In-Stead News
September 13, 2001
by: Barton Sagar

A Definitive Statement By Reno Air Race Association

At approximately 3:00 PM today a definitive notice was made on the public address system for the race fans. The message was essentially that today (thurs) there would be no races, tomorrow we will have a memorial service at 11 AM with the possibility of a missing man fly-over. This, of course, is contingent on the FAA suspending their ban on general aviation flights. The announcement gave fans the option to mail in requests for refund for their Thursday and Friday tickets, if they choose.

At 3:30 PM there was a meeting with the pilots in the RARA hanger. The message there was the same: there would be no racing or flying today. Tomorrow (Friday) the Reno Air Races will honor the national day of mourning for the victims of this inhumane terrorist attack. Reno Air Race Association Chairman, Bill Eck, stated that he was fairly certain that IFR flights would be able to fly. He said "if that is the case then we will fly IFR from Stead to Stead". Everyone in attendance laughed.

Initially, the statement was taken as a joke by most. Then Mr. Eck further stated that this seems to be OK with the local FAA director. The statement was made several times that "we will fly on Saturday and Sunday". One might assume that RARA may be aware of something that was said by the FAA that gave the confidence to make such a definitive statement.

Mr. Eck said that "we will not let you down. Some have been critical of the Reno Air Races for us wanting to hold this event during this time of national mourning. We are willing to take any heat that might be directed at the Races. Too many of you have come here from all directions and at great expense. You have come to race and we will not let you down, we are doing and will continue to do all we can for you and for the fans."

The mood of the fans, pilots and crews seems to be quite upbeat. Everyone knows what circumstances caused this but all seem determined to "stay the course" and continue with our once a year celebration of speed and freedom. It has been a credit to the intelligence and common sense of race fans, crews, pilots and the staff of RARA as well as the local director of the FAA, Clarence Bogart. It is a good thing that during times like this so many choose the high road. Now is a time for us all to come together in this kind of cooperation and fellowship; this is commendable.

Our nation has sustained a terrible loss; do we allow the terrorists to cause us to halt living the lives we choose? It seems the consensus is not now and not ever. God Bless America and our citizens