Air Racing FAQs

Here are some Sport Air Racing Frequently Asked Questions.

Q. What qualifications do I need to participate in SARL racing?
 A. You need a private pilot or sport pilot's license, current medical and you need an aircraft.

Q. What aircraft is best for air racing? Don't I need something exotic and fast, like a P-51?
 A. If it flies, you have the best kind of race plane. There are over 60 categories, divided primarily by experimental/factory, then by engine displacement. That ensures aircraft in a particular category are relatively evenly matched and you have a pretty good chance of winning a trophy.

Q. Are races handicapped to even the playing field?
 A. No. See answer above.

Q. Is this like a Red Bull race where you do aerobatics and fly between pylons?
 A. No, we use landmarks like runways, buildings and RR crossings. However, you can tell your friends that that's it's just like Red Bull air racing.

Q. Isn't there a risk of colliding with another race plane? It looks pretty dangerous at Reno.
 A. In order to build safety into the race, the race aircraft fly single file. In addition, aircraft are released fastest to the slowest. If we get the anticipated race speeds right, you probably will never pass another aircraft on the course, even though it's really fun.

Q. Won't air racing hurt my engine? What throttle setting should I use?
 A. By design, aircraft engines are designed to run all day at their redline RPMs. You can use any throttle setting you choose, but since it's a race most pilots use a wide open setting.

Q. How long is the race?
 A. Most SARL races are in the 100 – 160 mile range. It's up to he individual organizer. There are a few 400 milers out there.

Q. What altitude will we fly?
 A. Like all races, we follow the FARs.  The rest is up to you.

Q. How should I plan my fuel load?
 A. Take more fuel than you think you'll need. Running at higher throttle settings can increase fuel flow by as much at 33%. Most of us prefer full tanks.

Q. Do I need special insurance?
 A. Not unless you want to. the SARL race organizers carry a limited policy that covers premises liability up to $1M for the event.

Q. How should I prepare for a SARL race?
 A. You might want to practise holding an exact heading and altitude to get you to your turn points in the fastest possible time. Get real chummy with your GPS and it's route function. Know how to properly enter coordinates. Many of the turn points are defined by GPS coordinates and the last thing you want is to be fooling around trying to find the next turn point. Also, many race organizers publish their course ahead of time. Go ahead and make a practise run.