The Pylon Place
In Flight USA The Pylon Place
By Marilyn Dash
The International Formula 1 PRS 2016 Class (Anthony Taylor/warbirdfotos.com)In 1997, it was decided there should be a better way to help prepare pilots for the National Championship Air Races held each year in September, in Reno, Nev. Previously, hopeful race pilots may arrive a few days early in September and be taken through a series of air maneuvers the weekend before the races. As the races started to attract more classes and more racers, a better, more structured training became necessary.
This June marked the 19th Pylon Racing Seminar AKA Rookie School. And—for the fourth year in a row—a record number of participants were in attendance. Between the six race classes, 79 airplanes and 130 participants from all over the world made their way to Stead to practice, qualify, and have fun.
By Marilyn Dash
The sun coming up on Strega. This was her year. (Anthony Taylor)What a great time! What a crowd! What amazing racing! This was the best year in a long time!
The week started out with great weather but lots of smoke from the many fires in California. When the wind blew in, the smoke blew out – but the winds brought a new set of issues. The wind was so bad on Sunday, several classes had to stand down from their allotted course time because the winds were above their limits – as addressed in the Rules of Competition.
But by Monday, everyone was back on the course and qualifying began in earnest. The Unlimiteds had two sessions for qualifying each day. By the end of Monday, Stevo Hinton had put up a time of 464.246. Not the fastest he’s ever gone, but the fastest of the day. Each class has their own rule, so in the Unlimiteds you can requalify if you want to better your time. Hinton probably thought this would hold, and if not, he could easily go back up by Wednesday to put a better number up.
By Marilyn Dash
Hoot’s ride for 2015 - Goot Hoot! (Anthony Taylor/Warbirdfotos.com)Robert Lee Gibson, better known to Air Racing Fans as “Hoot” is one of the most highly decorated racers around. Will he finally get the chance to be a Champion?
Hoot was born in Upstate New York, yet considers a town outside of LA to be his “hometown.” He, like so many others, soloed at 16 and earned his pilots’ license at 17. He always knew he wanted to be a pilot– even at the age of 10 when his dad turned the Bonanza yoke over to his side and let him perform his first take off. Both of his parents were pilots, and his dad was an aeronautical engineer. Flying and aeronautics were a family tradition in the Gibson household.
By Marilyn Dash
Air Race 1 – Tunisia
Thom Richard, Jay Jones and Michael Mundell in the Gold. (Used with permission from Air Race 1)I’ve heard the question a hundred times, why is International Formula One Air Racing called International? Well, Jeff Zaltman and his team have put the International back into IF1.
Last year, in their inaugural season, Air Race 1 put together a great race in Spain. This year, they have a three Race Series, starting in Tunisia and finishing in Reno, Nev. They are revisiting their roots in Spain in the middle of the season. In fact, the teams are heading to Spain as we go to press.
First thing you’ll notice is a bunch of familiar names from the IF1 Class at Reno. Only two competitors are not Reno Air Races veterans, and the planes are very familiar as well!
By Marilyn Dash
While we wait for Air Racing Season to begin again, several of our Racers are keeping busy in the off-season.
Setting Records…
Phil Goforth in Knotty Girl (Tim Adams)Last year, Elliott Seguin and his team put together the Mojave Experimental Fly-In to showcase experimental aviation, maybe go for a few records and then hang out with a bunch of cool people for the weekend.
Andy Chiavetta and his Team Chia together with Elliot, Lynn Farnsworth, and the Super Legacy tentatively* broke two Speed Records and two Time to Climb Records over the Mojave weekend. The 3,000 Meter Time to Climb was completed in under two minutes. That’s a 1,500 meters per minute climb! (For those who don’t believe in the metric system that’s more 4,900 feet per minute).
By Marilyn Dash
Last year’s winner, Voodoo and Stevo HintonThe big news everyone is talking about is the hiring of Mike Crowell as the president and chief executive officer of the National Championship Air Races. After a few visits with Mike, I can say that I am very happy to see someone of his caliber taking the reins.
“We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Mike’s caliber step in to take the helm at the Reno Air Races,” said John Agather, chairman of the RARA board of directors. “We are looking to Mike to bring his leadership, experience, and expertise in running efficient organizations to the Reno Air Races so that we can ensure this important northern Nevada event is successful for many years to come.”
Introducing the U.S. Unlimited Aerobatic Team World Aerobatic Championships 2015
By Marilyn Dash
The Team
First, I want to congratulate the U.S. Unlimited Aerobatic Team! The USA will be represented by a group of pilots who are long time aerobatic competitors. Everyone on the team has participated in at least one previous World Aerobatic Championship (WAC) in the past. This is very valuable experience!
