker Sea Fury for other owners, another air racer told Shelton of a wrecked F8F at an airport at Valparaiso, IN. Shelton found it upside down in a cornfield, missing its engine and other vital parts. He bought this wreck for about $2500 and trucked it to California. This started his long time love affair with what we came to know as the Rare Bear.

In 1969 the "Abel Cat" appeared in competition for the first time at Reno, where Shelton finished fifth in the championship race.

His first win at Reno was in 1973, after several years of troubles in the way of canopies coming off and blown tires on landing. He continued his winning ways in 1975 and again from 1988 until 1991. His final race at Reno was in 1997 when he finished third. At that time, he was a six-time gold champion.

But honestly, that was just the black and white of it all. Lyle was much more than that to the sport of Air Racing. He managed Air Races, he was the President of the Pilot’s Association and he was an icon to so many of us.

No other team has done as much with mostly volunteers. He worked with sponsors and lived everyday for the goal of going fast and turning left. His personal style, professional enthusiasm and success made him a fan favorite for years.

Shelton set the Unlimited Class speed record at Reno three times. He also set a "Time to Climb" record in 1972 which stands today. This record took him from a standing start to 10,000 feet in 91.9 seconds. On Aug. 21, 1989 he set the world's absolute propeller-driven speed record over a 3-kilometer course at Las Vegas at 528.329 mph, which is going to be difficult for anyone to beat.

In 1999, he became a member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame.

"Lyle will be remembered always and we will miss him greatly."

Marilyn Dash
Ruby Red Racing

A Loving Tribute to a Dear Friend…

The Warbird and Air Racing Communities lost a great friend on March 17, 2010. Al Goss was flying his beloved T-6, Warlock, with his crew chief, Steve Ballard, when tragedy struck.



Alfred Fredrick Goss Jr., or “Papa Goss” or “Al”to all that knew him, was born December 16, 1941 in Shenandoah, Iowa to Alfred and Lucille Goss.

At 18, Al started flying and soon found employment as a crop duster flying for Pat Tomlinson of M & W Flying in Porterville, CA. After several years he migrated to Northern California and flew for several different organizations. Twenty-two years ago, he took a job in the Bakersfield, CA area with Old River Crop Dusting, owned by dear friend and fellow air racer, Eddie Van Fossen.

A crop duster by day, his real passion was Warlock and the people who surrounded him and supported him while he raced the pylons at Reno. He had two sons, Randy and David and a daughter, Sandra; but he adopted the rest of us and made everyone feel like family.

His Racing Story started in 1981, when Al decided to make the trek over the hills to the National Championship Air Races. Twenty-nine years later, he was the favorite of both fans and racers alike.

He finished 2nd in the Gold six times, or as he would say, “the first loser”. But, he won it all in 2004. Walking away with the title of National Champion after all those years meant so much to him. Regardless of win or lose, however, his devoted fans loved him.

The Warlock Crew would show up every year and work from dawn to dusk. They polished that airplane, mingled with the crowds and watched with great interest all of the races over the many days. Photographers were welcomed, and could always be found huddled on top of the Warlock trailer with their camera equipment trying to get the best pictures. (I always wondered how he managed to assemble such an amazing array of people. He was magnetic in that way.) Still, he always seemed to give much more than he received, although I’m sure he would disagree.

The big bash every year was the Warlock Party. It happened on Wednesday night as a way to celebrate the beginning of the races. There was always a band, dancing, singing and friendship being passed around the ramp. Everyone was there and Al knew all of them.



From a pilot’s standpoint, he did it all. He flew for a living, and lived for his flying. When an Airshow needed him, he was there. When a friend was in need, they knew they could call him anytime. He was the hardest working and the kindest man I have ever known.

I met Al in 2004, my first year racing in the Biplane Class. He was a mentor and a friend to me. After every race, I would get debriefed by him. If I did well, it was a big hug and if I made mistakes, he would shake his head and share with me his insight. I felt as though I was the luckiest pilot in the world to have this great man take such a personal interest in me and my flying. But, he did that to so many of us.

From the phone calls I have received since the news went out, everyone was touched by him. Every interaction made people feel special. He remembered wives’ and childrens' names, details of everyone’s life, and showed deep concern and compassion towards all of us.

