2008 Air Race ClassicRacing from Start to Finish

Are you ready to race?

Team Wild Mama

2008 Air Race ClassicIntroduction

You are about to embark on a remarkable journey where you will learn more about yourself and your skills as a pilot than you could have ever possibly imagined.

You will become part of a rich 79 year history, following in the shadows of Louise Thaden, Amelia Earhart, Gladys O’Donnell and other pioneering female aviators.

You will feel the heart-pounding thrill of fly-bys; experience the majesty of cross-country flight; and enjoy the camaraderie of other female aviators sharing your dreams and ambitions.

2008 Air Race ClassicPre-Race Planning: Entering the Race

Choose your Partner Choose your PlaneMake a commitment to each other

Entry deadline is APRIL 15, 2008.Spend time together; fly togetherPlan your strategyInvolve your friends and familyGet excited for the adventure of your life!

2008 Air Race ClassicPre-Race Planning: Pilot & co-Pilot

• READ THE RULES . . . READ THE RULES– Highlight important points– Ask questions if you are not clear on a point

• Entry questions• Aircraft questions• Rules questions• Procedural questions

• Study the Route– What airspace will you encounter?– Know the terrain & obstacles, especially around the airports for

fly-bys– Understand weather patterns in the areas you will fly

2008 Air Race ClassicPre-Race Planning: Pilot & co-Pilot

Pilot & co-Pilot Checklist

Pilots license for pilot & co-pilot Current biennial for pilot & co-pilot Current medical for pilot & co-pilot Passenger: minimum of student pilot certificate or pilot license

with or without current medical Copies of log book entries reflecting current status and

qualifications Pilot or co-pilot must have minimum 500 hours PIC or an

instrument rating

2008 Air Race ClassicPre-Race Planning: Pilot & co-Pilot

• Get to know your team members– Practice Patience: during the race, things can happen quickly,

personalities can conflict.– Know each others “pet peeves” and how to deal with them.– Know each others strengths & weaknesses.

• Use your Mother Birds as a resource.– Contact them with any questions you may have– Get to know them before the race– Remember that your Mother Birds are experienced racers and they are

there to help you.

2008 Air Race ClassicPre-Race Planning: Pilot & co-Pilot

• Discuss finances with your team members– How will you share the costs?– Who will be in charge of an accounting?– Do we want sponsors; how do we pay for the race expenses?

• Coordinate duties with your team members– Divide cockpit duties

• Who will fly (one or both)?• Who will navigate and keep track of timing?

– Make a personal checklist for each stop– Make a checklist for coming to the race

• Do you require special food/medicines?• Do you have all the charts to get to and from the race?• Do you have all the charts for the race?• Do you have all race related items (rules, logs, etc.)?

2008 Air Race ClassicPre-Race Planning: Pilot & co-Pilot

• Fly your race plane– Be comfortable flying at high speed and low altitude as fly-bys

are often at 200’ AGL over a crowded airport environment– Know your aircraft systems: NOW is the time to practice using

the GPS, navigational equipment, auto-pilot, weather equipment and other aircraft systems.

– Know your fuel burn – practice at race speed. It is your responsibility not to run out of fuel during the race!

– Know your engine and how it performs and pay attention to the gauges.

2008 Air Race ClassicPre-Race Planning: Aircraft Preparation

• Aircraft log books, papers & placards must be present– Check airworthiness certificate, registration, weight & balance, FAA approved flight manuals– Become familiar with your log books

• Tab last annual inspection• Tab all speed modifications• Tab ELT; pitot/static check• Form F-3 sign off by IA

• Mechanical Condition– Have a mechanic thoroughly check the plane before departing for the race– Check/change oil– Clean/change spark plugs– Check/clean air filters, fuel injectors, belts– Repair small items now so they do not become major problems during the race– Be sure modifications are properly documented (STC’s, & 337 Forms)

2008 Air Race ClassicPre-Race Planning: Aircraft Preparation

• Aircraft Extras– Clean out the plane: remove spare

“stuff” you will not need for the race.– Look at and up-date your survival gear– Tie downs and ropes are MANDATORY.– Clean & wax the plane after you apply the race

numbers so the numbers stick better.– Be sure you have a stop watch that you can

operate easily and efficiently.

2008 Air Race ClassicArrival at the Race Start

• Allow sufficient time to show up in a timely manner.– Plan your route to the race start– Anticipate weather delays– Notify Start Chair in the event of an unexpected delay– Keep in contact with Mother Birds

• Check-in– Go to designated area to receive check-in materials– Be prepared to meet lots of new friends!

• Credentials Check– Have licenses, medicals, pilots’ logs ready

2008 Air Race ClassicArrival at the Race Start

Aircraft Inspection All preparations to the aircraft should be 100% complete when you are called for inspection. One team member must be present - preferably the one most familiar with the aircraft. Static check will be performed – follow the instructions of the static checker who will be in the plane with you.

