The 2,400-mile, four-day race stops overnight, and the fuel stops are arranged every 200 to 300 miles. Entrants must fly in daylight, with visual, not instrumental, navigation.
THE HISTORY
1929 The first transcontinental speed race for women was held in 1929. Called the Women’s Air Derby, it launched in Santa Monica, Calif., and landed in Cleveland, Ohio, with 20 contestants. The winner that year was Louise Thaden, who flew a Travel Air J-5. That historic plane is owned by the Ninety-Nines and on exhibit at the Omniplex.
The third-place pilot was Amelia Earhart.
1930s Aviation enthusiast and journalist Will Rogers made note of the amusing sight of pilots refreshing their makeup, and dubbed the event the Powder Puff Derby.
World War II
The race was grounded. It was revived later as the All Women’s Transcontinental Air Race.
1977 The name was changed to after which it was succeeded by the Women’s Air Race Classic.
THE LAUNCH
Friday
Contestants were to arrive in Oklahoma City. Social events and plane inspections were held over the weekend, as their planes were “impounded” at Wiley Post Airport.
Sunday andMonday
Safety briefings.
Tuesday
Beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday at Wiley Post, the 49 planes will start their engines all at once, then take off one minute apart in the order in which they registered, heading in a direction that depends on the wind and runway conditions. They will fly close to the ground, as they will throughout the race, since time can’t be wasted in climbing.
June 22
The planes are expected to cross the Canadian border on June 22.
PRIZES
Total $15,000.
THE RULES
Pilots
Each plane is required to carry a crew of two licensed pilots.
Aircraft
Contestants fly a variety of fixed-wing aircraft, from 145 to 570 horsepower. Each plane is handicapped, and so flies against itself, trying to best its own handicap rather than other planes.
Scoring
The race covers 2,400 statute miles and is a timed event, where scores are compiled daily for four days.
Flight plans
Entrants must fly in daylight, with visual, not instrument, navigation. They are particularly sensitive to winds and atmospheric conditions for speed advantages, but are cautioned not to fly in bad weather.
What they take
Some pilots strip down the seats, and pack light.
take minimal toiletries and clothing, and pack to balance the plane.
This year, a Canadian destination has made packing more troublesome. In the past, contestants shipped their clothes ahead for post-race ceremonies and events. Current international security policies have made that cumbersome. This year, because of international security policies, they will have to go without anything they can’t carry in the plane.