Departure: KDED (Deland, FL)
Destination: KRNO (Reno, NV)
One-way distance: 2203 NM = 2535 Statute Miles = 4080 Kilometers
So far, this was the longest trip in my Cirrus, having logged a total of 36 hrs of flight time (2-way trip).
In September 16, 2009, the National Championship Air Racesand Air Show returned to Reno for its 46th year with six classes of racing aircraft and a first-class airshow, including some of the world’s top aerobatic performers, military aircraft, and static aircraft displays.
This year, thanks to a mutual friend, I sponsored Race 90 team, in the T-6 class. The T-6 class features “stock” T-6 Texan, Harvard, or SNJ aircraft. The fastest T-6 aircraft generally post race speeds in the 210-220 mph range on the 4.99-mile course at Reno. As a sponsor, I was granted unrestricted access to the pit area, the T-6 Racing Association’s facilities, and Race 90 team’s accommodations.
Gene McNeely, the pilot of Race 90’s T-6, became interested in flying in high school. Afterwards, he served a tour in the Navy, then began flight instructing and crop dusting. Gene operated his own agricultural business for over twenty years as well as an air cargo service operating DC-3s and MU-2s. Gene’s favorite aircraft is the T-6. In addition to performing in air shows, Gene races in a T-6 at the Reno Air Races and has been finishing in the top five since 1986, taking 5th in the Gold in 1990 and 1st in the Silver in 1991. I had the privilege to meet and interact with Gene throughout the 4 days I was at Reno, and can attest to his friendly nature and engaging demeanor.
But for the absolutely horrible maintenance work performed by Jet West on my Cirrus, the trip to Reno could not have gone any better. As for Jet West, all I can tell you is: stay away from those folks unless you don’t mind having your aircraft treated like a piece of junk. Are you curious about what happened? If so, let me know and I will share the details.
