NASCAR Flyers Have Their Own Association

The newly set up Race Team Aviation Association (RTAA) is here at the convention and looking for members from flyers that attend NASCAR race events. Wayne Cook, President of RTAA and Aviation Coordinator for Joe Gibbs Racing says the organization was set up a few months ago to promote air safety, and improve communications with ATC centers across the country. "We need representation for our aviation activities," said Cook.

The NASCAR team's problems stem from the arrival of between 150-200 of their own aircraft at race events in a short space of time ­ in-bound Thursdays and out-bound on Sundays . "Destinations become a zoo as we flood the local ATC system," Cook said. The NASCAR 'Air Force' fleet varies from King Air 100s, through Learjets, Citations, Gulfstreams a Saab 2000 and Boeing 727s. "We all want to get there at the same time and we all want to leave around the same time.

Help for the Association came initially from the NBAA representative in N.Carolina which is where most of the teams are based. The NBAA organized meetings with ATC Centers and the FAA became involved and are being very positive according to Cook. Through negotiations with ATC representatives, the association has already been given the call sign 'NASCAR Arrival'.

"Most of the NASCAR fleet is based within a 30 mile area in North Carolina taking in the three airports of Concorde, Lexington and Statesville ­ so when they all launch, local ATC gets strained to the limit as well," explained Cook.

Annual Membership is $25 for individuals and $100 for Corporations. "Anyone who flies to a NASCAR race is welcome ­ contact and join us," said Cook.

The RTAA web address is www.rtaa.org

By Mike Vines