From the heart-pounding excitement of head-to-head racing to the world-renowned U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds to the amazing on-the-ground demonstrations, the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races proved to be another successful year for the world’s fastest motorsport.
One of the highlights of the world-class event was the debut of the STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) drag racing demonstrations. The new event was well-received by the crowds in the grandstands as they watched the two planes battle it out in each heat. Based on the positive response, STOL will be officially added as a new class at the 2020 STIHL National Championship Air Races, making it the first new race class to in approximately 20 years.
For those who couldn’t experience the STOL Drag Racing first-hand, here is a short history. STOL planes came to be because of a necessity to take off from shortened runways that included hard conditions like ice or hail. These piston-engined aircraft generally hold one – maybe two – passengers and feature low max gross weights. Used to bring medical services and supplies to remote areas, STOL planes have become common in places like the Australian outback, Africa and other hard-to-reach places. With the ability to take off quickly and maneuver beyond obstacles like hills, mountains and trees, these planes have become highly sought after by enthusiasts around the world.
Now, thanks to STOL Drag Racing founder and STOL Class President, Kevin Quinn, these aircraft are being used in an exciting new sport. The rules are simple. The two aircraft fly side-by-side as fast as they can down a 2,000-foot straightaway, land on or after marker and must come to acomplete stop on heading before turning around. They turn around fly back down the track and must land on or after the marker and come to a complete stop on heading at the start/finish line. The first pilot that comes to a complete stop wins the heat. Racers who don’t come to a complete stop with the tail down before they make the 180-degree turn, while staying within 10° of heading are disqualified. Further, race pilots who touchdown or land before the marker on either the turnaround or finish are disqualified.
Needless to say, it’s not about altitude or even graceful maneuvers. It all comes down to pure speed. The race pilot must be an expert at both gaining speed and dropping speed as quickly as possible. Since the sport is new, the Reno Air Racing Association has limited next year’s competitors to highly experienced invitees only. STOL pilots interested in racing in the 2020 STIHL National Championship Air Races are required to compete at the High Sierra Fly-In in October. For more information, visit www.highsierraflyin.com.
If it feels like a while since the United
States Air Force Thunderbirds have soared high above Reno, it’s not just your
imagination. After an absence of almost a decade, this famed precision drill
team is slated to return for a pair of shows during the 56th annual STIHL
National Championship Air Races to the delight of fans of all ages.
Featuring eight pilots and a staggering 130
support personnel, the Las Vegas-based Thunderbirds will take to their F-16
Fighting Falcons to perform impressive formation flying, daring solo routines
and a display of capabilities that push the limits of both plane and pilot at
every turn. Fans hoping to get a glimpse of the Thunderbirds’ signature move,
the four-jet diamond formation, won’t be disappointed. They’ll also be treated
to 40 other crowd-pleasing maneuvers that have made this team a household name.
History of the Thunderbirds
First formed in 1953 as part of the then-nascent United States Air Force, the first Thunderbirds team was originally based at Arizona’s Luke AFB. The team’s inception coincided with the rise of air shows in the States, most notably the National Air Races in Cleveland. By then, post-war America had developed a real taste for high-flying action and patriotic displays, especially as the Korean War was winding down.
In the beginning,
the team flew Republic F-84G Thunderjets, Cold War-era turbojets with in-flight
refueling capabilities and room for a nuclear payload. Although striking to
look at, these aircraft topped out at 600 mph, and therefore fell just shy of
being able to break the sound barrier. The Thunderbirds then traded up to F-84F
Thunderstreaks in 1955. While the naming convention is similar to that of the
F-84G, the Thunderstreak featured swept wings and spoilers for enhanced
performance. It wasn’t long, however, that the team moved to the supersonic
North American F-100C Super Sabre jet, allowing its pilots to rattle the nerves
of glass factory owners everywhere. This upgrade in 1956 also coincided with
the team’s move to Nellis AFB, just northwest of Las Vegas. By 1962, the team settled
into the General Dynamics F-16A Fighting Falcon with the striking red, white
and blue paint scheme for which it’s known today.
By 1997, the team
celebrated its 50th anniversary having performed countless demonstrations for
millions of air show attendees over the years. The striking image of the team’s
diamond formation against a crystal blue sky graced a U.S. postal stamp that
same year. From 2007 to 2009 the Thunderbirds performed air shows in multiple
countries and states during their many tours including Bulgaria, Ireland,
Japan, France, Italy, Thailand, Hawaii, Romania, Poland, Australia and Puerto
Rico. Its most recent performance at Reno was in 2008.
