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
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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