But Association President Warns That There Are Many Hurdles To Be Overcome

Reno Air Racing Association president Mike Houghton said Wednesday that the organization's objective is to have a full air race event in 2012, but that there is still a great deal of work to be done.

The announcement answers a question that has been hanging over the event for months, since a tragic accident at the 2011 race killed pilot Jimmy Leeward and 10 others watching the race.

During his news conference, Houghton said that the accident "would not be the concluding epilogue of the National Championship Air Races." He said that the organization is "committed to working side-by-side with permitting partners  including ...  the FAA, in addressing concerns and making necessary changes to assure the sustainability of the event."

Houghton said that in meetings held with sponsors, families of those killed or injured in the 2011 accident, and others that he has heard "universal support to see that the event moves forward." He said fan support has been overwhelming, and people from all over the world have already lined up to buy tickets for the 2012 event, currently planned for September 12-16 at Reno-Stead Airfield.

But Houghton warned that there is no guarantee that all the pieces will fall into place. He did say that there would be some kind of air racing event on those dates in Reno, but if the undertaking proves to be unsustainable because of monetary or other considerations, the air race association will present a "one-of-a-kind" final aviation event on those dates. " But," Houghton said, "It would be the last for us."

The association has formed a blue-ribbon panel made up of industry experts to assess what changes may need to be made. Those named to the panel include:

• Jim Hall, former Chair of the NTSB.
• Nick Sabatini, former FAA administrator for Aviation Safety
• John Sharp, Aeronautical engineer and designer. Winningest pilot in the history of air races.
• Steve Hinton. Two time unlimited champion, pilot of the event pace plane, and Hollywood aviation stunt coordinator.

The panel has been asked to make recommendations as to how to assure spectator and pilot safety, and those recommendations are expected within 90 days.

Houghton said it is much to early to make announcements about "things we're going to do out there."  He said the air race association will defer all questions and comments concerning the accident its self to the NTSB. He said the association cannot and will not make comments on an ongoing investigation.

The NTSB meets next week for a special hearing concerning air show and air race safety. Houghton said the National Championship Air Racing Association will be represented at that meeting, but it is not a hearing specifically associated with Reno, or last year's accident.

FMI: www.airrace.org