The U.S. team is comprised of Goody Thomas (Team Captain), Rob Holland, Jeff Boerboon, Nikolay Timofeev, Brett Hunter, Melissa Pemberton, Benjamin Freelove, Mark Nowosielski, and Tim Just.
This team will compete at the 28th FAI World Aerobatic Championships in Châteauroux-Déols (France) Aug. 19-29, 2015. Who wants to go with me? I was lucky enough to help out in 2013 when the WAC was held at North Texas Regional Airport in Denison, Tex. I’d be thrilled to go again and support our team.
Aerobatic Performance Zone – The Box
Competition Aerobatics takes place on a playing field just like most other sports. The only difference is our field is a “Box” in the sky.
Just like all sports there are penalties for leaving the “Box”. “Outs” or “Boundary Infringements” as they are referred to in Competition Aerobatics are verified by “Boundary Judges” that sit on the ground and use a sighting device to determine these penalties.
If you’ve ever seen clear panels on an Aerobatic Plane–this is why. We need to be able to see the ground positioning to stay in the box.
2014 Year in Review
By Marilyn Dash
Team Ruby – Getting Ready for the Big Race (Anthony Taylor /Warbirdfotos.com)Another year is in the books with some great highs and some devastating lows. I wanted to take the time to look back and celebrate the good and memorialize the losses.
Red Bull Air Racing was Back!
If you read this column regularly, you know that I love Air Racing of any kind–especially the Closed Pylon racing like we do at the National Championship Air Races in Reno. But I also have a great affection for the Red Bull Air Racing Series.
After a three-year hiatus, the series came back stronger than ever, finishing the season at their Home-Drome with the Championship being decided on the last flight. Amazing year–congrats to all, especially Nigel Lamb, the 2014 Series Champion!
Red Bull Air Race 2014: Worth the Wait
After a three-year hiatus, the Red Bull Air Race World Championship came back in 2014 with dramatic action.
By Marilyn Dash
Final Preparation for his Championship Winning Flight . ( Photos used by Permission from Red Bull Air Races)It all started when 12 of the world’s best pilots reunited in February for the season opener in Abu Dhabi. The new rules, which mandated standardization of engines and propellers, were created to level the playing field and to make the action tighter–and they did.
Fans were able to see the action at eight locations on three continents. Venues like England’s Ascot Racecourse and the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria completely sold out, and at the race in Gdynia, Poland–the officials had to close access to the beach viewing when they reached the mandated civic limit of 130,000. Now, that’s a crowd!
By Marilyn Dash
2014 NCAR Review – Part 2
Last month, we reviewed the International Formula 1, Biplanes and T-6 classes from the 2014 National Championship Air Races held in Reno, Nev. This month, we will complete our review, highlighting the Sport Class, Jets and Unlimited Division.
Sport Class
Jeff LaVelle does it again in 20134. (Anthony Taylor/Warbirdfotos.com)This year, Jeff LaVelle broke two records. In his Glasair III, Jeff broke his own record for Fastest Qualifying time and in Heat 1A, he broke the fastest time in the race also.
Not sure what magic Jeff has in that aircraft, but it sounds awesome and looks great. And he is most likely not done tinkering yet. Always looking to increase his speed by a knot or two, he is one of the reasons to watch the Sport Class.
Veteran Thunder Mustang Pilot, John Parker was nipping at his heels but was denied in the end with a mechanical and a DNS for the final.
Gary Mead qualified fifth, but through luck and attrition, ended up taking second place. While Swiss Pilot, Peter Balmer, qualified eighth in the only other Thunder Mustang racing this year–he finished third. It was one of those years.
Part 1
By Marilyn Dash
The 2014 National Championship Air Races (NCAR) will be remembered for several record-breaking moments. Let’s get started in Part 1 of our two-part review
International Formula 1
Steve Senegal in his Record Setting Racer, Endeavor (Anthony Taylor)IF1 already had a great year. They were able to add a race in Spain earlier this summer with a handful of our racers heading over there to race and monitor the event. It seems there will be even more races for them in 2015. That is great news for a truly competitive class with a reasonable financial entry point. (Hint–to all those wannabe racers out there!)
This year at NCAR, the racing was amazing as always. So many of these race planes are evenly matched, which creates close, competitive racing.