In addition to his children and grandchildren, Al had a special friend in Anita. They were inseparable and just about the most adorable couple you’d ever meet. They would dance together at the Warlock Party and everyone would stop and watch them. As loving and amiable as Al was, Anita just multiplied the affection.



His passenger on that day was Steven Ballard, a long time friend, Fed-ex pilot and flight instructor. Steve was also a fixture at the Air Races as part of the Warlock Crew each year.

This year was to be Al’s 30th Anniversary racing at Reno. I know Team Ruby will put together a special memorial to our mentor this year and it’s likely that other teams will too.

But for many of us, without Al, Warlock, and the team, the races will simply never be the same.

A public memorial was held at Shafter Minter Field on April 10th at noon in Eddie's Hangar. The crowd was amazing and the fly-bys were a fitting tribute to a great man. Special thanks to Tiger, Eddie and Sandy Sanders for their efforts that day.



Please keep the Goss, Warlock and Reno families in your hearts. For we have all suffered a great loss.

RIP Papa Goss. I loved you and will miss you always.

Marilyn Dash
Ruby Red Racing

So, you want to go Air Racing?

The third most frequently asked question I hear about Air Racing is – How do I get started? I thought I would share with you how I get started, and tell you how to go about moving from the stands to the pits.
At one time… every Race Pilot went to the races and thought, I want to do that! Each of us had to make some decisions and focus on the goal. And while the process has become more structured in recent years with the creation of the Pylon Racing Seminar, it’s still a process.

The beginning of Ruby Red Racing

The first time I went to the Reno Air Races, it was 1999 and I was a student pilot at Diamond Aviation at KSQL. Our journey started as two students and a CFI in a rented C172.

We landed at KRNO. I remember landing next to a DC-9 on the parallel runway and thinking, we don't have this at home! We landed and caught a shuttle to 4SD (now KRTS), Reno-Stead Airport to watch the races.
Karen Morss owned Diamond at the time and her husband, David Morss was racing in three classes; Unlimited, Sport and Formula. Karen made sure we were set up with tickets and Pit Passes. We really got to see the races up close because of Karen and David and their hospitality. We spent much of the time in the pits, and the rest of the time in our seats in the grandstands.
From that first day, I was hooked and have always wanted to be a Race Pilot. But, how do you go from 40 hours in a Citabria and another 40 in a Katana to racing around pylons with the best of the best?



After earning my ticket late in 1999, I purchased my first airplane, Daisy. Daisy is a Cherokee 140/160 and has been my faithful warrior for many years. We have traveled the West Coast from Seattle to Phoenix. My beloved (late) Rottweiler, Darling Precious, would fly with me all the time.
Our first trip after buying the Cherokee was Christmas Day in 1999 flying to Santa Monica to visit my cousin.

The looks on the faces of the people at the airport when a Rottweiler and a woman (with a brand new pilot certificate) jumped out of this airplane were priceless.
In August of 2000, I was still volunteering at the Hiller Aviation Museum. They had a “RENO AIR RACE” day to meet some of the air race pilots in the area. I remember meeting a Biplane Racer who was also an Aerobatic Competitor at this event. He invited me to stop by his pit while at the races that year. And I did.



