by admin | Aug 16, 2018 | Media
RENO AIR RACING ASSOCIATION ISSUES CALL FOR SECURITY VOLUNTEERS
RENO, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) issued a call for volunteers for security and gate control at this year’s STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduled September 12-16th at the Reno-Stead Airport.
Volunteers are needed for security and gate control. RARA will work with volunteers to schedule convenient days and time slots.
Those who are interested in volunteering are encouraged to apply online: https://airrace.org/about-us/volunteer/. For questions and more information about the position please email [email protected] or call (408) 489-9676.
Tickets are on sale for the 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races held September 12-16, 2018 at Reno Stead Airport. For more information or tickets, visit https://airrace.org/
###
About the Reno Air Racing Association:
The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the STIHL 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. Independent economic impact studies have shown that our event generates as much as $91.7 million annually for our local economy. The event features six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. For more information on the STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.
by admin | Aug 13, 2018 | Media
Reno Air Racing Association Announces New Deputy Director of Operations and Deputy Air Bosses for the STIHL National Championship Air Races
-Scheduled for September 12-16, 2018 at Reno-Stead Airport-
Reno, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is pleased to announce Mike O’Brien as Deputy Director of Operations, Walter A. “Tony” Grady Jr. Deputy Air Boss of Race Operations and Owen Ashurst as the Deputy Air Boss of Performers for the 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduled September 12-16, 2018 at Reno-Stead Airport. O’Brien will report to Terry Matter, Director of Operations and Secretary of the RARA Board, and Tony and Owen will report to Greg “Shifty” Peairs, RARA Air Boss.
Beginning his aviation career in 1972, Mike O’Brien has flown a variety of aircraft and missions all over the world. He has over 25 years of senior corporate and operations management, and in 1986 he moved his international helicopter operations and aerospace product development to Reno. Since moving to Reno, Mike has spent a considerable amount of time in the Air Race hangar as a volunteer for the STIHL National Championship Air Races.
“Mike brings with him extensive knowledge in the aviation and aerospace industry,” remarks Terry Matter. “He is very experienced working with the FAA and has an understanding of major modifications to airplanes and airplane flight safety requirements which will greatly contribute to the operations during race week.”
Tony Grady is a decorated Air Force command pilot and an experienced test pilot with over 5,000 flying hours in 40 different aircraft and has been flying since 1977. After retiring from the military in 1997, Tony was hired by FedEx as an MD-11 Captain, a DC-10 Second Officer and an MD-11 First Officer until he retired in December of 2017.
Owen has been a pylon judge at the STIHL National Championship Air Races since 2002 after serving as a Docent for Seattle’s Museum of Flight for over ten years. Over the years his position with the STIHL National Championship Air Races has shifted from Pylon Judge to Deputy Chief Pylon Judge and now Deputy Air Boss of the performers. He has extensive experience as an Air Boss including overseeing Seafair in Seattle.
“We are so grateful to have such experienced people in these Deputy Air Boss positions,” remarked Greg “Shifty” Peairs. “Owen is regarded as an expert Air Boss in the field as he has ensured compliance and safety for many other airshows around the country. Tony is a decorated retired veteran and experienced pilot, and we are thrilled to have his skills, aviation knowledge and attention to detail added to the Deputy Air Boss position.”
Tickets are on sale for the 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races held September 12-16, 2018 at Reno Stead Airport. For more information, tickets or to volunteer, visit https://airrace.org/.
###
About the Reno Air Racing Association:
The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the STIHL 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. Independent economic impact studies have shown that our event generates as much as $91.7 million annually for our local economy. The event features six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. For more information on the STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.
by admin | Aug 10, 2018 | Media
THE NATIONAL AVIATION HERITAGE INVITATIONAL LLC RELEASES THE AIRCRAFT LINEUP
-At the 55THAnnual STIHL National Championship Air Races, Sept. 12-16-
RENO, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) and the National Aviation Heritage Invitational LLC (NAHI) are thrilled to present some of the nation’s most skillfully-restored aircraft that will be on display at the 55thannual STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduled September 12-16 at Reno-Stead Airport.
This year marks the 55th year of air racing in Reno, and it is also the year of celebrating NAHI’s return to the STIHL National Championship Air Races, thanks to NAHI presenting sponsor, Perform Air International. Visitors will be able to walk among this historical aircraft exhibit and talk with the owners and restorers at the very place it all began in 1999.