Steve Senegal in Endeavor set a course record with 267.289 mph, beating Jon Sharp’s old record of 263.188 set in 1999. Senegal also took the Gold on Sunday for his fifth win. Congrats to Steve and Team Endeavor!
By Marilyn Dash
The 2014 PRS Graduating Class. (Anthony Taylor/Warbird Fotos)A record number of attendees joined forces at Stead Field outside of Reno, Nev. to qualify and practice for the 51st National Championship Air Races to be held Sept. 10-14th.
International Formula 1 continues to earn its name – by the addition of Frenchman, Christophe Delbos flying Spaniard, Bill Paradi’s aircraft, N-A-Rush. Bill and his new wife are expecting a baby around the same time as the races, so Bill asked Bobos to fly his plane for him. (This is very bad timing, Bill!).
Some of you may remember Christophe (aka Bobos) from the Big Frog Racing Team in the Sport Class. The Diesel-powered NXT flew only one year before the engine failed, and Bobos had an off-field landing, Strawberry Fields Forever. He’ll be back in another sport racer in the future – but will be an IF1 racer this year.
The Mighty 8th at Planes of Fame
By Marilyn Dash
This year’s Planes of Fame Air Show focused around The Mighty 8th Air force. The 8AF was established in February 1944 by re-designation of the 8th Bomber Command. Considered to be the Greatest Air Armada in History under the leadership of the likes of Jimmy Doolittle, at the height of WWII, there were more than 200,000 people assigned to the 8th with the ability to launch more than 2,000 four-engine bombers and over 1,000 fighters on a single mission. To honor this fine organization, Planes of Fame focused on their accomplishments.
One of the highlights of the show was the opportunity for the public to meet and honor our beloved Veterans. Christina Olds, author and daughter of famous Pilot Ace Robin Olds, moderated the Veteran’s Panel during the show. Hundreds of guests, friends, pilots and children were able to meet these fine gentlemen and shake hands with some of our heroes.
Nearly a dozen P-51s from A to D lined up ready to start the show. (Anthony Taylor/Warbird Fotos)Nearly a dozen P-51s from A to D lined up ready to start the show.
It was especially touching to see the F/A-22 pilots and crew shake hands with C.E. Bud Anderson, WWII Triple Ace and quite a character. It’s good to see the next generation appreciate the Greatest Generation.
It’s Airshow Season AGAIN!
By Marilyn Dash
Sea Fury Noses (Anthony Taylor/Warbird Fotos)Finally, the winter dreary is over and the sunscreen and cameras are coming out of the closet. It’s time to start making the trek each weekend to your local Airports to see the show.
One thing we’ve noticed is fly-ins making a comeback with several new events cropping up. I believe this is great for airport community relations and if joined with a visit from one of the bombers like the B17 from Liberty Foundation (http://www.libertyfoundation.org), or the fleet from Collings Foundation (http://www.collingsfoundation.org) – this makes it all the better.
Saving the Reno Air Races
By Marilyn Dash
T6s battling it out on the racecourse. (Bruce Croft/20 West)What can be done to save the Reno Air Races? This is the question posed to me by so many air-racing fans. We know changes are being made – but – are they enough? Are these changes coming too late? What are the signs we should be looking for to see if the changes are working?
RARA has made several announcements lately – including the dismissal of Michael Houghton, the President and the paring down of the paid staff to six individuals. Recent news adds a reduction in the Board of Directors from more than 20 members to a total of seven.
Red Bull Air Races are BACK!
By Marilyn Dash
Kirby Chambliss flying over Las Vegas Motor Speedway. (Garth Milan Red Bull Content Pool)After a three-year hiatus to revamp and rework, the Red Bull Air Races are BACK! As someone who has seen four races in person and all of them via video, I could not be more thrilled.
Many things have changed, but some things have remained the same. The most important aspect that has not changed is the pilots. All 12 of the pilots are returning racers.
The UK’s Paul Bonhomme, the Red Bull Air Race World Champion for 2009 and 2010 is the early favorite to repeat. But Austrian, Hannes Arch who won in 2008 is also looking to return to the top. Both of these men are very competitive and have kept their skills up flying airshows and competition. American, Kirby Chambliss won in 2004 and 2006 and is always striving for perfection. Michael Goulian, another American returning pilot is ready to take it all.
Bringing Elsa Home
By Marilyn Dash
First photo in the new airplane, Marilyn Dash and Elsa. (Courtesy of Marilyn Dash)I thought it would be fun to do a column this month about a personal experience. After racing in the Biplane Class for eleven years, I decided to look at purchasing a potential Sport Class Racer. I’ve always said the perfect two airplane family would be an “upside down” airplane and a “go places” airplane. So, Ruby may now be just for “upside down” flying – and we would need something faster, with some luggage space – to “go places”.