We became friends and he asked me about my flying goals. I told him that I had two … One was to fly aerobatics and the other was to race at Reno. He didn’t laugh. Which, looking back, was quite nice of him.
He was kind enough to take me flying to do some aerobatics and after about two flights told me to go to Sean D. Tucker’s School of Aerobatic Flight (Now, Tutima Flight Academy) for additional training. He stressed spin training, which should be required for all new pilots – in my opinion.
My love affair with advanced or competitive or sport flying continued (what would you call this?) I flew in my first aerobatic contest in 2001 and received a few awards and had a blast.
I was addicted.
Balancing work and my new passion has always been difficult. I work as an Independent Management Consultant specializing in Sales and Marketing Technologies. When work is plentiful, time is not. When work is sparse, money is not. You need both time to practice and money to pay for it to make your dreams come true. Or maybe, I could just win the lotto.
It took me just over a year to buy my race plane, Ruby. Wes Selvidge was an Air Show Pilot, Aerobatic Competitor and also raced in the Biplane Class at Reno for several years. He had decided to sell his Pitts Special and I was there with a check within minutes.
Now, flying a Cherokee and flying a Pitts are very different animals. I needed a parachute. I needed to figure out the helmet issue – can’t fit in the plane with a tight canopy with a standard helmet, and a regular headset falls off your head while inverted – so I devised this ingenious yet somewhat redneck kluge in the form of a chinstrap.
In June of 2003, I headed up to Reno for the Pylon Racing School. The first day is Ground School. Your Class will have delegated someone to discuss with you the operations of the class. The will cover topics such as; How do you line up to start, how do you take to the race course, how do you recover, qualify, and of course, what to do in case of an emergency.
The next two days will give you time to do your air work and then get some time on the course itself. Each class has their set off requirements similar to the Practical Test Standards that all pilots know. In the Biplane Class, for example you are required to take-off with less than a ten foot deviation, be able to roll left and right, with less than a fifty foot deviation, among other standards.
Once you pass PRS, you are now a Certified Race Pilot. You actually get a little sticker to add to your log book and a patch for your flightsuit saying you attended PRS.



Now, what to do about a crew? Where am I going to stay? How do I get my luggage for ten days to Reno in a Pitts? Who do I talk to about putting numbers on my plane? How about insurance? Sponsors?

All of these questions were answered for me by taking a look around my airport. I’m lucky enough to be at a very active airport for racing. At any one time, we have up to eight pilots competing each year. Two of them that year were F1 racers and I dropped my tools and luggage in the back of one of their trucks. My crew consisted of a 17 year old airport kid who, when focused, was a great help to me.
I came in last that first year. But I had a blast and knew I would be back. 2010 will be my seventh year as a biplane racer. Now it’s our turn.

How do YOU get started?

In aerobatic competition, you are given a “buddy” to help you with the process. We don’t have that in racing, but I’ll be your virtual “buddy” to walk you through.
First, you need to know which class you want to join. This was an easy question for me to answer, since I knew I wanted to use the same aircraft for aerobatics and for racing. Each class has officers and by-laws or rules which govern them. Getting in touch with someone from the race class is as easy as checking the Reno Air Racing website (airrace.org) or doing an internet search. For the Biplane Class, we have a Facebook page and a website to draw in new members.
The easiest way to become a race pilot is to buy a race plane. The “hired guns” are usually retired fighter pilots, test pilots and astronauts. If this does not describe your last job, you’ll probably need to buy yourself a race plane.

You will need to go to Pylon Racing Seminar for the specific class you want to join. If you do not have your race plane yet, you can take the “ground school only” option and be exposed to the process, but will not be able to be fully accredited until you pass the flying portion.
Let’s say that you bought your plane, attended and passed PRS, and are headed up to Mecca in September. You need to now think about your crew and your pit. Depending on your class and your plane, you will need some tools and do some maintenance while there. If you know me, you’ll know my Ruby is very low maintenance. But I still need to check the oil and spark plugs each day. My crew of one teenager has turned into a crew of at least five characters.
While we are not taking the airplane apart each day and rebuilding it, we do need some tools. And you will be living in that pit for a week, so some chairs, tables, cooler, radio, battery charger, etc. will be essential. And don’t forget the Crew Shirts. And a golf cart, you’ll need to get back and forth along the flight line – which is over a mile long. Do you want to walk the entire way? Nope, I’ll
need a golf cart, and decorations for the golf cart are always nice, and add a homey touch.
Not ready to be an air racer yet? You can always volunteer on someone’s crew or for NAG or RARA. This is a great way to see the races from a different angle and be part of the action.

And to answer your question…

The two most frequently asked questions I hear are “Do you fly that by yourself” and “Is that your boyfriend’s airplane”.
The answers are yes and no. (He has his own airplanes.)

So, until next time, fly low, fly fast, turn left and get involved.
Marilyn Dash
Ruby Red Racing

Airshow Season Preview

Not just an Air Show Preview, but – where can you see some of your favorite racers.

