Called “the epicenter of women's air racing,” the annual Air Race Classic (ARC) takes off in Fairhope for a 2,400-mile race across the country.
The race starts at 8 a.m. June 17, at the H.L. “Sonny” Callahan Airport, and ends June 20 in Spokane, Washington. In between are nine intermediate stops.
Female pilots are from 17 to 90+ years old. Over 100 contestants come from a variety of backgrounds, including students, teachers, doctors, airline pilots, business owners, professionals and air traffic controllers.
Race Teams, consisting of at least two women pilots, must fly VFR during daylight hours only and are given four days to make flybys at each en route stop and then land at the terminus.
The 2025 ARC is the 48th annual running of the race.
Here are some key details about the 2025 Air Race Classic:
- Route: The approximate 2,400-mile route crosses nine states with 9 intermediate stops.
- Participants: Teams of at least two women pilots fly piston-powered airplanes in visual flight conditions during daylight. Pilots need at least a private pilot certificate and 100 hours as pilot-in-command, with one pilot having at least 500 hours or a current instrument rating.
- Race Format: This is a visual flight rule (VFR) event flown during the day. Teams have up to four days to complete the course. Teams perform high-speed fly-byes over a timing line at intermediate airports, where they can also land.
- Scoring: Each plane has a handicap, and teams race against their own best time, utilizing strategy to overcome elements such as weather and wind.
The Air Race Classic aims to promote women in aviation and helps pilots improve skills in cross-country navigation, flight planning, and teamwork.
"This isn't just a race; it's a celebration of women's prowess in the skies and a testament to the indomitable spirit of aviation." — Aero-News Network
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler’s beat is the colorful and positive about Alabama -- her people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
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