I started in the usual way, perusing ads on Barnstormers and Trade-a-Plane, etc. I found a few older Glasairs and RVs, etc. And then through mutual friends, I heard about an RV-6 which I immediately knew was going to be mine.
The Future of the Reno Air Races…
By Marilyn Dash
(Bruce Croft)Since the Galloping Ghost crash of 2011, the Air Races have been plagued with financial concerns and rumors about closing the doors.
In the last few months, Michael Houghton, RARA President, has been talking about this year’s event being in jeopardy if $500,000 was not raised by Dec. 15. Just in the nick of time, we were told the event is back on. This leaves many people wondering about the long-term viability – and if this will continue to be a year-to-year endeavor.
World Aerobatic Championships
By Marilyn Dash
The World Aerobatic Championships come to the USA once every 10 years or so. This year, they were held at North Texas Regional Airport in Grayson County, Texas. The good news was everyone had a great time. The bad news was the weather did not cooperate.
Aerobatics
Beautiful aerobatic machines. (Courtesy of Marilyn Dash)Before racing in the biplane class at Reno, I was involved in local IAC competition. The challenge of flying competitive aerobatics was something I very much enjoyed and something I may plan to return to now that things are rocky at RARA. I found that I couldn’t do both at the same time – the airplane I was using needed to be changed for each sport and I didn’t have the time or resources to do it each year. But, if the Reno Air Races are over (more on this next month), it is likely I will throw my time and energy back into aerobatics.
The 50th National Championship Air Races – Part 2
By Marilyn Dash
Last month, we reviewed the Unlimited/UWRC races. And I promised this month to cover the other five classes of competitors. Let’s get started.
IF1
Vito Wypraechtiger in Scarlett Screamer. (Rob Miller/Phredtography)First thing in the morning, when the skies are dark and the dew is still on the planes, the IF1 (and Biplane) air racers are already at the field, tugging their planes out to runway 08 and trying not to shiver from the cold. The crowds are light at this time, which is a pity because some of the best racing happens before 10 a.m.
This year was no different. The IF1 class participants were few in number, but deep in talent and heart.
After qualifying nearly 10-miles-per-hour faster than anyone else, Steve Senegal, the reigning IF1 Champion had a difficult start and just couldn’t get around Vito Wypraechtiger in long time racer, Scarlet Screamer. Vito is one of two competitors in the IF1 class from Europe; Vito from Switzerland and Bill Parodi from Spain.
The final race on Sunday was amazing. Everyone was on their feet cheering for their favorite or cheering for a great race if they had no favorite. It was eight laps of intense racing.
The 50th National Championship Air Races
Part 1
By Marilyn Dash
Proud father and son - champions again! Stephen Hinton in Voodoo was the Unlimited Gold champion. Well, the 50th is in the books. The same kid won, but he was riding a different horse. There was good, there was bad, and there was not a lot of ugly, thankfully. Let’s get started with the review.
The UWRC (previously known as Unlimiteds) competitors were few and far between, with only 15 racers showing up for race week. But, the big iron was there. Returning champ, Strega, along with Voodoo, Rare Bear, Czech Mate, 232 and Dreadnaught all have the pedigree. All of them could win; nearly all of them HAVE won. But, it was Bob Button’s year – finally.
After threatening retirement for the third time, many didn’t expect Button and Voodoo to be back at the races – ever. A change of heart, the right team, the right time and the right combination all came together and they did it. Voodoo, who has maydayed out of so many races over the years, finally wins it all on Sunday.
50th Anniversary of the National Championship Air Races
By Marilyn Dash
It’s that time again. The crews are making the final touches on the race planes and the pilots are testing and growing more focused every day. The drama that is Air Racing is ready to play out in front of our incredibly loyal fans. Let’s take a look at who will be there and what to expect.
Unlimited
At this point, we have 16 aircraft on the roster. While not the largest number of entries, the fans should be pleased with the caliber of racers. Let’s take a look at what to expect…
Voodoo is back. Yes, after a year off, Bob Button decided to come back in a big way. He decided to put together his dream team and go for that elusive win. Stevo Hinton will be flying Voodoo this year. And Kerch is back as the team adviser, in what we are affectionately calling, “Yoda and the Kid.” They are having fun, they are focused on winning and they are the team to beat right now.
