Lawsuit Potentially Upends Biplane Class at 2023 Reno Air Races

Members of the Biplane Class at the Reno Air Races voted to remove a pilot, alleging unsafe practices. He then sued.

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 04:34 PM ET

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Members of the Biplane Class at the Reno Air Races voted to remove a pilot from their class for alleged unsafe practices. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

John D'Alessandris, a top Biplane Class qualifier, was removed by his peers from the Reno Air Races for alleged unsafe flying practices and rule violations.
D'Alessandris subsequently filed a lawsuit against the Reno Air Race Association (RARA), its CEO, and other officials, alleging breach of contract, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
The lawsuit has led to the Professional Race Pilots Association (PRPA) and key Biplane Class officials resigning and withdrawing support for the 2023 races, citing liability concerns.
This dispute creates significant internal conflict and potential financial exposure for the Reno Air Races, impacting their ability to participate in the 2023 Pylon Racing Seminar.

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One of the characteristics of aviation is that the community can be self-policing. If an aviator flies in such a fashion that others consider dangerous, you can be sure that peer counseling will take place. However, that doesn’t mean there won’t be pushback.

Members of the Biplane Class at the Reno Air Races voted to remove John D’Alessandris, who came first in qualifying in 2022, from their class for alleged unsafe practices. D’Alessandris responded with a lawsuit, the repercussions of which, according to the Reno Air Race Association (RARA), “may affect its ability to participate in the 2023 Pylon Racing Seminar.”