Visit the Reno Air Races

If you are an aviation enthusiast or simply like planes, the annual Reno Air Races are meant for you. Known as the fastest motorsport around, air racing is a spectacle to see. One class of planes averages 450. This article will attempt to entice you into some of the reasons you should visit the Reno Air Races.

For one thing, everyone there loves aviation. There is a strong sense of community. Even when meeting a stranger, stories are shared. From a lowly student pilot to an experienced retired pilot, there is a bond here that is simply fun. When one begins to go year after year, it is fun to catch up on what's been happening with each other.

Another thing that is fun about the Reno Air Races is the amount of people walking around while checking out the sky. How many times does someone stop walking and simply stand gawking upwards? It happens all the time. A neck ache is to be expected at some time throughout this event. It is worth it, though.

The planes themselves consist of multiple classes in the Reno Air Races. Each class has their own trials, qualifying, and final race. The smaller, more lightweight Biplanes and Formula One classes are scheduled earlier in the day before the winds kick in. The heavier, larger plane classes like the Sport, Jets, T-6 and Unlimiteds are scheduled later in the day. Their size and weight allow for them to fly more easily in strong winds. The T-6 and Unlimited class planes are WWII planes. The L-39 jet (found in the Jet class) was the standard jet trainer for the Soviet Union, Czechoslavakia from 1971 to 1973. "Hoot" Gibson is a former astronaut who has flown a jet during the Reno Air Races. To me, it is amazing to see that these planes are still around after all these years. (Of course, there are planes from the 1910's still around, too.)

As far as the race course goes, the size varies according to race class. The largest course is followed by the Unlimited class. The Unlimiteds have almost an 8.5-mile course, while the Biplane class has the smallest course. The Biplane course is a little over 3 miles. This course variation makes for a cool show at the Reno Air Races.

If you are lucky enough to leave the main site for a while, there is an area known as the 'Valley of Speed' away from the hoopla. It is about a 10-minute drive. Here, one can watch the Unlimiteds fly overhead and get a true idea of their speed. It is something to see. Even though this place is located away from the main spectator site at the Reno Air Races, there still are a variety of fans watching the race from here.

There is plenty to see while on the ground, too. On the opposite side of the stands is the military plane display. There is plenty here to marvel at. Located next to this area is the area containing vintage flyable planes. Fans can vote on their favorite in the "People's Choice" awards. It was hard to choose the best one this year, since there were so many good ones. It is also fun to be able to talk with the pilots about their planes during the Reno Air Races 2006.

Of course, there are vendors selling a variety of items, aviation-related gifts, and food. One can even purchase a $10 raffle ticket on the chance of winning a T-6 ride. The winner is taken up during the T-6 race. Known as the best seat in the house, this winner is taken above the course to witness the race from above the racers. What fun is that?

There is an opening ceremony for the Reno Air Races featuring a F-15 fly-by accompanied by the National Anthem being sung. Later on, there was a heritage flight featuring 4 generations of USAF war planes (planes used during the war). That was just too cool. Seeing an Avenger and F-16 together was awe-inspiring. John Travolta flew here.

The air show in between racing is always a treat during the Reno Air Races. Ken Pietsch has a Comedy Act that has it appearing his plane is falling apart. For the uninformed, this can cause some wide-eyed yells. It is fun to see. Then, the USAF Thunderbirds presented a great show. Last year it was the Canadian Snow Birds. Both were simply great!

In the evening, after racing ends, there is a variety of entertainment available throughout Reno, Nevada. In fact, there is so much more to see and experience while visiting the Reno Air Races…. you just have to go!