During the last Air Races in Reno, a modified P-51 Mustang crashed into the occupied area of the public viewing area, with a total death toll of 11 so far with several others injured and still in area hospitals.
I know the knee-jerk reactions of officials and politicians and anticipate some new rules and regulations to “protect” the attendees.
I’ve heard rumors about cancelling the event, moving the people back, changing the race course, etc.
All those viewing the race are diehard aviation buffs. Some current pilots, some old pilots, some with military service time, some not. They loved the race and wanted to be there.
In comparison, how about auto racing? Same concept. Heavily modified vehicles made for speed and handling. A race course. Diehard fans. Close proximity to the action. Car crashes. Fans getting hurt or killed. (sp times) (.jcs-group).
Looking at the “Aviation Nation” coming to our own Nellis Air Force Base (NAFB) on November 12th-13th, I’m sure there are those wondering about their safety as the aircraft go through the paces. (insert planes pix here)
Just to let you know, I am a huge airplane buff and have been to almost every Aviation Nation event at NAFB. The only safety issues I saw were drivers not paying attention while they looked for parking, pedestrians jaywalking on the roads and walking in front of moving equipment on the tarmac and the “chefs” getting the occasional singed hair while they grilled on the open flames.
“The Reno air races and the Aviation Nation are two of Nevada’s largest aerial events; however they are two completely different types of events. The Reno mishap occurred during an air race, which is very different from aerial demonstrations which take place at military open houses and civilian air shows” wrote Nellis spokesman Chuck Ramey (RJ Story Nellis Air Show).
Ramey stated further the differences between the air races and the air shows are that the race is “unscripted, dynamic competition while an air show consists of choreographed, highly rehearsed aerial demonstrations”.
The aircraft are required to fly within an “aerial box”, away from the spectators and aircraft cannot fly towards the audience.
No spectator deaths have occurred in 60 years at any military air show.
So, I will see you there on November 12th-13th.
Come support our military, past and present. Great sights, memories, food and photo ops. And, our own Air Force Thunderbirds!!! (insert Thunderbirds pix here) (Check out their link to learn about their history and types of planes they’ve used. Thunderbirds)
Oh yeah. Did I mention, it’s free to get in?
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