Needless to say, air racing fans and
organizers are excited about the return of an American icon to Reno Stead
Airport.
“They put on a spectacular show, displaying
incredible flying skills and showcasing some of the most advanced fighters of
our time,” said Tony Logoteta, Reno Air Racing Association chief operating
officer. “It’s a thrill to see them in action and a privilege to be able to
recognize the airmen and women who serve our country.”
The
Pilots
This year’s Thunderbirds team represents a
variety of diverse backgrounds including a figure skater, a college baseball
player and a Medford, Oregon, native who is only the second solo female pilot
in the team’s history.
As the commander and leader, Lt. Colonel John
Caldwell oversees the crew while commanding the entire 130-person operation.
Major Will Graeff and Captain Michael Brewer serve as the left and right-wing
pilots. Major Whit Collins, who was the former president of his high school’s
aviation program, serves in the slot pilot position. Going into his second and
her first season with the team, Major Matt Kimmel and Captain Michelle Curran
are lead solo pilot and opposing solo pilot, respectively. All the way from
Saginaw, Michigan, Lt. Colonel Eric Gorney acts as the Operations Officer for
the team, overseeing logistics. Arizona State University graduate Major Jason
Markzon holds the position of Advance Pilot and narrator.
Performances are set for 2:50 p.m. Saturday
and 2:35 p.m. Sunday, with a practice run on Friday afternoon. As always,
schedules are subject to change based on weather and other factors.
These days, it’s getting harder and harder to find events that truly appeal to each member of the family. Events seem to operate at the extremes, appealing either to young children or parents, but rarely meeting in the middle.
Good news: the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races ticks all the boxes for family fun.
From the STEM Education Discovery Zone to the thrill of the Thunderbirds to STOL air racing and static, hands-on displays, this event literally has something for everyone. In the end, each member of the family will leave the STIHL National Championship Air Races begging to come back next year.
Here’s a quick rundown of what’s on tap for families.
STEM Zone
The Air Races is proud to be home to one of the largest STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Education Discovery Zones in the country. Last year alone, more than 6,000 school-aged children were introduced to the wonder of aviation through this unique, interactive display.
An outdoor netted Drone Zone for drone demonstrations and workshops
Eight drones of different sizes on display and for flight demonstrations
Sixteen flight simulators
Twenty ground robots of different sizes in the Robot tent
3D printing display area
Table-top aviation museum
Robotic arms to demonstrate hydraulics
Aviation and rocket picture booth
Reno Air Races table-top mural
Three PACMAN games in vintage Samsonite briefcases
Five mini Tesla coils to showcase wireless transfer of electricity
Five electronic programmed guitars
These projects are created to inspire children to engage with each of the STEM categories while encouraging them to pursue careers in the aviation industry. Plus, children who participate in the STEM Discovery Zone will earn free access to the races for the remainder of the week.
Air Racing Action
When you’re visiting the air races for the first time, sometimes it’s hard to know whether to look up at the action in the sky or down at the extraordinarily cool displays on the ground. Well, when the pilots take to the sky, your choice becomes easy: look up!
That’s right. The elite Air Force flyers better known as the Thunderbirds are returning to Reno. Founded in 1953 as part of the brand new United States Air Force (which was known as the Army Air Corps until the 1940s), the Thunderbirds are currently based at Nellis Air Force Base in southern Nevada.
This world-class performance team’s reputation precedes it, with the Thunderbirds enjoying fame around the globe as one of the fastest, most precision-based performance teams. Needless to say, a Thunderbirds show is not to be missed. Catch the practice show on Friday or the full shows on Saturday and Sunday.
STOL Drag Racing Demonstrations
New to the Air Races in 2019 is the addition of the STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) Drag Racing demonstrations, a spectacle that has to be seen to be believed. Using modified bush planes, a group of pilots, some of which call themselves the Flying Cowboys, fly low and fast on a designated track, landing once at each end, turning around and racing back to the finish. It’s a little bit like Top Fuel drag racing but, of course, the planes go airborne. The STOL drag racing demonstrations promise to be extremely exciting for all ages.
