AOPA Pilot Magazine - November 2012 - 61

And there’s a new requirement that focuses on reducing the potential for G-induced pilot loss of consciousness. For example, to help build G tolerance, all race pilots must fly a practice session before attempting to qualify at maximum speeds. Pylon judges, photographers, and ramp personnel also have seen changes with new rules meant to keep them out of harm’s way. The shuffling of media personnel back and forth from pylons to sterile areas seemed counterproductive to some, but as one volunteer noted, “We had to show we were improving safety.” While the race pilots, judges, ramp personnel, and media faced new rules, the airshow pilots saw no changes. “From the performer’s perspective, I saw no difference from last year,” said David Martin, who flew his high-energy aerobatic display in 2011 and 2012.
WHILE NO ONE CAN put a price on human life and suffering, it’s much easier to tally the cost of the event. The insurance premium for the races was $2 million—an increase of $1.7 million over previous years. To help offset the increased costs, ticket prices went up, and RARA solicited donations. Word on the tarmac was that RARA was operating leaner than ever before, cutting costs where it could. Advance ticket sales were reported to be down, and as of this writing, there is no information on final ticket sales, but seasoned volunteers thought the crowds were thinner this year. Talking to racers, RARA representatives, sponsors, pylon judges, photographers, reporters, vendors, and race fans, it’s clear that the Reno Air Races have tremendous support. Whether the race is sustainable with its dramatically increased costs is the question. The event brings more than 200,000 visitors to the area and generates more than $50 million in economic impact. Key sponsors Nikon and Breitling pledged their continuing support. “There was no doubt about our coming back this year,” said Bill Pekala, spokesman for Nikon. “We are a little somber, but we’re trying to move beyond it. We’ll definitely be back.” Breitling’s marketing director, Lisa Roman agreed. “We fully support this event. It’s a unique experience. You can’t go anywhere else in the world to get this type of racing.” THE EMOTIONAL memorial ceremony at noon on Sunday reminded everyone of the magnitude of the tragedy. The names of the 11 people killed were read, and a white balloon was released for each of them. In his tribute to the victims, RARA President and CEO

GOLD WINNERS FORMULA ONE: Steve Senegal Endeavor BIPLANE: Tom Aberle Phantom SPORT: Jeff LaVelle Glasair III T-6: Nick Macy Six Cat JET: Rick Vandam American Spirit UNLIMITED: Steve Hinton Strega RACE RESULTS: airrace.org

Mike Houghton said, “We have all shed many tears and had many long conversations as we miss our loved ones and think about life the way it was.” And in a moving speech, U.S. Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) remarked, “One year later, as this year’s air races come to an end, I hope that we have taken an important first step toward recovering as a community.” Spectators in the grandstands listened respectfully; some shed tears and held hands. Most were glad to be there, in spite of the tragedy. “I’m enjoying the show. I’ve always loved race planes,” said one fan, who was back in the stands after a 20-year absence. An accident-free 2012 race is a big step on the road to recovery for the Reno Air Races. Based on input from the racers, judges, volunteers, and others about this year’s event, improvements will be made for the fiftieth anniversary air races scheduled for next September. Marilyn Newton, photographer for the Reno GazetteJournal, has covered every race since 1964. She plans to be there in 2013. “It will be my fiftieth year working for the paper, and the fiftieth anniversary of the air races. What better way to celebrate?” AOPA
Geri Silveira is a freelance writer living in California.
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AOPA Pilot Magazine - November 2012

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