Pilot Proficiency

The Art of Air Racing

Thursday, August 31, 2017 at 10:18 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The Pylon Racing Seminar (PRS) at the National Championship Air Races (NCAR) is a highly structured and intensive training program designed to prepare pilots for competitive air racing in the Sport Class.
Pilots undergo rigorous multi-stage training, including extensive formation flying, mandatory warm-up clinics, comprehensive ground school, and strict adherence to procedures for low-level, high-speed flight.
The author's personal experience details this demanding journey, from initial formation practice to a challenging first solo around the pylons, ultimately leading to them earning their Sport Class race license.
PRS prioritizes discipline, precision, and safety protocols, emphasizing meticulous instruction and communication to manage the inherent risks of air racing, ensuring pilots master complex maneuvers under pressure.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.