Reno Pylon Racing School by Ryan Coulter

Following the loss of three experienced race pilots and one serious injury at the 2007 Reno Air Races, this year’s Pylon Racing Seminar (PRS) at Reno-Stead airfield had an extra emphasis on safety. During the 2008 seminar, held from June 18 to 21, participants and organizers drew lessons from last year’s mistakes and worked together to make this year's races the safest they can be.

The Pylon Racing Seminar helps train new race pilots and gives veterans a chance to refresh their racing skills. It also lets the pilots preview changes to the race course. As an example, pylons two and three have been moved about 30 feet inwards this year, to help make the course safer by softening the turn from the home pylon and reducing the chance of crossing the east dead line.

For four days, the pilots learned on the ground and in the air. Pilots were first briefed on what they would be working on that day. Then they went into action on the race course. After landing, a debriefing was held so each pilot knew what he (or she) needed to improve on and what he did right.

There are six race classes of aircraft – Biplane, Formula One, Sport, T-6, Jet, and the Unlimiteds. Each class was given its own time on course, although the Formula One and Biplane classes were sometimes on the course at the same time.

Each prospective race pilot had to show that he could cope with hazardous situations, such as becoming inverted and recovering without loosing altitude or handling an in-flight emergency. Other skills that pilots learned and demonstrated included how to enter and re-enter the course safely and how to pass other planes in a safe manner.

It was a very interesting PRS for races fans, as one famous Unlimited aircraft was back, preparing for September, and another had a new young driver. The biggest story was 20-year-old Steve Hinton Jr. debut flying Bill “Tiger” Destefani's P-51 Mustang, “Strega.” Despite his age, Steve flew “Strega” as though he had learned to race before he could walk. Holding a very consistent and smooth line, he showed he has what it takes to be a formidable race pilot. Race fans will be very excited to see a second legendary P-51 Mustang, “Dago Red,” on the course this year being flown by Dan Martin. Looking like he was on a rail, Martin showed that competition this fall in the Unlimited Class should be very interesting.

Other classes also had some notable entries. A Vari-eze being flown by Thomas Watkins in the Formula One class stood out with its interesting tailless, pusher design. In the Sport class, the standouts were the NXT “Relentless,” flown by veteran Kevin Eldridge, and the Thunder Mustang “Rapid Travel,” piloted by George Giboney. Both aircraft were great examples of their breeds and should make the Sport class interesting to watch. Eastern Bloc designs will fill the field in the Jet class this year, as neither the T-2 Buckeye that won last year nor the T-33 “Specline Special” will be back. The contenders this September will be Czech L-29s and L-39s.

The PRS is a great opportunity for media photographers to learn their ropes and get back in practice. Photographers are able to go to some vantage points that are not accessible during the actual races. Since the racers are learning, they occasionally do things they might not do on purpose in the races, like slow down to let somebody pass, or cut a pylon, or simulate an engine out. This offers some unique shots of the action.

After learning from past mistakes and making changes to the course, and with veterans returning and new planes being fielded, the 2008 Reno Air Races, to be held September 11-14, should be some of the most exciting and safest ever!

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