Air Race Classic


The Air Race Classic is an annual transcontinental air race for female pilots. Route lengths are approximately. All flights are conducted in day visual flight rules conditions. Each aircraft is handicapped for speed and engine power. The goal is to have the actual ground speed be as far over the handicapped speed as possible.
This women's-only air race was originally started in 1929 as Women's Air Derby by pilots including Amelia Earhart back when women pilots were banned from competing against men. Following the discontinuation of the Powder Puff Derby in 1977, the Air Race Classic was established in that year by a new organization to take its place.

2019 Air Race Classic

The 2019 race will take off at June 18, 2019, from Jackson, Tennessee, for a 2,538-mile international competition that ends June 21 in Welland, Ontario.

2014 Air Race Classic

The 2014 race will occur June 16–19, 2014 with ten stops in 4 days flying from Concord, California to New Cumberland, Pennsylvania in the quest for the fastest time.

2012 Air Race Classic

The 2012 race will run from Lake Havasu City, Arizona to Batavia, Ohio, a distance of 2330.2 nm/2681.5 sm.

2011 Air Race Classic

June 17–21, 2011 from Iowa City, Iowa to Mobile, Alabama, a distance of 2365.4 nm/2722.0 sm. The race was won by Leah Hetzel and Sarah Morris flying a Cirrus SR-20.

2010 Air Race Classic

June 22–25, 2010 from Fort Myers, Florida to Frederick, Maryland, a distance of 2,158 nm. This year's theme was "100 years of licensed women pilots." The race was won by Terry Carbonell of Alva, Florida, Ellen Herr of Fort Myers, and Laura Ying Gao of Spring Hill, Florida.

2009 Air Race Classic

June 23–26, 2009 from Denver to Atlantic, Iowa, a distance of 2359.0 nm/2714.7 sm. The race was won by pilots Kelly Burris of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Erin Recke of Seattle in a Beechcraft Debonair.

2008 Air Race Classic

Thirty-three teams completed the race in June 2008, flying a course from Bozeman, Montana to Mansfield, Massachusetts. Intermediate route stops were Miles City, Montana, Aberdeen, South Dakota, Mason City, Iowa, Decatur, Illinois, Frankfort, Kentucky, Franklin, Pennsylvania, and Saratoga Springs, New York.

2003 Air Race Classic

Thirty-six planes participated in the 2003 race from June 21 through June 25 flying over 2000 miles. The race started in Pratt, KS and finished in Kitty Hawk, NC and was amongst several world-wide races commemorating the 100th anniversary of powered flight. fElaine Roehrig won the 2003 All Women's Air Race Classic with navigator/co-pilot Marolyn Wilson. The women flew a 1965 Piper/Cherokee PA-28-140.