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 at the Reno Air Races, was removed by his peers for alleged unsafe flying practices and rule violations.
D'Alessandris responded by filing a lawsuit against the Reno Air Race Association (RARA), the Professional Race Pilots Association (PRPA), and individuals, alleging breach of contract, defamation, and emotional distress.
The lawsuit has led the PRPA and several Biplane Class officers to resign and withdraw support for the 2023 Reno Air Races due to concerns over potential liabilities and costs.

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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.”