Air Race Pilots Say Altitude Rules at Reno Have Not Improved Safety

Some competitors and crew members in the final National Championship Air Race at Reno are upset over penalties for flying too high.

Jonathan Welsh

Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 10:07 AM ET

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A P-51 Mustang, part of the Unlimited Class, sits on the ramp at the 2021 National Championship Air Races at Reno, Nevada. [FLYING Magazine Archive]

Key Takeaways:

The final National Championship Air Race at Reno is experiencing significant controversy due to penalties issued to pilots, including John Maloney and Brent Hisey, for exceeding FAA-mandated maximum altitude rules.
These altitude regulations, implemented after a 2011 crash, are widely criticized by pilots as overly restrictive, "political," or inconsistently applied, impacting their race standings.
The escalating frustration has led pilots and crew to discuss potential "walkouts" and demands for rule amendments or consistent enforcement, with the contest committee currently reviewing the situation.

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Excitement surrounding the last National Championship Air Race event held at Reno/Stead Airport (KRTS) continues to build as the Unlimited Class finals approach. Controversy also rose after officials penalized certain racers for flying too high.

During the last race on Saturday officials said John Maloney, pilot of the Yak-3U Miss Trinidad flew above the maximum allowed altitude on part of the course during the Unlimited Class Heat 3A. The resulting penalty is expected to place Maloney in Sunday’s Unlimited Silver Race instead of the Gold, according to members of Miss Trinidad’s crew.