Suggests A One-Year Permit While The Investigation In Ongoing

The committee set up to advise the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority on issues concerning the National Air Races has forwarded a recommendation for a one-year permit to the full board which would allow this year's event to go forward.

If approved by the full board, the permit would require the Air Racing Association to pay for any increased insurance premiums and follow any new safety advice from federal regulators after last fall's deadly accident on September 16th, in which Jimmy Leeward's modified P-51 went down resulting in 11 fatalities. The NTSB is continuing to investigate that accident.

The Associated Press reports that the committee forwarded its recommendation to the full board on Thursday. It requires the Reno Air Racing Association to follow any recommendations from NTSB resulting from the probe. Any exceptions would require NTSB approval.

Panel chairman Jerry Hall said he preferred a one-year permit instead of five because the investigation continues. Air Race Director Mike Houghton says he's confident they can meet NTSB's demands. (Photo: Trim tab separation from Jimmy Leeward's airplane used during NTSB presentation)

RMI: www.airrace.org, http://renoairport.com/airport-authority, www.nstb.gov