air racing start to finish an air race classic (arc) overview are you ready to race? are you ready...

Air Racing Start to Finish

an Air Race Classic (ARC) overview

Are you ready to race?

Are you ready to volunteer?

The Air Race Classic, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.Copyright 2009

Welcome to the Air Race Classic!

As Pilots flying the Classic: You will embark on a remarkable journey where you will learn more

about yourself and your pilot skills than you could imagine.

You will become part of a rich history following in the shadows of pioneering female aviators Louise Thaden, Amelia Earhart, Gladys O’Donnell, Phoebe Omlie and many others.

You will feel the heart-pounding thrill of flybys, enjoy the camaraderie of other female aviators sharing your passions, meet some incredible people along the way as you experience the majesty of cross-country flight.

Having the Air Race Classic fly in your area leaves an excitement for your community that can’t be easily matched!


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3The Air Race Classic, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.Copyright 2009

Some of the many Air Race Classic Women

Encouraging **** Educating *** Preserving Tradition *** Increasing Awareness*** Demonstrating Women’s Roles in Aviation Today

Air Race Classic Mission

Encourage & Educate Women Pilots

Increase Public Awareness of General Aviation

Demonstrate Women’s Roles in Aviation

Preserve & Promote Pioneering Aviation Women Traditions


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Introduction This Start to Finish race overview includes:

Whether you are flying, volunteering or thinking of becoming involved in the future, enjoy the presentation and consider supporting the Air Race Classic.


1. Pre-Race Planning & Preparation1. How to Enter / How to Volunteer 2. Flight Crew3. Aircraft4. Volunteers - Support

2. Start Activities3. Flying the Classic4. The Terminus 5. After the Race6. Air Race Classic Sponsors7. Additional Information

Pre-Race Planning How to Enter or Volunteer

The Air Race Classic is an annual VFR all women cross-country race flown in official ARC daylight hours. Teams enter either Competition (for prizes) or Non-Competition (for experience) class. College teams compete for their own trophy.

What Racers need to get started: Order a Race Registration Kit from the ARC website Review the Rules Choose your Crew Select your Airplane Make a commitment Complete ARC Entry Forms - Entry deadline is APRIL 15th

Interested in Volunteering? Contact [email protected] Check this year’s race route to see if there’s a location near you.

Racing or volunteering, catch the excitement!


mailto:[email protected]

Pre-Race PlanningRace Teams & Airplanes

READ THE RULES . . . READ THE RULES Review Requirements for Crew, Aircraft and Flight Procedures Highlight important points Ask questions on anything that is not clear

Flight Crews – the minimum is pilot & co-pilot. Optional teammates, dependent on airplane capacity, can participate and provide team support riding as passengers.

Airplane – Certificated, non-turbo, non-experimental airplanes capable of operating at continuous full power for the race are eligible for entry. Review current race rules for details. Contact [email protected] with questions.



Pre-Race PlanningFlight Crew Checklist

For Pilot & Copilot: FAA Pilot Certificate Current FAA Medial Current FAA Flight Review (BFR) Pilot or co-pilot must have an instrument rating or minimum 500

hours PIC

For optional Teammates, riding in passenger seats: FAA Pilot Certificate OR FAA Student Pilot Certificate FAA Medical (current is not required)


Pre-Race PlanningFlight Crew Planning

Plan your team strategy

Study the Route – It’s different every year! What airspace will you encounter? Know the terrain & obstacles Study the flyby airports Understand weather patterns

Involve your mechanic, friends and family

Consider “What Ifs?” Any team backup plans needed?

Get ready for one of the greatest aviation adventures!


Pre-Race Planning Flight Resource Management

Get to know your team members Learn each others strengths & weaknesses;

use them to your team’s advantage Be Professional - practice patience - during the race,

things can happen quickly, for a moment personalities can conflict, be professional. Prepare for the unexpected.

Use your ARC Mother Birds as a resource First Timers are matched with more experienced Racers Contact them with your questions Get to know them before the race They are experienced racers who are there to help.


Pre-Race Planning Flight Crew Responsibilities

Discuss finances with your team How will you share the costs? Who will be in charge of an accounting? How will race expenses be paid?