Military Static Display
A longtime favorite of racing fans of all ages, this event showcases America’s military might and airpower superiority by allowing race fans to walk around a display of dozens of active military aircraft. From F/16s to Black Hawk and Chinook choppers to the always-impressive Nevada Air National Guard C-130, young fans can chat with pilots and (in most cases) explore the inner workings of the military craft. This display is featured every day of the races, but keep in mind that as many of these planes are working military aircraft, the lineup is subject to change at all times.
Get in the Pits!
If you really want to treat the family this year, buy pit passes, which offer full access to the racing pits, pilots and crew members. Kids can get up-close-and-personal with their favorite pilots, even snagging the occasional autograph or selfie with Reno’s top racers. This option offers an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the staging areas of the races while bringing young fans closer to the planes than they could imagine possible.
And seriously, just trust us on this one: you definitely want pit passes. (Note: pit passes do not grant admission. They must be purchased along with general admission or reserved seating tickets).
Tickets are now on sale for the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races. New this year, reserved seats are the same price as general admission. For information, call (775) 972-6663.
National Aviation Day is the perfect time to get your tickets to the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races on September 11-15. We’re celebrating with a $10 off flash sale on online tickets until midnight!
Use code “ADAY” at checkout to receive $10 off your tickets.
Every day, millions of people fly in and out of airports to get to their destinations. But one day a year – on August 19 – the nation takes the time to honor the people who made aviation possible with National Aviation Day.
National Aviation Day was established in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and is celebrated on the birthday of aviation pioneer, Orville Wright. This day pays tribute to the United States’ rich aviation history and celebrates the many new advancements being made within the industry.
Here’s a list of five ways you can celebrate National Aviation Day.
1. Plan your trip to the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races
Experience the most unique air racing event in the world featuring special performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the STIHL National Championship Air Races’ first-ever STOL Drag Racing Demonstrations.
2. Go flying
For all of the pilots, the best way to celebrate National Aviation Day is up in the sky. Take a moment while you’re flying through the air to think about all of the aviation pioneers who made this incredible feat possible. Or if you’ve always dreamed of learning to fly, now is a great day to start.
3. Build your own airplane
Let your imagination take flight as you create your own airplane. Whether you use a model airplane kit, build it out of Legos or create a good-old fashioned paper airplane, this is a fun and easy way to celebrate National Aviation Day.
4. Teach a child about aviation
Celebrate the day by inspiring a new generation of aviation enthusiasts. Read a book about the Wright Brothers, learn about astronomy together or do an at-home science experiment. This is a great way to get kids excited about aviation and introduce them to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)-based subjects.
5. Visit a NASA Visitor Center
Take a trip to one of NASA’s 14 Visitor Centers located throughout the country. You’ll learn more about NASA’s missions, the latest aeronautics research and interact with state-of-the-art exhibits. To find a NASA Visitor Center location near you, visit www.visitnasa.com.
Optics manufacturer Method Seven is partnering with the Reno Air Races Association (RARA) as an official sponsor of the event. “The Reno Air Races is the ultimate in aviation performance—the racing, the skill, the danger—and it seemed like the best fit for our product,” says James Cox, Method Seven CEO.
Kevin Eldredge, who will compete in the Sport Class at this year’s event, facilitated the partnership. “The product is fantastic, but the quality and focus on technology is very consistent with the innovation specifically in the Sport Class,” says Eldredge. His race plane, Relentless NXT, is one of the fastest Super Sport racing airplanes, and easily exceeds 400 mph. “The flying is pretty intense but really its much more about competing in an aircraft you built yourself.”
During the 2009 air races, Eldredge came face to face with his own mortality when Relentless NXT suffered a sudden engine explosion. Since then, he has raced with a much less powerful engine, which has not allowed him to be competitive, he says. For this year’s races, Eldredge has restored Relentless NXT to its original race configuration, a EFii-TT-540 Lycoming engine. He estimates that the Sport Class may see four or five aircraft clock over 400mph. “It is my intention to be leading this group on Sunday!”
Method Seven supports his vision as a sponsor of Team Relentless, and with protective eyewear specifically designed for aviation. The leading brand of UV and infrared heat blocking sunglasses offers three levels of visible light transmission (VLT) suited to pilot preference and flight path. Eldredge prefers Method Seven Ascent SKY30 lenses, the lightest VLT. “They provide great protection for both flying and driving and they really sort of disappear on my face,” he says.