Button’s Voodoo is Back – with Yoda and the Kid (Anthony Taylor/Warbird Photos.com)
Rare Bear has made the trip to Texas and back for a tweaking by Nelson Ezell and his crew of warbird whisperers. A wave of their magic wand and maybe the Rare Bear will be back to her winning form? With Stewart Dawson in the seat and a hungry owner in Rod Lewis, is this their year?
What Does It All Mean…
By Marilyn Dash
Towing out for the Gold Race (Tim Adams)If you keep up with National Championship Air Racing (NCAR) news during the off-season, you probably have read several press releases about the Unlimited Division of the National Air-racing Group (UD-NAG) and a Safety Stand Down for the 2013 NCAR. This was followed quickly by the announcement of the new Unlimited & Warbird Racing Class (UWRC). My goal in this column is to present to you a little history and hopefully answer some questions about the future of Unlimited Racing at Reno.
History of NAG
The National Air-racing Group was founded in the 1970s by several Northern California air racing enthusiasts. Originally called the Northern Area Group of the Professional Race Pilots’ Association (PRPA), they later split off from PRPA and started their own group. This organization grew to be the largest and most active air race organization, with more than 2,000 members scattered throughout the world. A recognized member of the International Council of Air Shows, NAG is a non-profit California corporation.
Another Great Planes of Fame Airshow and PRS Preview
By Marilyn Dash
Five P-38 Lightnings in Formation – Amazing. (Rob “Phred” Miller)Ignoring the naysayers, Planes of Fame goes right ahead and puts on an amazing airshow – again. Nearly 40,000 people were in attendance to witness history and a terrific show.
This year, the airshow celebrated the history of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning. There are only seven airworthy P-38s in the world today, and five of them were in the skies over the Chino Airport. Another P-38 on display, a photo-recon variant, made up the sixth P-38 at the show that weekend.
The formation of five was breathtaking. I don’t think we’ll ever see something like that again, sadly.
Sequester and Airshows
By Marilyn Dash
(Photos Courtesy of Bruce Croft)We recently learned that the Blue Angels, the USAF Thunderbirds, the Golden Knights and all the military demo teams have cancelled their entire Airshow season due to the Sequester. The military will not take part in airshows in any way – not static displays, not flying, nothing. This information has sent the airshow industry back to their drawing boards to see how they can move on from here.
The military demonstration teams are an enormous draw for these events. Military teams can increase attendance by up to 30 percent while bringing many attendees from long distances which increase tourism for their cities. The draw for the communities is estimated to be a minimum of $2M in tourism, hotels, restaurants, etc.
Meigs Field Lessons
By Marilyn Dash
Ten years ago, Chicago and the Aviation world woke up to see Meigs Field destroyed. Mayor Richard Daley took it upon himself to circumvent the law, the rules, and the rights of the citizens and pilots of the world to destroy a landmark. Many will remember waking up the next morning and watching the news in complete shock.
Meigs field had a deep history in the Chicago area. While it wasn’t the everyday home to aircraft, it was just for transient traffic visiting the downtown Chicago area. It was used frequently and was a treasure to many people who lived, visited or worked in the area.
History
Meigs Field – Before Trouble (Marge Beaver/Used with permission from the Friends of Meigs Field.)Merrill Church Meigs was born in 1883, a newsman in Chicago at the Chicago Herald and Examiner and was inspired to become a pilot after covering the solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean by Charles Lindbergh in 1927.
Later in life he became head of the Chicago Aero Commission and was instrumental in the development of Meigs field, which was named in honor of him and his hard work in developing the field in 1948.
New Rides and Awards
By Marilyn Dash
Super Legacy Race 33 in the early morning sun. (Tim Adams)The big news in air racing this month is the re-emergence of Daryl Greenamyer’s and Andy Chiavetta’s sport class racer the Super Legacy, Race 33. This racer has known her share of troubles, but has also won it all with Daryl at the controls.
This year, Will Whiteside will be the pilot – coming off several successful years racing in the unlimited division in both Voodoo and Steadfast. Will actually started racing in the sport class many years ago in CJ Stephens’ Glasair.
What this brings to us is a pretty exciting three-way duel between 2012 winner, Jeff Lavelle; 2011 winner, John Parker; and Will Whiteside in Race 33. We know all three have a competitive spirit. This should be very exciting for Sport Class fans.
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National Air Race Championships
By Marilyn Dash
This year provided some of the best racing in recent memory. It seemed that all the classes had epic battles, fought before the larger than expected crowd.