daveymac82c wrote:
That's a great video. I've always thought it would be cool to get into air racing. I think I need a little more money before I can start though... and it sounds like I'd also need a team of mechanics that are willing to go the extra mile for me and the plane.
This all brings up an interesting question I really don't have the answer for. How do most race pilots practice? In the US are there regional races? If I were to get into Air Racing, would I have to make up imaginary courses in my local area and then make the big trip down Reno to try my stuff against other pilots?
Obviously racing is very different from puddle jumping and flying the typical spam-can out to Chilliwack for pie, but how does one get good at it?
Peace,
David M
The races are only held once a year. There used to be the occasional regional event, but not any more. Most of the pilots don't specifically practice racing, but a few have practice "courses" marked out near their home fields. Before you can race in Sept, you are required to attend the Pylon Racing Seminar held each June in Reno. It is a mix of ground school, and time on the course in order to get a race license. There are also requirements that specify minimum number of hours total, time in type, time in the exact aircraft you intend to race etc. Those vary by class. Some also require a FAST (formation) card. Most of the current race pilots have several thousand hours and most have experience as military, and or commercial pilots. It's not a sport for a rookie / low time pilot. If you have the skill set needed to race safely, then you probably don't need much "practice" to race outside of finding the pylons and knowing where the course is. That's what PRS is for.
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