Kevin Quinn is a very busy man these days. Part bush pilot, part heli-ski guide, part flight instructor and part event organizer, this Truckee, Calif.-based aviation nut is wrapping up one of his busiest — and most successful — years ever. Despite all this, he still has time to extol the virtues of general aviation to aspiring pilots everywhere. And that’s thanks in part to his participation in the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races. His message to young pilots is simple.  “Anyone can come out and fly with us and learn in the off-airport environment,” Quinn says of his Truckee-based High…

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…

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…

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…

Celebrate National Aviation Day on August 19 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…

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…

Pylon Racing Seminar 2019 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…

It takes a lot of dedication, hours and sweat to bring something almost 50 years old back to life. Take an aircraft from days gone by-perhaps a military fighter, a large transport, a classic or antique, even a medi-vac helicopter sitting in a barn or hangar. Someone comes along and wants to revitalize it, study its history, whether it’s destined for static display or to take to the skies. This is where the National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) comes in. This prestigious competition features aircraft that are in original flying condition on static display on the ramp at the National…

The annual “Rookie School” for the STIHL National Championship Air Races was held June 5-8 RENO, Nev. (June 17, 2019) —Training, preparation, practice and certification are all essential components in pilots participating in the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races. Each year the Pylon Racing Seminar (PRS), the only one of its kind, is held to help the pilots do just that. “We have a one-of-a-kind event and that takes one-of-a-kind training to ensure we are putting on the best race possible in the safest manner possible,” said Fred Telling, chairman and chief executive officer of the Reno Air Racing…

Military planes have been around for centuries. There is a multitude of types and sizes. Each plane has its own unique look, feel, and special features. One, in particular, the P-51 Mustang, comes in different versions and is among the fastest in military aircraft. What makes the P-51 Mustang so special and how fast can a P-51 Mustang go? Let’s find out! P-51 Mustang: The History This plane has been in commission since the 1940s, during WWII. The chief designer of North American Aviation suggested building a plane from the ground up, rather than continuing to produce another licensed fighter…