Friday Photo: Reno Air Races 2023

The view: Sport class racers join up on the pace plane for the final Reno Air Races of 2023.

The pace pilots: Malte Bruegmann and Chris Schaich.

The race pilots: Joe Coraggio, Peter Balmer, George Catalano, John Flanagan, Vince Walker, Douglas Walker, and Tim Slater.

The pace airplane: L-39C

The race airplanes: Lancair Legacy (5) and Glasair III (2)

The mission: Fly as a pace plane for the Sport Class Silver heat 3B.

The memory: We had just departed Reno/Stead Airport (RTS) as the pace plane for the Sport Class Silver heat 3B of 2023. Having completed a 180° climbing turn, the racers are still in a loose formation as they get settled into the flight as we lead them to the start chute around Peavine mountain.  At this time they are still “twizzling” with their systems making sure ADI, ignition, turbos and such are on line for the race.  I’m watching for anything abnormal from the racers. Adrenaline is starting to build. Seven minutes later I’ll say those words immortalized by legendary pilot Bob Hoover, “Gentlemen you have a race!”

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Chris Schaich

Chris Schaich is an active pilot with over 15,000 hrs and 7 type ratings. When not flying for the airlines he is a warbird pilot and instructor/check pilot for the Commemorative Air Force, Arizona Wing. Since 2011 he has raced in the Biplane and Sport classes at the Reno National Championship Air Races.

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