Coordinate duties with your team members Divide duties

Who will fly (one or both)? Who will navigate? Keep track of timing? Obtain a stop watch that ‘s easily operated.

Create a personal checklist Logbooks, certificate, medical Personal items – any special foods/medicines?

Create team checklist Verify all current VFR/IFR charts to get to and from the race VFR Charts for race route current? Race related items: ARC Rules, stopwatch, etc.


Pre-Race Planning Flight Preparation

Fly your airplane – Practice the basics – Practice as a team.

Proficiency - Be comfortable flying at high speed and low altitude as flybys are often as low as 200 ft AGL

Know your aircraft systems: NOW is the time to practice using the GPS, navigational equipment, auto-pilot, weather equipment and all other aircraft systems.

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

Know your engine - how it performs – monitor the gauges.


Pre-Race Planning Airplane Preparation - Logbooks

Logbooks and documentation All logbooks, documentation & placards, must be valid & present Well organized paperwork assists in faster and smoother ARC processing

Airplane Documents – ARROW Verify Airworthiness Certificate, Registration, Weight & Balance, FAA

approved flight manuals Verify insurance

Familiarize yourself with airplane logbooks

Mark logbooks for easy reference: Last Annual Inspection Transponder & Pitot Static Checks ELT Due Date Airplane modifications affecting speed

Complete all required ARC forms and bring to Start


Pre-Race Planning Airplane Preparation - Maintenance

Review the Airplane with a certified FAA Mechanic

Thoroughly check the airplane together

Verify all modifications are properly documented with (STC’s, 337 forms and logbook entries)

Verify all Airworthiness Directives are individually signed off

Identify items needing completion pre-race; allow time for post maintenance flight testing

Repair small items now so they do not become major problems during the race

Complete the basics, like oil changes

Plan for en route maintenance before, during or after race.


Pre-Race Planning Airplane Preparation – Final Touches

Review ARC Rules & Regulations

Create/Review your Airplane Checklist

Applying ARC Race Numbers

Verify items and tools necessary for getting to ARC Start, Flying the Race and returning from ARC Terminus

Tie down stakes & ropes are ARC MANDATORY

Review & update Survival Gear

Review ARC Rules & Regulations

Clean out the airplane – remove spare “stuff” not needed


Pre-Race Planning Volunteers

It takes many working behind the scenes to continue this annual

all-women’s cross-country race. The all volunteer Board, Directors,

Assistant Directors and other Volunteers make this happen.

You can be part of the excitement behind the scenes.

Contact [email protected]


PlanningOrganizingStart & Terminus SupportEn Route Stop SupportSponsorsInternet GraphicsAircraft Mechanics


Start Activities Check-in & Credentials

Allow sufficient time to arrive at Start Plan your route to the race start Anticipate weather delays Keep in contact with ARC Mother Birds Notify ARC designated contacts with any unexpected delay Follow ARC Start Arrival Procedures for landing at Start

Check-in Receive registration materials at designated check-in area Review any schedule changes – Note mandatory events Be prepared to meet lots of new friends!

Credentials Check Present FAA certificates & medicals for review Present logbooks for review

Volunteers Provide Assistance at Start Local Support

17 The Air Race Classic, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.Copyright 2009

Start Activities Airplane Inspections - Logbooks & Documentation

Airplane ready for inspection - All airplane preparations and maintenance should be 100% complete PRIOR TO ARC inspection

Each team is inspected for race compliance Airplane logbooks Visual Airplane Inspection

Verify airplane inspection time upon arrival

A separate static propeller rpm check or flight test may be performed

A team member must be present during inspections

The Pilot is responsible for the airplane at all times


Start Activities Airplane Inspections – Visual & Safety Inspection

A visual inspection on each airplane is performed

Safety and Race Rule compliance are emphasized

Airplane cowling will be opened/removed

Airframe & Engine will be inspected

All lights must be operational

Race number compliance is verified

Additional safety checks when required

Requirements not met will be noted - the team will be given an opportunity to comply before race deadlines


