Monday, May 7, 2012


A little history on the Formula 1 racing category at the Reno Air Races.
The Formula 1 racing organization was established in 1947 as an alternative to the Unlimited class which were large and expensive.  There speeds can reach 300 MPH with the same engine that powers the Cessna 150.  This class has been evolving for 75 years.  They have been part of the Reno Air Races since 1964 when the races started.

The requirements for a formula 1 are:

o   Continental 0-200 engine

o   Wing area of 66 square feet

o   Empty weight of aircraft of 500 pounds or more

o   Fixed landing gear

o   Fixed pitch propeller



Some of the different types of Formula 1 aircraft that race are:

David Hoover AR-6



Cassutt



Stratocaster




Slipknot


GR-7 Panther , Reberry 3M1C1R, Gilbert DG2, Wagner F1, and probably a few more that I am not aware of yet.

They start the week during the races on Monday morning for qualifying.  This sets the line up for Wednesday afternoon to Sunday morning.  The Formula 1 races are generally in the early morning before the winds get to bad.  These planes are very susceptible to high winds due to their small size and weight. 

They are towed to the runway and line-up according to their times.  The pilot gets in and secured, and then the canopy is  attached or closed.  The ground crew is three people.  The plane has either an electric starter or is started by hand.  The planes are three abreast and the rows are from my guess about 50 yards apart and there are three rows.  When the starter signals he is about ready to start, the crew has been assigned a spot on the plane.  There is one person on each wing tip and one on the tail.  The pilot runs the engine for the takeoff and when the starter drops the flag, the crew releases the plane and away they go, the crews immediately head for the side of the runway to get clear of the other aircraft coming down the runway.
Stagging the aircraft

Strapping in

The line up

Ready

And there off to race

The planes race for 6 laps on a 3 mile ovoid course.   These planes are very maneuverable, quick and fun to watch.  Some of the different paint jobs are fun as well.
Racing
So be sure to attend this years National Championship Air Races in Reno Nevada at Stead Airport September 12-16, 2012.  Please visit their site for all the information www.airrace.org and have a great time.  By for now

Mike

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