2008 Air Race ClassicRacing from Start to FinishAre you ready to race?

Team Wild Mama

2008 Air Race ClassicIntroductionYou 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 ODonnell 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 RaceChoose your Partner Choose your PlaneMake a commitment to each otherEntry 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-PilotREAD THE RULES . . . READ THE RULESHighlight important pointsAsk questions if you are not clear on a pointEntry questionsAircraft questionsRules questionsProcedural questions

Study the RouteWhat airspace will you encounter?Know the terrain & obstacles, especially around the airports for fly-bysUnderstand weather patterns in the areas you will fly

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

Pilots license for pilot & co-pilot Current biennial for pilot & co-pilotCurrent medical for pilot & co-pilotPassenger: minimum of student pilot certificate or pilot license with or without current medical Copies of log book entries reflecting current status and qualificationsPilot or co-pilot must have minimum 500 hours PIC or an instrument rating

2008 Air Race ClassicPre-Race Planning: Pilot & co-PilotGet to know your team membersPractice 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 haveGet to know them before the raceRemember that your Mother Birds are experienced racers and they are there to help you.

2008 Air Race ClassicPre-Race Planning: Pilot & co-PilotDiscuss finances with your team membersHow 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 membersDivide cockpit dutiesWho will fly (one or both)?Who will navigate and keep track of timing?Make a personal checklist for each stopMake a checklist for coming to the raceDo 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 planeBe comfortable flying at high speed and low altitude as fly-bys are often at 200 AGL over a crowded airport environmentKnow 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 PreparationAircraft log books, papers & placards must be presentCheck airworthiness certificate, registration, weight & balance, FAA approved flight manualsBecome familiar with your log booksTab last annual inspectionTab all speed modificationsTab ELT; pitot/static checkForm F-3 sign off by IA

Mechanical ConditionHave a mechanic thoroughly check the plane before departing for the raceCheck/change oilClean/change spark plugsCheck/clean air filters, fuel injectors, beltsRepair small items now so they do not become major problems during the raceBe sure modifications are properly documented (STCs, & 337 Forms)

2008 Air Race ClassicPre-Race Planning: Aircraft PreparationAircraft ExtrasClean out the plane: remove spare stuff you will not need for the race.Look at and up-date your survival gearTie 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 StartAllow sufficient time to show up in a timely manner.Plan your route to the race startAnticipate weather delaysNotify Start Chair in the event of an unexpected delayKeep in contact with Mother Birds

Check-inGo to designated area to receive check-in materialsBe prepared to meet lots of new friends!

Credentials CheckHave licenses, medicals, pilots logs ready

2008 Air Race ClassicArrival at the Race Start Aircraft InspectionAll 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 StartThe 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 madeAll lights must be operational1 NAV/COM operationalAirframe data plate presentFuel tanks are topped offRace numbers compliance checkIssues will be noted and you will have the opportunity to make repairs.

2008 Air Race ClassicArrival at the Race StartMeetings & EventsCheck 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 StartYour 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 windAirplane knowledge: how does she fly the bestNavigational Knowledge: what is the best routeWeight & Balance: what is the fastest combinationTeamwork: find your strengths and use them

2008 Air Race ClassicFlying the RacePlan your time wisely!This is a day VFR raceWatch the time and the weatherPay attention to your aircraftWatch fuel consumptionWatch gaugesTiming IssuesRecord time as you cross timing linesStart/stop your stop watchNote the aircraft numbers ahead of and behind you

2008 Air Race ClassicFlying the RaceFly-bysCarefully read fly-by instructionsClearly make calls at 10-5-1 miles outIdentify 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 RaceRace StopsCheck your aircraftRe-fuelCheck oilCheck general mechanical conditionCheck your team membersRe-hydrate yourselvesGet something to eatAre 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 weatherFollow your race stop check-listRemember the RON listPlan for the next leg(s)

2008 Air Race ClassicFlying the Race EnrouteFinal approach for landing for a rest and weather check.Sometimes the best plan is to wait out the weather.Dont forget to enjoy the scenery!

2008 Air Race ClassicThe Race TerminusCongratulations! You did it!

Secure Your aircraftRemove everything you personally needLeave log books on the pilot seatSecurely tie down your planeGive your keys to the Stop personnel as directedScoringGet your scoring notes in orderBe prepared to collect your score and review it with the chief scorer at the assigned timeBe 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 & ActivitiesParticipate in activities for the next generation of aviatorsRelax and spend time with your new friendsTake in optional excursions and sight-seeing

2008 Air Race ClassicThe Race TerminusFirst Time Racers De-briefingARC wants to hear from you.What are your perspectives as a first time racer?Your comments and suggestionsRecommended for all first time racers.

All Racer De-briefingSunday morning breakfastPost race information Mandatory Meeting

2008 Air Race ClassicThe Race TerminusAwards BanquetOur last group gathering.Winners and awards announced.

2008 Air Race Classic Post RaceHeading HomePlan your route homeEnjoy this final part of your journeyReflect on your experienceCelebrate your successesWhat did you learn?Your next AdventureShare your experience with your local 99 Chapter, flying club and fellow pilotsRecruit a new team for next yearGet involved with the ARC we need volunteersGather your photos and media clippings for the ARC archives

2008 Air Race ClassicAdditional InformationStill have questions? e-mail ARC at: info@airraceclassic.org Talk to your Mother Birds Read about air racing on lineMary Creasons Come Race with Us http://members.aol.com/bigm92e/arc05-come.htm99s Air Racing Page http://www.ninety-nines.org/racing.htmlVisit 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/

Racing from Start to Finish Pre-Race Planning Enroute to the Start Start Flying the Race The Terminus Post Race