Every June the Reno Air Races holds its Pylon Racing Seminar, a special training session where pilots prepare, practice, and become certified to race in the Reno Air Races in September.
The 2022 seminar is shaping up to be one of the biggest in a long time, according to race officials.
They report that more than 100 participants will be at the 2022 seminar, including students, certified racers, instructors, guests, and officers.
“This will be the most students we’ve had in a long time with 33, including seven in the Unlimited racing class,” officials report. “Students receive four days of instruction from some of the greatest race pilots of all time.”
To race at Reno, pilots must have competed in the same racing class in Reno in the past three races or received Race Class Pilot Certification during the Reno Pylon Racing Seminar, which includes:
- Ground School
- Reno Pylon Race Simulation Flying
- Passing the check ride by the FAA Certified Race Class Check Pilot
Reno officials note that the seminar is a pilot certification program, not an aircraft qualification period.
“Although it is recommended, a pilot need not fly the plane he or she will race,” they note. “However, any aircraft used must be of the same class for which the certification is being sought.”
This year’s races are slated for Sept. 14-18.
To learn more about the seminar and racing at Reno, go to AirRace.org.