Despite the tragic crash at the 2011 Reno Air Races, event organizers are moving ahead with plans for the 2012 event. It is currently scheduled for September 12 - 16. The exact format has yet to be determined.
USAF Thunderbirds at the Reno National Championship Air Races and Air Show.
Photo © Stan White
According to Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) President and CEO Mike Houghton, the goal is to continue with the air races and air show as before. If that proves to be impossible, there would be an air show (no racing) as a memorial for the victims of the crash on September 16, 2011. If the latter is the case, Houghton said he expects that would be the end of Reno's air show and air racing events.
Before any final decisions are made, RARA will meet the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority to review 2012 plans before a permit is issued to use Reno Stead Airport, site of the Reno Air Races. RARA is also expecting a report in early April from a Blue Ribbon Review Panel set up to examine and recommend any possible changes or modifications that could be made to enhance the level of safety at the event.
On January 10, Houghton and other RARA representatives testified at a National Transportation Safety Board hearing in Washington regarding safety issues at air shows and air races. The hearing was not directly focused on the Reno Air Races accident. Changes in regulations or procedures, if any, will be announced at a future date.
The Reno Air Races have always been acknowledged to be a dangerous event, but is it just too risky to continue? Thusfar, the answers to this poll are heavily in favor of continuing the event. What do you think?
Sources: Reno Air Racing Association, Reno Gazette-Journal.
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