Start Activities Meetings

Locate the ARC Hospitality Room

Check the schedule for changes

Attend Racer Briefings

Mandatory meetings are Mandatory


Start Activities Community Events

Participate in the ARC & Youth activities Help the ARC promote the wonder and possibilities of the aviation fields

to young women – often these activities are with local scout troops Adopt a scout to follow your team on the Internet across the country

Attend media and charitable functions to promote race Press coverage begins at the Start Provide positive role models for General Aviation Help promote the Air Race Classic

Enjoy ARC Start hosts and local activities


Start Activities Race Events

Celebrate at the Start Banquet Meet the local community Meet & celebrate with all race pilots Featured guest speakers Photos and momentos

Nourish yourself at the Take-Off Breakfast Final Briefings Farewell & thank yous to our Start Hosts Air Race Classic Take-Off

Plan your time at the Start to include sufficient rest


Start ActivitiesFinal Countdown to Start

Your adventure is about to begin!

1-Team Final Checklists Pre-Engine Start


2-Catching your Breath & Mental Preparation 3-Crowds at the Start send off Race Teams

4-Signal for Engine Start 5-Taxi for Take-Off 6-Official Flag drops for Race Start

Flying the ClassicFly the “Perfect” Cross Country

Utilize The Basics To Win

Weather knowledge: where is the best wind?

Navigational Knowledge: what is the best route?

Airplane knowledge: what’s the best configuration?

Weight & Balance: does it make a difference?

Teamwork: find & maximize your strengths


Flying the Classic Flight Considerations

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

Monitor & listen to your aircraft Watch fuel consumption Watch gauges

Timing Matters Record time as you cross timing lines Start/stop your stop watch appropriately Note the traffic ahead of and behind you


Flying the Classic ARC Flybys

ARC Flybys are approved flight approach procedures valid only during the Classic. These procedures are posted in advance and reviewed during Mandatory Racer Briefingsand ARC Volunteer Timer Briefings.

Carefully read & study all flyby instructions

Attend Mandatory Racer Briefings Make all radio calls as briefed Utilize Aircraft Call signs as briefed

Mark your airport diagrams for your team

“Flyby to Land” or “Flyby to Continue” are options

Be extra vigilant for both race & non-race traffic

All FAA Regulations are to be followed

Follow tower instructions in a tower-controlled area

Safety is primary at all times


Flying the Classic En Route Stops – Initial Approach

After Start Take-Off fly your own race

You have four days to reach the Terminus

Flyby - Each En Route Stop will have a pre-briefed flyby procedure

Stopping the Clock – Clock stops each leg after a correct flyby is executed

Review ARC Rules & Regulations - Alternative options will be briefed

Remaining Overnight (RON) at a designated stop is Mandatory


Meeting ARC hosts, paying fuel & RON list Eyes wide open in the air & on the ramp Use your time constructively

Four days Start to Finish

Flying the Classic En Route Stops – Ground Checks

Follow your checklists

Airplane Check Utilize Pre-flights & Post flight checks Re-fuel Check oil Analyze airplane overall condition Report any problems/delays to ARC Officials

Team Check Re-hydrate Stick to your normal diet Are you ready for another leg?

Are you too tired or fatigued? Do you and your partner need a cooling off period? Is a fresh start in the morning a better idea?

Check the time and weather

Confirm hotel accommodations

Plan the next race leg(s)28The Air Race Classic, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.

Copyright 2009

Flying the Classic En route – ARC Volunteers are the best!

All along the route, once the race starts, Spotters & Timers anxiously await Race Team arrivals and relay information to the next stops


The Welcome – Smiles – Water – Support – Food – Rides – New Friends – and more…..

Santa Teresa fuelers dress for ARC Team arrivals Volunteers renew and make new friends Each stop presents its own local color for the ARC Racers

Flying the Classic The Flyby Finish in Sight

Avoid “get there itus.” Sometimes the best plan is to wait out the weather.

30The Air Race Classic, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.

Copyright 2009

Don’t forget to enjoy the scenery! Final Approach Terminus Volunteers await your arrival

The Terminus The Final Flyby – You’ve Arrived!

Fly your last ARC Flyby for this year Follow Terminus Arrival Procedures Four days and 2,000 plus nautical miles are more than just hours added to your logbooks


Congratulations! You flew it!

