by admin | Mar 3, 2022 | Media
RENO, Nev. (March 3, 2022) – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) has announced an all-new Flight Operations Team. The organization welcomes Owen Ashurst as Air Boss, Bill Beaton as Mini Boss and Tim Fitzgerald as Tower Chief. The Flight Operations team oversees all aspects of flight at the STIHL National Championship Air Races.
In October of 2021 former Director of Flight Operations, Tony “Bear” Grady, submitted his resignation to pursue 2022 political interests and the RARA Board quickly went to work mobilizing a Selection Committee which consisted of Board members Sue Gardner, Terry Matter and Todd Donahue.
“It was no small task taking over as Director of Flight Operations, particularly following the cancellation of our 2020 event and other challenges due to COVID, but he did so with determination and a steady hand to help us conduct a very successful event in 2021. We thank Bear for his service and wish him great success in this new chapter of his life,” said Tony Logoteta, RARA COO. “The Selection Committee conducted an extensive interview and evaluation process with potential candidates and we feel they’ve assembled a fantastic team.”
In conjunction with the search, Committee members also assessed and updated the Flight Operations Team structure. The new organizational structure has a clearer naming convention, chain of command and a strategic back-up/succession plan.
“The selection committee interviewed several terrific candidates, and we believe we’ve found a team that is highly qualified with an extensive background and familiarity with the Reno Air Racing Association,” said Sue Gardner, RARA Board Member.
Former Performer Boss, Owen Ashurst, is a longtime RARA volunteer. As Air Boss he will be responsible for all aviation related operations including racing and airshow.
With a love for aviation that was instilled in him from a very young age Ashurst spent three years in the U.S. Army, stationed in South Korea and returned to pursue a degree in Air Traffic Control. While he spent thirty years in the corporate legal world, aviation was never far from his mind, he joined the Reno Air Races in 2003 as Pylon Judge. He quickly rose to Captain of Home Pylon and then Deputy Chief Pylon Judge. At the same time Ashurst also formed his own Air Boss company conducting airshows around the western U.S. It was with that experience that he was promoted to Performer Boss at Reno. He brings more than 20 years of experience to the STIHL National Championship Air Races and more than 10 years as an FAA recognized Air Boss.
“I’m honored and humbled to have been selected as Air Boss for Reno,” said Ashurst. “The team that is assembled around me is incredible and I’m excited about the future of the Reno Air Races.”
Bill Beaton, a self-described “serial volunteer” will serve as Mini Boss. Beaton is a passionate aviator who has been working with the Reno Air Racing Association since 2013, in addition to volunteering with the Calgary Flying Club, the Experimental Aircraft Association and the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association.
At the STIHL National Championship Air Races he raced in the Sport Class, served as Sport Class Officer, Class Flight Scheduler, Formation Flight Lead, Assistant Air Boss, Venue Developer and Contest Committee Member. A professional accountant and certified management consultant by trade, Beaton brings more than 25 years of general aviation experience to his new role having held leadership positions with regulatory responsibility for air charter operations, aircraft maintenance and as CEO of Canada’s legacy flight training units.
“I’m excited to be joining the new Flight Operations Team and help safely manage this complex aviation event for the world to see,” said Beaton.
Forty-year air traffic control veteran, Tim Fitzgerald, joins the Flight Operations Team as Tower Chief. Fitzgerald began his path in aviation at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University but was led to air traffic control by a friend. He has since held numerous positions within the FAA working VFR Towers, a combined tower and radar facility as well as with military aircraft (A-10s) that were locally based, student pilots, and air carriers. In addition, he has worked radar approach and departure control. He spent much of his career at Chicago O’Hare Tower, the busiest tower in the FAA system. He worked his way through several positions including Controller, Supervisor, Plans and Procedures Specialist, Training Manager and Operations Manager.
Since his retirement in 2019 he has remained active in the aviation field serving as Air Boss at countless air shows. He continues to work temporary towers throughout the country including the Masters Golf Tournament, Tampa Super Bowl, AOPA conventions and the STIHL National Championship Air Races.