Warbirds in Action, Minter Field

One of the first shows of the year is also a show that guarantees you will see some of your favorite racers. “Warbirds in Action” at Minter Field, Shafter, CA is the home show for Warlock, Czech Mate and Strega. I’m sure Al Goss will be in attendance and will likely fly that day, Tiger and Stevo will likely be there, not sure if they will be flying or not. Czech Mate is also at the field, however rarely flies or displays. You will likely see Eddie Van Fossen in his T-6 hopping rides and forming up on Warlock. The show is a one day event and is scheduled for April 17th.

Planes of Fame, Chino, CA

We talk about this every year, but the best Airshow for Warbirds on this side of the pond is Planes of Fame Air Museum’s Airshow in Chino, CA. This year, their theme is “A Salute to the Greatest Generation”. If you haven’t seen the “Gaggle of Warbirds” in person – you’re missing a treat. Last year, over 30 Vintage Warbirds took to the air together. It’s awe inspiring. And it cannot be captured on video, photos or stories. You have to be there.

The show site is easily accessible, being just miles from the Ontario Airport; there really is no excuse not to make it this year. I’m giving you enough warning, and you know you want to be there.

In fact, Planes of Fame puts together an incredible series of events usually the first weekend of every month. Depending on when you read this, you may have already missed the February event about the Search for Gertrude Tompkins – Silver. She is the only WASP still listed as Missing in Service. She disappeared without a trace in 1944 in the Los Angeles Area. Aviation Anthropologist, Pat Macha, wrote a wonderful book which examines her story. Pat will be on hand to discuss the book and tell the tale.

March brings the Douglas Skyraider event. They are expecting between 60-70 retired Skyraider pilots and will have the author of Cheating Death, George Marrett, there to discuss his book. George is the “real deal” and when he tells a story, you will be on the edge of your seat. He flew 188 combat missions in Vietnam. There will also be a Skyraider Flight Demonstration after the presentation.

In April, seven P-38 pilots including one Ace, will gather to celebrate their stories. The Museum’s P-38 will provide the Flight Demonstration that day. Now, it’s up to you to go to their website and learn more about how you can get involved in the events happening there.

Madera Air Show

The Madera Airshow is scheduled for May 22-23rd. A dedicated group of aviators and enthusiasts put together a wonderful show last year. This year promises to be even better. Last year, Al Goss was in attendance with Warlock, Dan Martin was there in Ridge Runner and retired racer Chuck Hall entertained us all in Six Shooter, his P-51D. He provided us with a single ship aerobatic routine as well as a two-ship sequence with John Collver. Country Singer, Aaron Tippin provided a wonderful and free concert for everyone. You don’t get that kind of entertainment just anywhere.

Several acts are new this year including Doug Jardine and Tim Decker, both providing high energy aerobatic sequences and Dr. D’s Old Time Aerobatics. More names are being added to the list all the time, so start making plans to be in Madera in May (the weekend after Chino).

Golden West/Marysville

June 11-13th brings the Golden West Airshow. For the last few years, the Sport Class has entertained the crowds with an Air Race Demo. I don’t think Lee Behel knew it was a demo, since he blew his engine a few years ago while in first place. Demo means no trophy, Lee!

If you are a Sport Class Fan, this is a great way to find out what everyone is doing and see your favorites in the air before September.

Pylon Racing Seminar

Later in June the Pylon Racing Seminar will take place. This is only for diehard fans, but we usually get a about 100 people out there to watch the Rookies and to see which Veterans have decided to practice on the course.

Allegedly, if Dago Red will be racing in September, Skip Holm may be at PRS. Perhaps we will see Galloping Ghost, Voodoo, and Strega. I will be there to report back on the activities, so if you can’t make it – don’t worry! I’ve got your six.

Sun ‘n Fun

Sun ‘n Fun is scheduled for April 13th-18th. I have only attended one year and it was superb. Not many racers, but Warbirds and amazing aerobatic routines, plus all sorts of activities including forums and workshops with excellent evening entertainment. This year the USAF Thunderbirds are scheduled to attend also.

Kermit Weeks’ Fantasy of Flight is an easy day trip from Lakeland. That is another “do not miss” opportunity.

Red Bull Air Race

The only US location on the Red Bull Air Race tour this year is NYC. They will race right over the water, between NY and NJ. I was trying to put this on my schedule, but it is the same weekend as PRS. So, someone go to Red Bull in NYC for me and report back. I’ll be in Reno.