At inspection area, log books will be reviewed.

2008 Air Race ClassicArrival at the Race Start

The cowling will be removed and the engine and aircraft will be inspected for compliance with the race rules.

The log books must match the aircraft!

Safety check will be made• All lights must be operational• 1 NAV/COM operational• Airframe data plate present• Fuel tanks are topped off• Race numbers compliance check• Issues will be noted and you will have the opportunity to make repairs.

2008 Air Race ClassicArrival at the Race Start

• Meetings & Events– Check the schedule at the start for

changes and/or additions.– Mandatory meetings are mandatory.

Attendance will be taken.– Try to attend media and

charitable functions.– Be gracious to our hosts.– Plan your time to include sufficient rest.

2008 Air Race ClassicThe Race Start

Your adventure is about to begin!

Racer, Denise Waters, giving the pre-race briefing at the take-off banquet.

The flag drops!

The racers are lined up and ready to go!The first stop is the most crowded.

2008 Air Race ClassicFlying the Race

• Fly “the Perfect” cross country race to win

– Weather knowledge: where is the best wind

– Airplane knowledge: how does she fly the best

– Navigational Knowledge: what is the best route

– Weight & Balance: what is the fastest combination

– Teamwork: find your strengths and use them

2008 Air Race ClassicFlying the Race

Plan your time wisely! This is a day VFR race Watch the time and the weather

Pay attention to your aircraft Watch fuel consumption Watch gauges

Timing Issues Record time as you cross timing lines Start/stop your stop watch Note the aircraft numbers ahead of and behind you

2008 Air Race ClassicFlying the Race

Fly-bys Carefully read fly-by instructions Clearly make calls at 10-5-1 miles out Identify yourself with your Classic call sign (ex: “Classic 9. Fly-by to land.) Be extra vigilant for traffic: both racers and other normal aircraft. If fly-by to land, after you cross the timing line, please give way to inbound racers who will be crossing the timing line. Follow instructions from the tower when at a towered airport.

2008 Air Race ClassicFlying the Race

Race Stops– Check your aircraft

• Re-fuel• Check oil• Check general mechanical condition

– Check your team members• Re-hydrate yourselves• Get something to eat• Are you ready for another leg?

– Are you too tired or fatigued?– Do you and your partner need a cooling off period? – Are we better to get a fresh start in the morning?

– Check the time and weather– Follow your race stop check-list– Remember the RON list– Plan for the next leg(s)

2008 Air Race ClassicFlying the Race

Enroute

Final approach for landing for a rest and weather check.

Sometimes the best plan is to wait out the weather.

Don’t forget to enjoy the scenery!

2008 Air Race ClassicThe Race Terminus

Congratulations! You did it!

• Secure Your aircraft– Remove everything you personally need

– Leave log books on the pilot seat

– Securely tie down your plane

– Give your keys to the Stop personnel as directed

• Scoring– Get your scoring notes in order

– Be prepared to collect your score and review it with the chief scorer at the assigned time

– Be prepared to be present at aircraft post-race inspection if you get “The Call” that you are one of the top finishers.

2008 Air Race ClassicThe Race Terminus

• Meetings & Activities– Participate in activities for the next generation of aviators– Relax and spend time with your new friends– Take in optional excursions and sight-seeing

2008 Air Race ClassicThe Race Terminus

• First Time Racers De-briefing– ARC wants to hear from you.– What are your perspectives as a first time racer?– Your comments and suggestions– Recommended for all first time racers.

• All Racer De-briefing– Sunday morning breakfast– Post race information – Mandatory Meeting

2008 Air Race ClassicThe Race Terminus

• Awards Banquet

Our last group gathering.

Winners and awards announced.

2008 Air Race Classic Post Race

• Heading Home– Plan your route home– Enjoy this final part of your journey– Reflect on your experience

• Celebrate your successes• What did you learn?

• Your next Adventure– Share your experience with your local 99 Chapter, flying club and fellow pilots– Recruit a new team for next year– Get involved with the ARC – we need volunteers– Gather your photos and media clippings for the ARC archives

2008 Air Race ClassicAdditional Information

• Still have questions?– e-mail ARC at: info@airraceclassic.org– Talk to your Mother Birds– Read about air racing on line

• Mary Creason’s “Come Race with Us”

http://members.aol.com/bigm92e/arc05-come.htm• 99s Air Racing Page http://www.ninety-nines.org/racing.html• Visit other teams web sites http://www.teamwildmama.com/ http://www.flyawaywithus.org/index.htm http://home.onemain.com/~avi8rix/wsn/arc2003page1.html http://www.cardinalracers.com/ http://www.racedr.com/ http://web.mac.com/marioncain/Site/Air_Race_Classic.html http://www.theresabower.com/air_race.html http://home.onemain.com/~avi8rix/index.html http://www.pamandsallyfly.com/ http://www.freewebs.com/riddleracers/index.htm http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~nguyenp/