Joins Gene Nora Jessen For Marion Jayne Air Race

Retired United pilot Patty Mitchell and former 99 President Gene Nora Jessen have entered the Marion Jayne Air Race. They will fly Mitchell's 1969 Cessna 182M (file photo of type, below) in tribute to 1929 race winner Louise Thaden and carry Thaden's Race #4 as their call-sign. Gene Nora was so inspired by the 1929 Air Derby that she wrote a well regarded book about the trailblazers of aviation of 75 years ago.

These two will be flying for fun, friendship and the challenge. They have the right spirit for our celebration of the 75th anniversary of the National Air Races. Thaden and US Air Race founder Marion Jayne were both inducted into the WAI Pioneer Aviation Hall of Fame in 1999. Thaden's flower-covered victorious airplane was the inspiration for the logo of the 99's Museum for Women Pilots where Marion Jayne is honored with a cabinet dedicated to her contributions.

"Honor the Past. Invest in the Future" is the theme for the US Air Race, Inc. celebration of the sparkling 75th Diamond Anniversary of the 1929 National Air Races. The teams in the exciting cross country Marion Jayne Air Race and Cruise will fly from California to Cleveland.  300-mile air races are also planned in California and Ohio. Awards will be made at the Cleveland National Air Show. The

se fabulous flying events will be held from August 28 to September 6, 2004.

As in 2003, teams compete in cruise, speed and collegiate divisions. Custom divisions are possible for five or more teams such as all RVs, all Tigers or all Cirrus.  All teams are eligible for the prestigious Marion Jayne Perpetual Trophy.

FMI: www.us-airrace.org