WHAT'S EXPECTED OF YOU
First and foremost, as a pylon judge you represent our organization and indirectly represent the Reno Air Race Association ("RARA"), the principle organizing body for event. With this privilege comes the heavy responsibility to conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times.
This incredible event has a very high profile in both the public and private sectors, with upwards of 250,000 people attending race week. While all day to day race operations are managed by highly-qualified individuals from a variety of professional backgrounds, we are nonetheless subject to oversight from governmental agencies, including among others, the Federal Aviation Administration. Given these and other factors it is imperative that while performing your duties as a pylon judge, you must comply with the time-tested rules and regulations which govern the event. Failure to do so will result in your immediate dismissal and removal from our ranks. There is no room for discussion or margin of error when you are tasked with officiating over a competition involving multi-million dollar aircraft, flown by some of the best pilots in the world, at speeds approaching 500 mph, 50 feet off the ground. Much is at stake here and you have a stake in making it both exciting and safe.
You will be expected to:
- HAVE FUN! While there are strict rules and regulations involved in what we do, we do expect you to have a great time!
- Commit to attending for the entire week (Monday morning at 0600hrs through Sunday afternoon at 1800hrs). Preference will always be given to those who can commit to the entire week.
- Attend every daily briefing held at 0700hrs on the field (except Monday at 0600hrs)
- Spend the first couple years working security and performing other duties as assigned
- Show initiative by visiting various pylons and observing all racing classes when not performing your assigned duties
- Be subjected to a variety of weather conditions. It can be hot and dusty one day, and 40 degrees and a chance of snow the next - we race.
- Become familiar with all aircraft in each class by walking the pits so you can easily identify the aircraft as they approach you at speed
- Obey all rules and regulations as published by RARA and as further defined or refined during the daily briefings
- Refrain from the use of alcohol or other substances on the race course. Nothing will get you escorted off the premises faster than the consumption of alcohol or other mood-altering substances while on the race course, whether or not you are performing your duties at the time.
- Be patient. Many of our judges have been working for decades. Our turnover rate is very low (that should tell you something!) but patience and perseverance will serve you well. We promise to do our best to get you on a pylon provided you do your best and show us just how enthusiastic you are about working the sticks.