Other Red Bull news.. It looks like we may get one or two more Red Bull Racers defecting to the National Championship Air Races @ Reno in September. Waiting to hear more solid information, but when they are ready to share, you will be the second to know.

National Championship Air Races @ Reno

I am saving the best for last, at least in this article. The National Championships Air Races will be held from September 15th – 19th. At this point, I can only tell you that a lot of action is happening behind the scenes. Wrenches are flying and while we have no idea who will be in attendance, we do know that a great group of owners, pilots, crew and fans will congregate in the desert once again to entertain you, and if you promise to come out and cheer us on.

Until then, don’t for get to…

Fly Low, Fly Fast and Turn Left,

Marilyn Dash

Ruby Red Racing

Books on Air Racing

During the off-season, when there isn’t enough news to keep the fans interested, I say we take a look at our book shelves and see how Air Racing has been covered in Literature, Biographies and Nonfiction.

Did you know there are two novels written about Air Racing?

The first was written by William Faulkner and is called Pylon. It isn’t exactly fun and easy reading, but it is a classic. Faulkner participated in Air Shows during the early 30’s and many of the stories in the book are based on his real life experiences. The characters are based on real people he met along the way. But, very little of this book resemble the characters and events of the National Championship Air Races or any other form of Air Racing.

The plot follows a reporter sent to cover the activities of barnstormer pilots in a dusty forgotten town. Drunkenness, embezzlement and relationship issues ensue and make for a dark novel.

If you want to introduce your friends to Air Racing, this isn’t the novel to get them excited about it. I would recommend it to Faulkner fans and to others who enjoy a challenge and would like to see how Racing was depicted in the 30’s.

A better choice would be Gods of the Pylon by Jim Tausworthe. A well done dramatic story of a Reno Race Pilot banned for five years because of “aggressive” flying on the race course. He vows to return and does, in a hot new racer. Pilots admire him, fear him and the fans are drawn to him. Of course, there is a love story, but you can quickly skim those pages and get back to the racing action.

While not “literature”, Gods of the Pylon is a worthwhile and entertaining read. The author, Tausworthe, has written several novels mostly centered on aviation. He served in the US Army Air Corps where he flew the B-25 and A-26. He was also a Flight Instructor and is now retired in the Ozarks. His novel feels authentic and you will be able to pick out personality traits of some famous racers both old and new.

Nonfiction

The most recent work about Air Racing released last year is Dell Rourk’s Racing for the Gold: The Story of Lyle Shelton and the Rare Bear. This is a great addition to the collection for any Race Fan. Dell follows the journey of Lyle Shelton from finding The Bear through his rollercoaster career of highs and lows.
Dell is a pilot and a historian. She and her husband, Hersh, were part of the Rare Bear Air Racing Team for many years and her memory and access make this a realistic and fact-based journey. Rare Bear has won Reno 10 times and set the speed record for piston-driven aircraft of 528.33 mph. Yet, this machine started out life sitting in the weeds behind a hangar in Valpariso, Indiana.

You will never look at the success Lyle had over the years the same way after knowing how hard he worked to keep The Bear in the air all those years. Every dollar, every minute, every acquaintance worked toward the ultimate goal, the National Championship.

Many of the newer fans won’t know of Shelton’s leadership in the world of Air Racing. He is a legend and the sport is better for having him be part of our history.

Lyle sold Rare Bear to Rod Lewis after the 2006 Season. Since then, she has continued her success with a win and a 2nd place. Her history is still in the making. And her incredibly loyal fans are thrilled.

This is another book I recommend highly for all Air Racing fans.

Fly Low, Fly Fast

The most popular book about Air Racing is probably Robert Gandt’s Fly Low, Fly Fast: Inside the Reno Air Races.

Gandt has written numerous fiction and non-fiction aviation themed books. He was a Naval Aviator, Flight Instructor, Air Show Performer and Airline Captain. His fascination with high adrenalin flying and Warbirds brought him to Reno and to writing this insider account of Air Racing.

