The goal of the seminar is to give pilots who wish to compete in the September event, a chance to get certification, on the race course, in June, prior to competition! This course provides education, training and on the course flying time to increse a pilots competitiveness and flying safety during competition.
There are four items on the list, which you must pass to get certified: (1) Ground School (2) Formation Flying (3) Reno Pylon Race Simulation Flying (4) Passing the check ride by the FAA Certified Race Class Check Pilot.
A pilot must complete PRS if you are in one of three catagories: (1) It is your first time racing at Reno. (2) you are racing in a different class from previous race year. (3) have not raced in the same class in three years.
In 2011, the event (which isnt actually an event) is now called Pylon Rookie School. There were 5 classes of simulated racing which included; Formula One, T-6, Sport, Unlimited and Jet. It's safe to say that the main draw to the races is the Unlimited's, consisting mainly of Vintage World War II fighter and trainer aircraft, some of which are built specifically to race at Reno. Mustangs, Sea Fury's, Bearcat's and various similar types are what make up the majority of the field. Sometimes reaching speeds of 500+ mph, it is the worlds fastest motor sport.
The format at PRS is similar to that of race week in September. The reason most of us make the trip in June, is that we don't want to wait for the races, which are still three months forthcoming. It's also a chance to see warbirds in the air, hang out on the ramp in a much less restricted arena, and talk with pilots and crews about last year as well as what's on the burner for race week.
RARA also holds a dinner/awards ceremony on Friday night, exclusive to those volunteers, media and pilots who participated in previous years.
This year brought some unique entries, as well as some old favorites. As depicted in the images that follow.
Cheers,
Anthony
