RE: Unlimited air racing

I think simple economics would deter warbird owners from taking part in such races. Insurance is a big factor, with whacking extra premiums for anyone flying fast and low.

Also, aircraft in air races are flown at full throttle leaned back to give maximum revs for up to half an hour (normally, full throttle is only used for take off and the revs and prop pitch are brought back as soon as the aircraft is established in the climb). With Merlins costing £80-100,000 for a zero-time rebuild, that’s some very expensive wear and strain being placed on an engine. Look how many Merlins fail at Reno!

What’s wrong with ordinary air racing? By all accounts it is pretty exciting even if the racers are ordinary GA aircraft. The Schneider Trophy, King’s Cup etc are still part of the racing calendar. As a spectator, you get a flavour of the old barnstorming days without risking irreplacable warbird airframes.

The CFI where I fly from is a keen and successful racer in an AA1C Cheetah. There are special training schools held every year for pilots who want to race. I believe the minimum is 100 hours P1 and an aircraft capable of doing at least 100mph. This might not seem very fast, but the whole thing is handicapped with slower aircraft taking off first, so that in theory everyone crosses the finishing line at the same time.

These races take place all round the country, with each event lasting over a weekend. They are regularly featured in the monthly GA magazines such as Today’s Pilot, which publishes a calendar of events.

Next year why not attend one of your local races, you might be pleasantly surprised.