A full competition is scheduled to begin in 2019 and is planned for years to come. NAHI was an integral part of the Reno experience for sixteen years and has hosted some of the finest examples of restored aircraft on the ramp at the STIHL National Championship Air Races. Owners and restorers from all over bring their aircraft to compete for trophies in several categories including military, large, vintage, classic, commercial aircraft and the People’s Choice Award sponsored by the Air and Space Smithsonian Magazine. Entrants vie for the coveted Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy, a striking six-foot tall trophy that resides at the National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center near Dulles Airport in Virginia.
Representatives of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum created judging criteria that emphasize authenticity and attention to detail. The Smithsonian is actively involved with NAHI and has representatives from its restoration staff who serve on the judging team annually.
“Having NAHI back at Reno is absolutely fantastic!” said Josh Cawthra a previous winner and regular participant at NAHI. “NAHI is like the west coast mecca for aviation enthusiasts from all over the world and providing the opportunity for them to enjoy these iconic aircraft, which so many have put such hard work into persevering, is just amazing!”
“I am glad NAHI and Reno have reestablished their partnership,” said John Sessions, Founder of the Historic Flight Foundation and a previous winner and participant. “NAHI deserves the concentration of aviation enthusiasts that Reno attracts every September.”
Scheduled NAHI participants include:
- 1944 SNJ, owned by Chuck and Carol Wahl of Cameron Park, CA – 2009 Overall Winner
- 1947 Cessna 140, owned by Josh, Janel and Dave Cawthra of Vacaville, CA – 2014 Classic Winner
- 1942 Interstate S-1A Cadet, owned by Jeff and Kim Powschwatta of Covington, WA – 2013 Antique Winner
- 1942 Fairchild PT-19, owned by Larry Nelson of Napa, CA – 2017 Military Winner of California Capital Airshow (CCA)
- 1944 Beechcraft D17S, owned by Historic Flight Foundation of Mukilteo, WA – 2017 Classic CCA Winner
- 1942 Waco UPF-7, owned by Jeremy Young of Hood River, OR
- 1942 Howard DGA-15D, owned by David Bole of Enumclaw, WA
- 1952 Cessna 195, owned by Bela and Joy Havasreti of Kent, WA
- 1951 Cessna L-19, Cactus Air Force Wings and Wheels Museum in Carson City, NV
- 1971 Bell Cobra Helicopter, Cactus Air Force Wings and Wheels Museum in Carson City, NV
- 1967 Cessna O-2, Cactus Air Force Wings and Wheels Museum in Carson City, NV
- 1938 Ryan SCW-145, owned by Russell Williams of Bellevue, WA
Tickets are on sale for the 55thannual STIHL National Championship Air Races held September 12-16, 2018 at Reno Stead Airport. For more information, tickets or to volunteer, visit https://airrace.org/.
###
About the Reno Air Racing Association: The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the STIHL 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. Independent economic impact studies have shown that our event generates as much as $91.7 million annually for our local economy. The event features six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. For more information on the STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org
About the National Aviation Heritage Invitational: The vision and mission of the National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) LLC is to support our aviation industry by doing two important functions; honoring our rich aviation history and inspiring the next generation to pursue careers within the aviation industry.
NAHI was created to ensure our rich aviation history is kept alive by encouraging the restoration and preservation of vintage aircraft to flying condition. NAHI accomplishes this via a friendly annual competition, where each aircraft is judged against restoration standards established by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. We bring together some of the finest examples of restored vintage aircraft in the country to compete for the grand champion Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy.
NAHI utilizes the aircraft, owners and judging staff to help inspire students to consider careers within the aviation industry. We also utilize the ISTAT Careers in Aviation video series to highlight some of the great career opportunities available within our industry. For more information visit www.heritagetrophy.org
by admin | Aug 7, 2018 | Media
Reno Air Racing Association Adds Commemorative Air Force to the 2018 Lineup for the
55th Annual STIHL National Championship Air Races
The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is pleased to announce that the Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing (CAF SoCal) will join the 2018 lineup of performers at the 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduled September 12-16, 2018.
