STIHL air race rookies fly high
The Reno Air Racing Association’s (RARA) annual Pylon Racing Seminar (PRS) smashed its previous record with 28 students receiving their new certification to join the legendary 58th STIHL National Championship Air Races this September.
“It’s very exciting to have this many racers certified, as it gives us a strong sense of growth in participation for the National Championship Air Races in September and beyond,” said Fred Telling, CEO and chairman of RARA. “Particularly promising is the fact that the Unlimited PRS Class was the largest in memory with ten participants overall.”
The 2022 STIHL National Championship Air Races and Airshow returns September 14–18, 2022, held 20 minutes north of downtown Reno, Nevada.
This PRS class was one of the largest in the history of the practice, which began in the 1990s. In addition to the 28 newly certified racers, 53 current race pilots received renewal certifications to race in September, said STIHL.
PRS is required for rookies and open to certified racers who are looking for extra time to hone their pylon racing skills prior to race week. The seminar consists of six days – two sessions – of intensive classroom instruction from experienced race pilots as well as extensive practice on the course.
More than 85 total participants and 66 aircraft attended this year’s PRS including students, certified racers returning to practice, and instructors.
RARA’s new flight ops team, plus various operations and logistics groups were also on hand to ensure safe operations and procedures in real conditions, in coordination with the FAA and emergency response officials, said STIHL.
“This is the only place in the world to see, hear, and feel the thundering power and performance of the legendary Unlimited and T6 Class aircraft performing up to and beyond their historical wartime design in wingtip-to-wingtip competition,” said STIHL.
Audiences will be thrilled by the sky-shredding 500 mph speed of the Jet Class and the futuristic technology and stunning velocity of the Sport Class, said STIHL. The Formula One Class demands tremendous head-to-head skills, and the nimble agility of the Biplane Class leaves the crowd breathless as they rip around the pylons.
“Getting up, down, and back for the checkered flag requires well-honed skills and precision in all phases of flight in the newly added STOL Drag Class,” said the company.
On top of the racing action, awe-inspiring daily airshow performances will feature demonstrations by the USAF F-22 Raptor and the Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet, said STIHL.