Deadly Reno air show featured a competition style that was banned in Camarillo, California.

Friday's crash in Reno involved air racing, a style of competition that was intended to be part of a Camarillo air show in August.

The Ultimate Air Racing Championship team planned to run a slalom course with six 60-foot pylons during the 31st annual Wings Over Camarillo air show at the Camarillo Airport. But a couple of days before the show was to begin, Federal Aviation Administration officials denied plans for racing. The red and white racing pylons were to be inflated, but the pilots were instructed to fly 140 feet above them and 250 feet away laterally. The team's pilots were not allowed to perform any aerobatic maneuvers, the FAA said.

Instead, the team was allowed to give a demonstration.

FAA spokesman Ian Gregor said the Ultimate Air Racing Championship team was not at the Reno show.

Keith Moore, a member of the California Wings Association, which produces and manages the Wings Over Camarillo air show, called the Reno crash a great tragedy. Moore said he did not consider the Reno air show any more dangerous than the one held in Camarillo.

"Steps are taken to ensure the safety of the public at every air show," Moore said Friday night.

Gregor agreed, saying air race organizers must develop a comprehensive air race plan.

The plan "includes requirements for pilot and aircraft qualifications, pilot experience and currency requirements, pilot qualification training and testing before they're allowed to get an air race pilot card, and a detailed course layout," Gregor said.

Moreover, "FAA inspectors closely observe pilots' practice runs," Gregor said. "They also conduct a thorough examination of pilot and aircraft records to make sure they meet all qualifications."

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