Taking the reader inside the pits and deeper into the “Room with Hard Benches” also known as the Pilot Briefing Room, he delivers a riveting account of the races. When I first considered racing, I read this book. And each year before I go back, I pick it up again to remind myself of the romance and energy that is Reno.

Another must read for any Racing Fan – and probably for any Aviation Fan.

Gentlemen, you have a Race…

This book covers the history of the Reno National Championship Air Races from 1964-1983 by John Tegler. If you are a historian, this is a must read. The pictures are a treasure, as is the story of how Bill Stead went from the idea to the realization.

He doesn’t just cover the Unlimiteds, he covers all of the classes and really knows his stuff. You will be the envy of all your friends after reading this book and showing off your incredible knowledge at the Air Races in 2010. For me, it put the names into context. Sadly, this book is out of print, but still available at used book stores and online.

Other important works

Philip Handleman has authored several books on Air Racing including Air Racing Today: Heavy Iron at Reno, Air Racing Over Reno: the World’s Fastest Motor Sport and Speedsters: Today’s Air Racers in Action. His books are well received by fans and include interesting tidbits as well as wonderful photography. Again, mixing great photography and interesting information make these books another must-have for your bookshelf.

Michael O’Leary’s Reno Air Racing is another fine book which includes unbelievable photography. He also gives technical information and makes it an interesting read.
Birch Matthews is the author of Race with the Wind: How Air Racing Advanced Aviation. He covers the decades leading up to World War II and how aviation principles and designs were proven and tested by Air Racers. Tremendous strides were made with new technologies, from aerodynamics to powerplants.

If you enjoy the history, this is a good place to start. There are many others in this genre, but this was my favorite.

Photography

Two books I would recommend for their photography alone include Full Throttle ~ Reno Air Races Today by Gerhard Schmid. This book is written in English, German and Spanish and includes some amazing shots of the races and the people involved. You can find this book on the RARA website and it was for sale at the races last year, as it will probably be again next year.

Tyson Rininger is a top-notch aviation photographer and has been to the races many times. His photos have graced the pages of Air and Space Magazine, World Airshow News, and Aviation Week to name just a few. He has several books out include Art of Flight which is not specifically about air racing, but contains several pictures of our sport. This book should be on your bookshelf just for the incredible photographs. It’s available on his TVR Photography website.

What’s coming up…

Two new books covering Air Racing are coming our way.

Nick Veronico, a seasoned aviation historian and author is teaming with others including the former In Flight Columnist, Scott Germain to bring us an informative book on Racing Mustangs. While they have had difficulties finding a publisher in a difficult economy, word is they are back on track. I will try to keep you posted on the publication and availability of this new Air Racing tome.

The other new book is still being written, but I wanted to give the fans a heads-up. Highly acclaimed aviator and author, Richard Bach’s daughter Kristelle Sim is writing a behind the scenes account which I believe will be more focused on the teams and the people associated with Air Racing and less on the machines. Steve Hinton will be lending a hand with special commentary.

She has an eye for what makes Air Racing such a passion for so many of us. From the Volunteers who work at the races to the crews to the pilots and the fans, this will be a completely different view of Reno than has been written before. Again, I will keep you posted on the future of her work, when it will be available.

Reno Notes

NCAR 2010 welcomes back our northern neighbors, the Canadian Snowbirds. They are a fan favorite and I know I’m very excited to have them back. Also, look for some rather famous pilots to join the ranks of Reno Racers. PRS should be amazing this year. As always, we will keep you posted of any developments.

Until then, Fly Low, Fly Fast and Turn Left. Let’s have a great 2010.

Marilyn Dash
Ruby Red Racing

A little bit of everything. . .

This is the off-season for Air Racing. It is the time when the Race Teams reassess, reevaluate, regroup and refocus. There are planning meetings going on from Florida to Texas to California and everyone is in deep thought about how to do it better, faster, safer, and with more pizzazz.

The final airshow of the season has been put in the history books also. This year, even with the economic slowdown, Air Show attendance thrived. It was a great year for many of the Air Show acts and they are also deep in thought about how to do it better next year. The International Council of Air Shows holds their yearly convention this month in Las Vegas and exciting things should be coming our way after the show.