“The new Flight Operations Team brings more than fifty years of experience to Reno and almost a century of aviation-related experience in air traffic management, Air Boss expertise and aviation operations to the STIHL National Championship Air Races,” said Fred Telling, CEO and Chairman of the Reno Air Racing Association.
The 58th STIHL National Championship Air Races will return to Northern Nevada Sept. 14-18, 2022. More information about volunteering, donating, attending, scholarship information and more can be found at www.airrace.org.
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About the STIHL National Championship Air Races
The STIHL National Championship Air Races are held every September just north of Reno by the Reno Air Racing Association, a 501(c)(3). The event has become an institution for Northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world with seven racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. Independent economic impact studies show that the event generates as much as $100 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the STIHL National Championship Air Races, visit AirRace.org.
by admin | Jan 27, 2022 | Media, Scholarships
We’re nearing the end of January, and that means that the application window for Flight Training Scholarships will close soon. Applicants will need to submit their applications for the Reno Air Racing Association’s inaugural Flight Training Scholarship (FTS) Program by January 31st at the latest. The program is supported by a grant from the Ray Foundation, Inc., and will initially provide up to ten scholarships to students.
In order to apply, applicants must fulfil a specific set of criteria. For starters, they have to be between ages 16-22 and located in Northern Nevada. Academically, they must pass a Class III Medical Exam, maintain a 2.75 GPA or higher and complete a 30-minute discovery flight. Specific eligibility requirements can be found at airrace.org/flight-training-scholarships.
The scholarship will be awarded in two parts; the first phase will fund the student up through their first solo flight. The balance will be awarded once the solo and FAA written exam have been successfully completed. The student can then complete the requirements and final FAA check-ride to achieve their private pilot’s license. We’ll be rooting for you the entire way!
Following a review process, qualified applicants will be interviewed, and the final awards will be announced in March 2022. The scholarship program was officially announced during the STIHL National Championship Air Races opening ceremonies on Sept. 16, 2021.
More information on the scholarship will be available soon at www.airrace.org.
by admin | Jan 26, 2022 | Media
RENO, Nevada (January 26, 2022) – The National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) launches its 21st Annual vintage aircraft competition, at the STIHL National Championship Air Races, by formally opening the application process for restored aircraft to compete for the acclaimed NEIL A. ARMSTRONG AVIATION HERITAGE TROPHY. The prestigious event is hosted by the STIHL National Championship Air Races Sept 14-18, 2022.
“The vintage aircraft competition, which was founded in 1998, has two primary goals; to encourage the preservation of our rich aviation history by encouraging the restoration of vintage aircraft to airworthy condition and to help inspire our nation’s youth to pursue careers within the aviation and aerospace industry”, said Ken Perich, Executive Director of NAHI.
To enter, aircraft must be restored to airworthy condition and be manufactured at least 45 years ago. For the 2022 competition, all aircraft must be manufactured in 1977 or in prior years.
The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) and NAHI are committed to keeping our rich aviation history alive and we invite aircraft owners and restorers to participate in this prestigious event. Since 1999 a panel of judges reviews participating aircraft against standards in line with those of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum. This includes; authenticity, quality of workmanship, attention to detail and technical merit.
Aircraft can be entered to compete in one of the five judging categories: Antique, Classic, Contemporary, Military and Large Aircraft.
- Antique – includes all eligible civil aircraft manufactured in 1945 and earlier. The winning aircraft will be awarded the Orville and Wilber Wright trophy.
- Classic – includes all eligible civil aircraft manufactured in years 1946 to 1956. The winning aircraft will be awarded the Paul E. Garber trophy.
- Contemporary – includes all eligible civil aircraft manufactured in years 1957 to 1977. The winning aircraft will be awarded the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Trophy.
- Military – includes all eligible military aircraft manufactured in 1977 and before. The winning aircraft will be awarded the Henry “Hap” Arnold trophy.
- Large Aircraft – includes all eligible aircraft, both civil and military, manufactured in 1977 and before with wingspans of 45 feet or more. The winning aircraft will be awarded the Herb Kelleher trophy.
The overall winning aircraft is awarded the Grand Champion Neil A. Armstrong Aviation Heritage Trophy. The trophy resides at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center at Washington Dulles Airport in Virginia. The winning aircraft owner’s name and the name of the restoration facility is engraved on a plaque placed on the perpetual trophy. The overall winner and each of the category winners are presented with a keeper trophy.
