National Championship Air Races

Roswell, New Mexico

September 6-14, 2025

Background

The purpose of this notice is to inform all pilots of special procedures and restrictions that will be implemented during the National Championship Air Races at Roswell International Air Center.

The National Championship Air Races are produced every September by the Reno Air Racing Association. The event features seven racing classes, a large display of static aircraft with military and civil flight demonstrations. The field of the National Championship Air Races is made up of seven thrilling airplane classes. Six of the classes race on a somewhat circular pylon course. Each heat consists of up to eight planes in competition, flying between 50 and 250 feet in the air, with aircraft reaching speeds up to 500+ mph in flight. The seventh class – STOL Drag – competes in two-plane drag races up and down the ramp. 

Special Air Traffic Procedures

The following procedures will be implemented at Roswell International Air Center to enhance safety and minimize delays during the National Championship Air Races:

Roswell Arrivals

1. Inbounds must be on an IFR or VFR flight plan and receiving air traffic services prior to entering approach airspace.
2. Only Medevac Aircraft and scheduled Air Carriers will be permitted to enter the TFR, all others will be diverted or held.
3. Pilots should prepare to arrive outside of the TFR times.

The designated arrival times are 0600-0800 and 1630-2100 local (1200-1400Z and 2230-0300Z).

Roswell Departures

1. Departures must have a filed IFR or VFR flight plan.
2. Pilots should prepare to depart outside of the TFR times.

The designated departure times are 0600-0800 and 1630-2100 local (1200-1400Z and 2230-0300Z).

Operations during TFR

1. When the TFR is active, ALL taxiing is prohibited in the Movement Areas.
2. Medevac Aircraft must contact Roswell ATCT on 118.5 or 575-347-2814 prior to departure.

NOTE: Pilots who arrive or depart prior to 1200Z or after 0300Z can expect to be on CTAF frequency 118.5

Alternate Airports

Airport and Airshow Information

Roswell International Air Center Frequencies

Roswell Tower hours of operation: 0600-2100 local (1200-0300Z)

Roswell International Air Center Layout

Composite Course Map (Left Turns)

Questions

For questions about airspace and airport information call the Roswell International Air Center at 575-347-2816, weekdays 0600-2100 local. For information on the event, including the full schedule, visit https://airrace.org/.

08/28/2025