Aviation History Month

I’m sorry I forgot to share this last month, but November is Aviation History Month. I have been suggesting to my friends and fans to head on over to their local Aviation Museum. I bet there are several museums within a few hours’ drive from all of you. I hope you take my advice and stop by your local museum, bring the neighborhood kids, volunteer, become a member, join the CAF, join Planes of Fame, join the crew, be a part of the action.

My visit to an Aviation Museum changed my life. Many of you have heard the story of how Stan Hiller of Hiller Helicopter and Hiller Aviation Museum inspired me to become a pilot. He was just opening his museum and asked me everyday why I wasn’t a pilot. I finally took his advice and have not looked back. I thank him every day for his inspiration.

Where do pilots come from?



Most of the pilots I race and fly with each year have stories to tell about how their dad and/or mom would take them up in the family plane back when they were too young to reach the pedals. They also tell stories about their first Airshow or their first trip to the Air Races.

I also know a few pilots who experienced their first airplane ride via the Young Eagles program through EAA. Two of the new hotshot pilots at my airport, in fact, were EAA/YE Kids. Now, that makes me feel old, but quite proud of both of them. Besides YE, many programs are available these days to focus our youth on aviation as a career or a hobby.

One of the programs is from an organization called Build a Plane (BAP). They are a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting aviation and aerospace careers by giving young people the opportunity to actually build real airplanes. Aircraft construction and restoration projects provide an exciting opportunity to motivate kids to learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics in a hands-on environment. They began operations in 2003 and have steadily gained success across the USA ever since.

BAP seeks aircraft donations as well as the names of interested schools and groups who want to participate in this program. Get in touch with them for more information (www.buildaplane.org).

Another program I have recently come across is Girls with Wings (GWW). This is the brainchild of Lynda Meeks, a Commercial, Military Airplane and Helicopter Pilot. When asked why she started the organization, Lynda said, “Aviation is the perfect ‘vehicle’ for inspiring girls to set goals and to achieve them.” Now, that is a goal I can get behind.



Lynda became a pilot because the Army ROTC Officer told her that Army Flight School was the toughest, and she likes a challenge. While in the military, she was flying on a commercial airliner when the captain came on to give the standard announcements, a little voice from the seat behind her said, Mom, how come you never hear any girl pilots?” Lynda says that little voice changed her life and made her want to take on another challenge. Promoting awareness of female pilots, and that’s how she started GWW. Go to http://www.girlswithwings.com/index.html for more information. And remember, Chicks fly, too - or - as my car tags say, chxfly2.

Another heartwarming story comes from Redstone College, a Denver-based institution of higher learning. They received a Learjet 24D in September which will be on permanent loan from the Spirit of Flight Center, a Colorado-based non-profit air museum.

The 1976 Learjet 24D donated by Spirit of Flight Center is a five-seat, twin-engine high speed business jet that holds five international climb records with owner and pilot Ed Wachs of Illinois. The jet sports a unique five-color rainbow graphic, one color for each record, has a range of 1,266 miles and a maximum speed of 565 mph.
“We are delighted to play a role in the educational process at Redstone College, as we continue to be impressed by the quality of individuals who graduate from their institution,” said Gordon Page, President of the Spirit of Flight Center. They can be found here http://www.spiritofflight.com/.



What does that mean to you?

In the past few years, we were lucky enough to see some young blood coming into Unlimited Air Racing. Stevo Hinton and Will Whiteside along with Brant Seghetti and are bright stars for our future.

With the average age of pilots going up, we need to inspire our youth to work hard and to put away the Flight Simulator and go out to the Airports. Today we don’t get to see the “Airport Kids” sitting on the fence anymore. The fences are higher and now guarded by government watch dogs. So, we need to go get them and bring them with us. Great programs are available. Volunteer, take the kids, become part of the future by inspiring someone. Someone inspired all of us, now it’s our turn.

Until next time,

Marilyn Dash
Ruby Red Racing

The Pylon Place - Off Season Updates

It’s always difficult to write about Air Racing after the Reno Recap is done. Most teams are so exhausted from the months of preparation and the nearly two weeks of Reno, we practically go into hibernation for a few weeks or even months. But, this is the perfect time for planning. So, what is going on prepping for the pylons?