In addition, the People’s Choice Award trophy is awarded to the owner of the aircraft receiving the largest number of votes cast by the event attendees.
For details on eligibility, judging criteria and to complete the entry application for the NATIONAL AVIATION HERITAGE INVITATIONAL please visit our website: www.heritagetrophy.com. Applications for entry in the 21st annual Invitational must be submitted online no later than August 26, 2022. Each aircraft may only be entered in one category, which must be declared on the application form.
For further information please visit www.heritagetrophy.com or contact:
June Powers
Director – Participants
National Aviation Heritage Invitational
Tel: 503-851-4337
Email: [email protected]
Colin Powers
Chief Judge
National Aviation Heritage Invitational
Tel: 503-851-4338
Email: [email protected]
Connie May
Director – Communications
National Aviation Heritage Invitational
Tel: 775-530-2297
Email: [email protected]
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by admin | Jan 25, 2022 | Media
RENO, Nev. (January 26, 2022) – The Reno Air Racing Association announces Chris Johnson as Director of Operations who has taken over following Terry Matter’s retirement from the position. The organization also welcomes new board member, William “Bill” Freeman.
The 2021 STIHL National Championship Air Races returned with a new face amongst the department heads. Chris Johnson, General Manager of Indian Hills General Improvement District, joined the Reno Air Racing Association as Director of Operations and successfully oversaw operations for the 2021 event. Johnson brings over 10 years of experience in airport and airshow management at the Minden-Tahoe Airport. Johnson served in the United States Army as a combat engineer for 10 years and graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Magna Cum Laude. He also serves as a board member for the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce and previously for the Carson Valley Visitors Authority.
The Director of Operations position was handed off to Johnson by Terry Matter. Matter has been involved with the Reno Air Racing Association since 1999 having served on the Board of Directors since 2004, as Chairman in 2010 and 2011 and as Director of Operations since 2016. In his time Matter was directly responsible for the FAA waiver requirements for the Pylon Racing Seminar and the STIHL National Championship Air Races. Matter will remain on the RARA Board and continue serving as its Vice-Chair.
“My heartfelt thanks and appreciation go out to Terry for his extraordinary service and dedication over the last 22 years,” said Fred Telling, CEO and Chairman of the Reno Air Racing Association. “Terry’s continued commitment to remain as our Vice Chairman and unparalleled dedication to volunteering as Director of Operations has been essential to our success. Chris has big shoes to fill, but I know he’s up to the task.”
A longtime STIHL National Championship Air Races supporter, Bill Freeman joins the Reno Air Racing Association’s Board after serving on the Chairman’s Advisory Committee for four years. Freeman has been attending the STIHL National Championship Air Races since the early ‘80s. He has flown and performed as an airshow pilot and aerobatic competitor in the Southeastern U.S., holding a low-level aerobatic waiver in the P51D, Pitts S2A, S2B, and S2C, as well as the T34.
A Nashville native, Freeman is the Chairman of award-winning Freeman Webb, Inc. a real estate investment, management and brokerage company he co-founded with partner Jimmy Webb in 1979. Freeman is an active volunteer who is no stranger to sharing his expertise on boards.
“We can’t thank Bill enough for his time on the Chairman’s Advisory Committee and are delighted to welcome him to the Board,” said Telling. “Bill’s extemporary background and service as Chairman of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Board of Directors, as a member of the University of Tennessee Alumni Board of Directors as well as on the AOPA Presidents Council will be a great asset.”
The 58th STIHL National Championship Air Races will return to Northern Nevada Sept. 14-18, 2022. More information about volunteering, donating, attending, scholarship information and more can be found at www.airrace.org.
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About the STIHL National Championship Air RacesThe STIHL National Championship Air Races are held every September just north of Reno by the Reno Air Racing Association, a 501(c)(3). The event has become an institution for Northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world with seven racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. Independent economic impact studies show that the event generates as much as $100 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, visit AirRace.org.
by admin | Dec 15, 2021 | Media
RENO, Nev. (Dec. 15, 2021) —The Reno Air Racing Association brought home a platinum Pinnacle Award in the Large Civilian Air Show category for its 2021 social media and influencer program. The award was given at the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Convention last week in Las Vegas. The platinum level is the highest given in this category at the annual convention.