Ever since stumbling upon Method Seven at Osh Kosh three years ago, Eldredge has been an informal advocate for the brand. This year, he will fly with Method Seven logos on the newly outfitted Relentless NXT, and his sight set on a winning finish. Cox says he is thrilled that the company is now an official sponsor. “Method Seven has always been about helping people achieve their best.”
It’s a road you won’t find on any map. A road that stretches from one corner of the globe to the other. That reaches back into our past and extends well into our future. A road marked by countless hours of transforming a passion into a profession. It’s the road to the STIHL National Championship Air Races.
Every June, the top pilots from around the world gather at Stead Airport for the annual Pylon Racing Seminar (PRS). This year marked the 22nd year of the event commonly referred to as “Rookie School.” But don’t let the name fool you, the PRS isn’t just for rookies. It’s the best of the best – veteran racers dedicated to honing their craft, improving their skills and finding that next level of greatness.
This year’s PRS class was the largest and most diverse the Reno Air Racing Association has ever seen with 129 attendees, 52 students (including 13 international students), 25 certified races, 31 instructors and 13 officials with a total of 75 aircraft. While the wind made it interesting, it was a good example of what potential racers could expect in September.
The PRS began in 1997 to help better prepare pilots for the Air Races. Prior, pilots would arrive a few days before the September races and be taken through a series of air maneuvers. As the races started to attract more classes and more pilots, it became clear that a more structured training event was necessary.
The seminar is now required for all rookies and is open to all certified racers to hone their skills. If a certified racer has not participated in PRS or the races in the last three years, they must attend the event to re-certify and be able to race again. This allows all of the pilots to get a feel for the course and understand the safety guidelines.
The Rules
The PRS allows all of the pilots to gain a clear understanding of the rules and regulations. The rules for air racing are dictated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) and each of the Race Classes. The FAA provides board definitions about what air racing is and how it will be conducted. From there, RARA adopts the rules, which have been carefully constructed over the years to provide the safest experience possible. Plus, each class has its own, more detailed rules that cover everything from the required engine size to wing size to technical and procedural requirements.
Standard Operating Procedures
Once the rules are reviewed and clarified, it’s time to review the Standard Operating Procedures. The first procedure is the Pre-Race Prep. This includes prepping the aircraft with everything they need to compete, including protective gear, fuel, oil, seat cushions, radios, fully charged batteries and more.
Pilots are briefed several times during the PRS, including a mandatory morning briefing that covers weather, schedules and any issues pilots need to be aware of for the day. After the general morning briefing, pilots break off into groups for their class briefings. Here, pilots get more specific information about their racing class and what time they will be participating.
The next procedure is Ground Operations. Formula 1 and Biplanes are the only classes that start the race on the ground. The other classes takeoff in a sequence to enable a quick formation behind their pace plane. Sport, Unlimited and Jet Classes join-up and continue around the back of Peavine Mountain. T6s do a modification of this join-up and come down the flight line to start the race. This is a sequence of events that is covered in great detail to ensure all racers can get from the ground to the course efficiently and safely.
The Ground Operations leads to Flight Operations. Once the departure/join-up is finished, the racers are cleared onto the course. The first lap is called Zero Lap and the race doesn’t officially begin until the leader aircraft passes the Home Pylon.
Then, it’s time to race! For the first few laps, new racers will be on the hunt for the pylons. The easiest way to find those painted 55-gallon drums in the sky is to follow one of the instructor pilots and have them point out each pylon. Over time, pilots start to develop muscle memory and can anticipate where the pylons are on the course. Pilots also learn to pass and how to be passed. All passing is done “high and outside.” It is considered common courtesy to give a quick radio call to announce a pass and again once the pass is completed.
After the race is complete, pilots learn how to efficiently and safely transition from the racecourse back onto the ground. The PRS also requires most of the pilots to perform an “Engine-Out Procedure” to make sure a rookie understands how their aircraft would perform without power.
Once everyone is on the ground safely, it’s time for another Flight Debrief and then Post Race Prep. This includes everything from getting the aircraft back in the pits to checking plugs, fuel and oil to making sure everything is ready to go for the next day.
The road to the STIHL National Championship Air Races is a long and arduous one, but the next time you’re watching a race or a qualifying session, you’ll know the amount of work that goes into putting on the best races in the safest manner possible.