Strega Victory Party

This is the second year I was lucky enough to be invited to the Strega Victory Party. And what a party it was. Tiger pranced around like a proud retired air racer now team owner. He was the Master of Ceremonies and the Host with the Most. His smile never left his face -- that is a happy man.


Credit: Victor Archer
Caption: This year’s champion, Strega

Only one person in that room was happier than Tiger, and that was our new Champion, Stevo Hinton. Yes, Stevo – I’ve been calling him Stevo for six years and I’m not going to stop now. Stevo is still the same Airport Kid, but now he has a title, a trophy, a gold jacket and a list of records as long as his arm. He is still smart, and charming and humble and terrific. I credit Steven and Karen for raising such a fabulous kid. Never change, Stevo – we love you just the way you are.

The third face in the crowd was LD Hughes. LD has been with Tiger for years. And is now the Crew Chief for Strega and also a good friend and mentor to Stevo. Their friendship seems more like a brotherhood, with the same daunting purpose. A great pilot in his own right, I wonder when LD will be turning the pylons instead of turning the wrenches. Only time will tell.

Another thing you notice about the Strega Team is the longevity of the ownership and the crew. Nearly everyone on that crew has been there a while. I believe that adds to their success. They work together like a well oiled machine. It’s inspiring to say the least.

Congrats again to Tiger, Stevo, LD and the rest of the Strega Crew. A special shout out to the wives who have made me feel like a member of the family from the beginning, especially Tracy, Kathleen, and Linda. Another big thanks to Al and Anita for babysitting. You guys rock!

Galloping Ghost

She has flown. In fact, she had her first flight in her current configuration on September 21st - the day after the Final Gold. If only a month earlier, we likely would have seen the Silver Ghost flying around the pylons. I’m still impressed by the effort of the team, including pilot/owner - Jimmy Leeward, engine builder - Rick Shanholtzer, crew chief - Erik Hokuf, and assorted and sundry wrenches and experts. The boil-off system we have heard so much about apparently works great. A scoopless Mustang with just a trail of vapor becomes a sleeker machine.
The plan for the team is to continue working on the racer and to be at PRS in June.

More information can be found at Leeward’s website and I believe t-shirts are also available. We wish Jimmy and the entire team much luck and we look forward to seeing them at PRS and again in September. Congratulations, Mr. Leeward.


Credit: Victor Archer
Caption: Jimmy and the Ghost will be there in 2010

Blue Skies

A good friend to Warbirds and Air Racing, Gary Austin, was lost to us in October. I met Gary at PRS in 2007 when he flew his tiny Cassutt, Maybee´s Baby, from Midland, TX to Reno, NV. The racer only carries 17 gallons of fuel, which gave him about a 3 hour range. It took him six legs to get there, but he arrived.


Photographer: Gary Austin
CAPTION: Maybee’s Baby last raced in Cleveland in 1971.

In his own words, from his recollection of the races that year:
Okay, so once at Stead, everything just fell into place. All of a sudden, I wasn't nervous or apprehensive about anything. It just felt right. It was as though I belonged there. Remember, this is something I've been wanting to do since I was six years old, at the 1976 Reno Air Races. I know my Grandfather, who would hold my hand while explaining the different airplanes to me, was watching me from above and was proud of me for finally making it.

He only raced in 2007. And he won the Rookie of the Year award in IF1. He deserved it, for his spunk and tenacity alone.

The Racer he was building to race in 2008 had a structural problem that was found prior to the first flight. But, he was there at the races lending a hand to everyone who had a question or a problem with their planes.

Gary wrote about everything. He gave a detailed account of the restoration of the Commemorative Air Force’s B24. He wrote about his trip to PRS and his trip to Reno in September. He wrote about an experience he had in a Pitts when the canopy collapsed on top of him and he was able to fly the damaged bird back to the airport and land it safely. He liked to say he wasn’t a very good typist or writer, but he was a heck of a story teller.


Credit: Tim Adams
Caption: Maybee’s Baby on the Pylons during Reno 2007


Caption: He was happiest when he was around airplanes.

Sorry to see you go, Gary.
Blue Skies and Tailwinds, forever…

And to the rest of the racing fans, Fly low, Fly fast and turn left.

Marilyn Dash
Ruby Red Racing
The Pylon Place