The 2021 STIHL National Championships returned this year after being sidelined by the pandemic in 2020. New this year the Reno Air Racing Association introduced an influencer marketing program inviting key influencers to experience the Air Races firsthand.
“We’ve long tried to catch the attention of a younger demographic and this new program has really expanded our audience, exposing this unique event to new eyes,” said Fred Telling, Chairman and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association. “It’s an honor to be recognized for our efforts by our peers at ICAS.”
Eighteen social media influencers with a net following of more than five million were invited to the races to help promote to their followers on various platforms. The concept was to bring in a wide variety of personalities and provide them with exciting experiences they could share with their audiences. By coordinating their efforts, the collective output was even more effective because influencers not only shared their own encounters but how they were enjoyed together. This unique use of their talents made the influencer marketing program at the STIHL National Championship Air Races a spectacular success that impressed the ICAS judges.
The organization’s Instagram account received nearly double the followers and impressions increased by nearly 700,000. The influencers posted 261 Instagram stories, 39 posts, five reels, five YouTube videos and 21 TikTok’s to their audiences.
“I can’t thank our team enough for their efforts in introducing this new program,” said Telling. “This year was a great success and we look forward to doing even more in 2022.”
The 58th STIHL National Championship Air Races will return to Northern Nevada Sept. 14-18, 2022. More information about volunteering, donating, attending, scholarship information and more can be found at www.airrace.org.
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About the STIHL National Championship Air Races
The STIHL National Championship Air Races are held every September just north of Reno by the Reno Air Racing Association, a 501(c)(3). The event has become an institution for Northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world with seven racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. Independent economic impact studies show that the event generates as much as $100 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, visit AirRace.org.
by admin | Dec 1, 2021 | Media, Scholarships
RENO, Nev. (December 1, 2021) – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) announced today that the application window for its inaugural Flight Training Scholarship (FTS) Program will open Dec. 1, 2021. Supported in part by a grant from the Ray Foundation, Inc., the program will provide up to ten scholarships initially to students aged 16–20.
Fred Telling, CEO of RARA, stated that this is one of several initiatives in progress that are designed to add year-round depth and scope to the excitement and tradition of the annual STIHL National Championship Air Races.
“We want to become more than just a once-per-year racing event. Our Flight Training Scholarships will follow on the success we have seen in our STEM Expositions during Race Week, and we can use that success to engage young people and provide a valuable, substantial education and training resource year-round that can lead to a career in aviation. In the 1970s a person could pay for flight training with just a summer job, but in this day and age the cost can be prohibitive. We hope this scholarship program can help some deserving students overcome that challenge.”
The scholarships will provide funding for a student to achieve their Private Pilot License (PPL). The recipients will be selected by a committee comprised of members from the RARA Board of Directors, and during their year-long journey toward gaining their flight certificates they will have the support and guidance of several volunteer mentors from the RARA organization and the surrounding community.
“Awarding the scholarship is just the first step. We also want to be very present in the student’s progress to help them attain their goal,” said Telling. “Having a mentor available to fill in the blanks when they have questions outside of formal instruction is very helpful in assuring their success.”
Applications will be accepted through Jan. 31, 2022. Each application received will be screened for completion, accuracy, and qualification. Qualified applicants will then be interviewed, and the final awards will be announced in April 2022. The scholarship program was officially announced during the STIHL National Championship Air Races opening ceremonies on Sept. 16, 2021.
The scholarship will be awarded in two parts; the first phase will fund the student up through their first solo flight, and the balance will be awarded once the solo and FAA written exam have been successfully completed. The student can then complete the requirements and final FAA check-ride to achieve their private pilot’s license.
Applicant information and documents are available at www.airrace.org.
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About the STIHL National Championship Air Races
The STIHL National Championship Air Races are held every September just north of Reno by the Reno Air Racing Association, a 501(c)(3). The event has become an institution for Northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world with seven racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. Independent economic impact studies show that the event generates as much as $100 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, visit AirRace.org.
