This sounds like fun--but I'm afraid I'm not 'qualified...'

The twenty-seventh annual Air Race Classic, a 1905 statute mile all-woman air race, will take place June 21-24, 2003. Airplanes will race from Pratt (KS) to Kitty Hawk (NC) with a number of checkpoints in between. This race is one of Kitty Hawk's sanctioned events in 2003 to celebrate 100 years of powered flight, which began December 17, 1903 at 10:35 a.m.

120 feet and twelve seconds, on a sand dune in North Carolina that long-ago day spawned incredible innovations and advances in transportation, communications, commerce and national defense.

Racers include grandmothers and college students, professional pilots as well as recreational pilots. Accountants, nurses, doctors, teachers, homemakers, ferry pilots from WWII, and Navy carrier pilots have all taken part. Competitors must "have the stamina of marathon runners, the skill of America's Cup yacht racers and the cooperation of bobsled teams."

Race planes begin in Pratt (where B-29 pilots Bob Morgan of the Memphis Belle and Paul Tibbits of the Enola Gay trained) and fly to Kitty Hawk via Grand Island (NE); Albert Lea (MN); Menominee (MI); Peru (IL); Dayton (OH -- home of the Wright Brothers); Altoona (PA); and Danville (VA). The race must be flown in daylight hours and in visual flight conditions only.
Only stock airplanes certified in the normal or utility category with non-supercharged engines may participate. There is no age limit for aircraft.

The Air Race Classic began in 1977 after the Powder Puff Derby ended, with 27 participants its first year. Twenty-seven years, 60,000 miles and over 1000 teams later, the Air Race Classic remains a venue for competitive flying: "...added skills are developed, self confidence is increased and enduring friendships are made," Louise Thaden is quoted as saying. And Blanche Noyes added, "Flying is ageless."

In addition to a little bit of luck, winning takes a combination of sharp pilots and piloting, a good performing stock airplane and an understanding of the weather. Airplanes are given handicaps depending on their type and engine and expected performance so that a variety of airplanes may race.

The mission of the Air Race Classic, Inc., sponsor of the race, is: "With roots in the historical tradition of women pioneering access to the airways and in order to preserve, promote and educate participants and the public regarding aviation, the Air Race Classic, Inc. will establish an extended amateur cross-country air race..."

The Air Race Classic, Inc. is a private, non-profit corporation under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Service code. Contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law; please check with your tax professional about your deductions.

FMI: www.airraceclassic.org