Reno Air Races 2007

I would love to go to the Reno air races sometime. I just hope it goes better then than it did so far this year. Three pilots have perished in three days. It’s been the worst year on record if I’m not missing something.

Some would call for the cancellation of this event and say it’s too dangerous. You won’t hear that from me. I prefer to deal in facts rather than first impressions. More below the fold.

While all three accidents were tragic, they must be looked at separately. The first accident on Wednesday was apparently caused by a mechanical failure as witnesses saw smoke coming from the biplane shortly before it went down. The second accident occured during a race between jet aircraft when it is thought that one jet flew through the exhaust and turbulent air of another jet – maybe too close. Today’s accident was a mid-air collision between to competitors. The second and third accidents might be somehow perceived as related, but the first is surely not.

OK, some would say, two out of the three were still racing related – it’s too dangerous. My reaction to that is that the decision whether or not to race should be up to those who wish to compete. Yes, it’s an extreme sport. It’s dangerous. But those who do it do so because they love to race. They understand the risks.

Godspeed gentlemen.