RJI /PRS/ Formation warm up/CJAA

Jet Racers,

RJI /PRS/ Formation warm up/CJAA Jet Racers, This letter is to settle confusion and tell you what is happening. The air races, PRS, pre-PRS formation warmup are taking place. The only difference is CJAA and RJI plan on holding a formation Warm up event in its place where you will be evaluated on your skills and invited to continue to PRS. The dates are the same 1-4 June 2023. RJI instructor backgrounds consist of USAF fighter pilots who are highly experienced racers and former air bosses along with Navy fighter pilots, FAST Check pilots and other notables.   Come on out!

RJI instructor backgrounds consist of USAF fighter pilots who are highly experienced racers and former air bosses along with Navy fighter pilots, FAST Check pilots and civilian test pilots who are race current, will be there conducting the formation warmup. The same event as happened in the past 10 plus years will take place however no formation cards will be issued during this warmup. The added bonus is the warm up is no cost event. You must call/email me to attend. My contact information is at the end of the letter. During this formation warm up, the sport class will present and conducting their formation warmup with 45+ planes and during PRS, we will be the only 2 classes on the race course which means extra track time for training. This will be the best PRS yet held as the goal is safety and proficiency.

Why the change with RJI instead of CJAA. Easy…safety. In the past, CJAA was asked to help RJI put on a formation clinic. RJI instructors were used to fill seats during the clinics. The RJI instructors were there to instruct and evaluate potential rookies. At the end of the formation class, those who wanted to race and were evaluated were invited to PRS. The system is sound and proven and used successfully in the Sport Class and we adopted their model. Starting in 2021, CJAA has disallowed RJI instructors who are not CJAA members, from riding in the backseat of potential rookies, therefore eliminating our ability to evaluate rookies prior to PRS which is a huge safety concern. There is no fault to CJAA as this is what their bylaws decree. Many of our former Air Force instructors do not fly for fun outside of the air races or have a plane to attend a CJAA clinic so they do not have CJAA credentials, nor will they be able to get them in time for the clinic. Due to the change in RARA scheduling we have a different model for PRS and will need maximum RJI participation to deconflict at Reno stead airport during the formation warm up. CJAA has never participated in such an event and due to the nature and critical timing will need RJI interjection to successfully hold an event at Stead airport.

Things you need to know. CJAA is F.A.S.T. accredited signatory and a good organization and will teach you to be a good formation pilot just like NATA, TRARON and Stearman flight. Most of their instructors are competent and the clinics are made for your success in formation flying at airshows. Their clinics are numerous and you will be happy to see how many jet enthusiasts are out there. Unfortunately pilots who come from other countries are limited as FAST organizations are a US only organization. RARA is host to racers from all over the world.

RJI is there to teach you how to safely race in the fastest motor sport in the world with the fastest planes racing. Training is critical and the background of the pilots teaching is immeasurable. RJI instructors have to have many years of successful racing. RJI instructors jet backgrounds normally exceed the whole combined rookie class by factors of 2 or more. We do not take race training lightly and many have had to take 2 or more PRS classes to be signed off to race. If you are a Rookie without a FAST card from any signatory or prior military flight training, you will need to attend the formation warmup. Any questions or concerns need to be directed to me ASAP. Contact info at the end of the email.

Dues for 2021. If you have not paid dues for 2021, do it today! Reserve your race number! You cannot attend PRS or race in 2021 without one!

Racingjets.com Do it today! If you are a rookie and have not contacted me in any way, you will not be able to attend PRS. Email, text or the preferred phone call would be nice.

PRS registration forms due APR 17. Call Lori for ANY issues.

Michael Steiger

President. Racing Jets Inc.

281-380-3613

Reltney747@gmail.com