The Terminus Secure Aircraft & Reunions

Secure Your aircraft Complete your checklists Remove everything you personally need Leave log books on the pilot seat Securely tie down your plane Give your keys to ARC Officials as directed

Reunite / Contact Family & Friends Celebrate your accomplishments You’ve made history!

Terminus Registration Pick-up your Terminus Registration Packet Confirm Terminus Mandatory Events Check-in to your accommodations Locate the ARC Hospitality Room


The TerminusScoring & Awards

Scoring Review your results with the Chief Scorer/Timer Be prepared, if you are one of the top finishers, to be present at post race aircraft

inspections

Medallions, Charms, Trophies & Certificates Medallions & cash are awarded to the top ten teams Collegiate trophy goes to top Collegiate team to display All racers receive Completion Certificates and Race Charms Additional awards from Sponsors Volunteers received recognition & thank yous


Medallions ***** Trophies ***** Charms ***** Certificates ***** Thank Yous

The TerminusLocal Activities

Unwind with socials, optional excursions and sightseeing

Relax and spend time with new friends

Share race stories


The TerminusCommunity Outreach

Participate in next generation activities

Share your expertise

Be a role model

Make a difference


Classic Racers share experiences and inspire local Girl Scout members and their parents.

The TerminusSilent Auction

Air Race Classic Silent Auction

Sponsors & Racers donate aviation items for a fundraising auction

Items are listed on the website and displayed at the Terminus

Bids are accepted until the start of the Terminus Banquet

All proceeds go toward benefiting the Air Race Classic and supporting future races and collegiate teams

Support the Air Race Classic - Contact [email protected]


Silent Auction Display


The TerminusRacer Debriefings

First Time Racers Debriefing Mandatory for all first time racers ARC wants your feedback What are your perspectives as a first time racer? Your comments and suggestions

All Racer Debriefing Mandatory Meeting Constructive comments keep the Air Race Classic flying Includes post race information


The TerminusAwards Banquet

Attended by Racers, Volunteers, Sponsors, Community representatives & Aviation Enthusiasts.

Celebrate the flights of some incredible women pilots.

Celebrate the ARC Volunteer Network .

Winners are announced in all categories.

You can be part of this excitement! Order a Race Registration Kit Now!


The TerminusPublic Relations

Attend media events Press coverage goes on past the Finish Line Provide positive role models for General Aviation Promote the Air Race Classic

Thank Air Race Classic Sponsors


After the RaceDeparture Preparations

Plan your route home

Reflect on your experience Celebrate your successes What did you learn? What can you share?

Farewell to friends

Enjoy this final part of your ARC journey


After the Race The Future

Next Adventures Air Racing the Classic leads to many things besides great new friends Potential new employment via networking with pilots, volunteers and sponsors Future Air Race Classics More aviation opportunities and adventures

Share your experience with presentations at Local 99 & WAI & Zonta Chapters Flying clubs Girl Scouts & schools Chamber of Commerces & local businesses

Recruit a new ARC team for next year

Get involved with the ARC – Volunteer!

Upload your photos to www.airraceclassic.org

Send media clippings for the ARC archives


http://www.airraceclassic.org/

Air Race Classic Sponsors

The Air Race Classic depends on volunteers and monetary support from individuals,organizations and corporations. Please consider your support, at one of thefollowing levels. Contact [email protected]

Help us spread the excitement and make a difference by encouraging women pilots,increasing public awareness, demonstrating women’s roles in aviation andpreserving this unique tradition of flight for the future.


Full Throttle $ 5,000 or more

Flyby $ 3,000

Tail Winds $ 1,500

Take Off $ 800

Pilot $ 500

Flight Team $ 300

Ground Crews $ 100

Racing Fans $ 25


Additional Informationwww.airraceclassic.org

More questions?

Contact Air Race Classic Organizers

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

Communicate with your Mother Birds

Read more about air racing – www.airraceclassic.org





http://www.airraceclassic.org/

air racing start to finish an air race classic (arc) overview are you ready to race? are you ready...

Documents

air race classic women

air race classic sponsors

air race classic mission

air race classic fly

air race classic arc

current race rules

women crosscountry race

finish race overview