Thu, Sep 15, 2011
Race Pilots, Organizers, Join FAA In Upholding Safety
Standards
The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) announced that six
entries of the fastest jet aircraft for the 2011 National
Championship Air Races will not race at this year’s event.
This was determined in order to align with requirements set forth
by both the FAA and RARA for public safety. RARA, in conjunction
with Racing Jets, Inc. (RJI), has already begun corrective action
and the six jet aircraft are expected to be back in 2012.
“Safety is our foremost priority here at the National
Championship Air Races,” said Mike Houghton, president and
CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association. “The Reno Air Racing
Association along with Racing Jets, Inc. always work with the FAA
to create the safest environment possible for our pilots,
volunteers and fans.”
In conversations with ANN, Houghton confirmed the presence of
some issues that had become evident with a number of L-39
powerplant installations. The issues are being dealt with, and
those aircraft are being prepped with Reno 2012 in mind.
RJI is the recognized organization that represents the jet
aircraft that race at the National Championship Air Races. The
racing jets are former military aircraft that may be modified to
include different engines than production that conform to race and
FAA rules. The FAA, by federal law, is charged with safety in air
commerce. This includes seeing to the safety of spectators at the
racing event. During a practice event this past summer, a modified
jet encountered issues which led to a review by the FAA. “We
work year round with pilots, racing classes and the FAA to create
an amazing world class racing event,” said Houghton.
While the six jet aircraft will not fly in this year’s
event, the remaining fifteen jets will race as scheduled. Speeds
are still anticipated to exceed 500 miles per hour. The aircraft
not racing are expected to return next year for the 49th annual
races scheduled Sept. 12-16, 2012.
The 48th Annual National Championship Air Races and Air Show in
Reno is the premier air racing event in the world. The air
races are being held September 14-18, 2011 at the Reno Stead
Airfield and feature the United States Air Force Thunderbirds.
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