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Reno Air Races CEO Mike Houghton Departs

Reno Air Races 2013 Flying
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Key Takeaways:

  • The Reno Air Races are experiencing severe financial distress, with operating costs, especially insurance, quadrupling since the tragic 2011 *Galloping Ghost* accident.
  • As a result of these financial challenges, the Reno Air Race Association (RARA) ousted its long-time president and CEO, Mike Houghton, and is undergoing restructuring to ensure long-term sustainability.
  • RARA's board of directors will temporarily lead the organization, which recently conducted a successful emergency fundraiser to address its immediate financial needs.
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The National Championship Air Races, the annual pylon race outside Reno, Nevada, continues to show distress as a result of the tragic Galloping Ghost accident in 2011. The Reno Air Race Association, which organizes the daredevil show, has ousted its long-time president and CEO Mike Houghton, who has led the organization for more than 15 years.

Houghton told the Reno Gazette-Journal that, while not a total shock, the action was “disappointing and devastating.” Rather than naming a new president and CEO in Houghton’s place, the organization will, at least for the time being, be lead by RARA’s board of directors.

Pia Bergqvist

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.

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