In honor of promoting patriotism and the celebration of the 75thanniversary of World War II, the CAF SoCal will provide a spectacular aerial demonstration of World War II fighter aircraft Thursday through Sunday at the Air Races. The performance will feature a B25, F8F-2 Bearcat, F6F Hellcat and Mitsubishi AM63 Zero and will include a mock dogfight and aerobatics. Spectators will have the opportunity to view the authentic display of aircraft in their original configuration and the ability to see a close-up view of the aircraft and speak with the CAF SoCal pilots who fly them. Fans will even have the chance to purchase rides in the evening.
“We are thrilled to welcome the CAF SoCal to our performer lineup and to give our Air Race fans another amazing performance and static display,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of RARA. “It will truly be a unique and rare experience for visitors to watch these historic aircraft perform and have the chance to see them close-up and speak with the pilots to learn more about this important preservation of aviation history.”
Tickets are on sale for the 55th Annual STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduled September 12-16, 2018 at Reno Stead Airport. For more information or to volunteer visit airrace.org.
###
About the Reno Air Racing Association:
The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the STIHL 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. Independent economic impact studies have shown that our event generates as much as $91.7 million annually for our local economy. The event features six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. For more information on the STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.
by admin | Jul 25, 2018 | Media
RENO AIR RACING ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY, FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 14
at the 2018 STIHL National Championship Air Races
RENO, Nev. [July 26, 2018] – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is pleased to announce they have named Friday, September 14th as Military Appreciation Day, sponsored by Mercer-Fraser Company. All current and former Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard will receive free admission to the Reserved Seating area with a Military ID or proof of service, if proof of service is not available, there will be a simple questionnaire offered at the box office. Family members of the military community will receive a $10 discount in Reserved Seating tickets when accompanied by a military member.
“We appreciate everything these brave men and women have done to protect our freedom. It’s extremely important to us that they are honored and recognized for their service, and we’re so thankful for Mercer-Fraser Company’s sponsorship,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of RARA. “We are excited to provide our nation’s heroes with the opportunity to enjoy a fun and memorable day at the Races with their families and experience the thrill of watching the world’s fastest motorsport.”
Tickets are on sale for the 55th Annual STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduled September 12-16, 2018 at Reno Stead Airport. For more information or to volunteer visit airrace.org.
###
About the Reno Air Racing Association:
The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the STIHL 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. Independent economic impact studies have shown that our event generates as much as $91.7 million annually for our local economy. The event features six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. For more information on the STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.
by admin | Jul 11, 2018 | Media
Reno Air Racing Association Announces Oris as the
Official Timepiece Sponsor for the 55thannual STIHL National Championship Air Races
-Scheduled for September 12-16, 2018 at Reno-Stead Airport-
Reno, Nev.– The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is pleased to announce Oris as the Official Timepiece Sponsor for the 55thannual STIHL National Championship Air Races, scheduled September 12-16, 2018 at Reno-Stead Airport.
Oris has designed a special limited edition watch for the 55thyear of the Reno Air Races and will be on site with a booth in the pits during race week where the official timepiece and other watches will be available for purchase.
“We are thrilled to have Oris as the Official Timepiece Sponsor for the STIHL National Championship Air Races. They make a beautiful watch and now our fans will have the opportunity to purchase their own official Oris 55th Reno Air Races Limited Edition watch in celebration of 55 years of air racing in Reno,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of RARA.
Tickets are on sale for the 55thannual STIHL National Championship Air Races held September 12-16, 2018 at Reno Stead Airport. For more information, tickets or to volunteer, visit https://airrace.org/.
###
About the Reno Air Racing Association:
The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA), a 501(c)(3), holds the STIHL 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. Independent economic impact studies have shown that our event generates as much as $91.7 million annually for our local economy. The event features six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. For more information on the STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.
About Oris:
For over 114 years, Oris has been making purely mechanical watches in Hölstein, Switzerland. The symbol of Oris mechanicals is the red rotor – it’s a sign of the natural power that fuels the watches, and a registered trademark. Comprised of four worlds: Culture, Diving, Aviation and Motor Sport, Oris watches are made for everyday wear and offer the luxury of common sense. That means Oris provides the best possible watch for the money, using useful complications and functional designs. Staying true to a rich heritage, Oris is one of the few Swiss watch companies to remain independently owned and operated.