On a crisp Friday morning in early May 2025, the Classic Jet Aircraft Association (CJAA) kicked off its formation training clinic at Roswell Airport, precursor to the Pylon Racing Seminar for the inaugural Roswell Air Races. The event, designed to hone the skills of seasoned pilots for the high-stakes racing environment, unfolded with precision and camaraderie, setting the stage for the upcoming competition.
The airport buzzed with activity as key participants arrived. Jerry “Jive” Kerby, Kevin Roll, and David Sterling touched down, greeted at their aircraft with chilled water—a small but welcome gesture amid the desert heat. The group faced an early logistical hiccup: no rental cars were available, prompting one organizer to ferry pilots to and fro, ensuring everyone was in place. Later that afternoon, Cheeze,” landed after the initial group had left the airport, sparking a quick scramble to retrieve him and integrate him into the formation plan.
The schedule shifted slightly when Jive, acting as formation lead, requested a delay until Jeff Turney arrived around 10:30 AM, ensuring the full complement of pilots was ready.
At 8:30 AM, a concise introductory briefing set the tone. Data sheets, maps, and required forms were distributed, laying out the day’s objectives with clarity. The clinic’s participants were no novices—four of the pilots were veteran Reno racers, and all back seats were filled, signaling a high level of engagement. Jive took the helm as lead for a four-ship formation, guiding the group through a series of maneuvers.
Post-flight, the group was met at shutdown with more cold water, a nod to the day’s relentless heat. Lunar, a key supporter, had arranged lunch for twelve. The spread was a hit, fostering a moment of gratitude and connection among the pilots and organizers.
Beyond the flight line, the clinic fostered a vibrant social atmosphere. Informal dinners on Friday and Saturday evenings drew eight to ten participants each night, blending shop talk with laughter and strengthening bonds among the tight-knit aviation community. The event wrapped with a highlight: an invitation to the first mass briefing for the Roswell Air Races, a 2-hour-15-minute deep dive into the race’s intricacies. This session, attended by old friends and new faces, offered a vivid preview of the competition’s intensity and logistics, leaving participants energized for what lay ahead in Roswell.
The CJAA formation clinic stood out for its efficiency and focus. Clocking in as one of the shortest in the association’s history, it was a masterclass in leveraging the expertise of its participants. With a roster of highly experienced pilots, the event ran like a well-tuned engine, delivering exactly what was needed: a sharp, effective tune-up for the Roswell Air Races. The clinic not only prepared its pilots for the pylon course but also reinforced the collaborative spirit that defines the CJAA and RJI communities.
