Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Overview

1. What is the Air Race Classic?

   The Air Race Classic is an all-woman VFR, daylight-only race held every year around the third week in June. Race teams have up to four days to fly a defined course of approximately 2,500 statute miles, from point to point to point, flying a timing line at each location.There are approximately 9 or 10 predefined airports that the race Team must fly to. Landing at each airport is optional depending on the decisions of the race Team. However, each Team must be on the ground prior to sunset at a designated race stop. There is no requirement to fly the race in four days. The race can be flown in one day or up to four days, depending on strategy, weather, and airplane endurance.

2. What do I need to do to fly the Air Race Classic?

   The desire to become a safer, more capable pilot while having the time of your life is the most important quality in any Air Race Classic racer. Racers must have at least a current private pilot license, a current medical certificate or BasicMed, a current flight review, and at least 100 hours of PIC time, and meet the airplane and Team requirements as spelled out in the Air Race Classic Rules. The Rules also describe Team responsibilities, race procedures, timing, scoring, and awards. It is a good idea to read the Rules carefully, several times, to make sure you understand them. Even if you're not sure you want to race this year, you should create and complete a racer registration. There's no cost or obligation, and when you do decide you want to race, you're ready to go. Only racers who have completed a racer registration by the registration deadline may be included on a race Team. Once your registration is accepted for the race, you will be able to access the Racers section of the website. There, you can gather additional information and check back for periodic updates. Pre-Race safety briefings cover such things as fuel planning, weather, flybys and emergencies, and more.  First-time Teams will have the option to be paired with a Mother Bird. She is an experienced racer who is available to answer questions and guide the new racers.

3. Are there separate classes for Competition and Intercollegiate Teams?

   At this time, Competition and Intercollegiate are separate Classes. A team may choose to enter the Non-competition Class if they do not want to be in either of the other two Classes.  After each year's race, the ARC Board reviews all aspects of the race, including the types of airplanes that enter, the classes and the associated rules, and may alter these for future races.

4. How are race routes selected?

   ARC Starts and Termini are identified several years in advance. They pay a substantial fee to host these events, and there is usually a group or organization, in association with the airport, that takes on the financial and planning responsibility. Once the Start and Terminus are identified, ARC designs a route between them with 8-9 en route stops, taking into consideration the total length of the race course, distance between legs, airspace, and terrain. Occasionally, an abbreviated or shorter leg will be included to ensure Racers circumvent a sensitive area or airspace along that portion of the route. Airports considered for stops must meet specific criteria such as runway, taxiway, and ramp configuration, availability of hotels and other amenities, and a good source of volunteers. When possible, we incorporate airports that have requested to serve as a stop or that have been recommended by racers or others familiar with ARC. For more information, see https://www.airraceclassic.org/host-a-start-stop-or-terminus.htm

5. Are all racers part of a Team?

   Yes. It takes a minimum of two pilots to make an Air Race Classic Team. There are LOTS of things to do before, during and after the race, and two people make it easier, safer and much more fun. You can also bring along a teammate – a woman who holds a student pilot certificate or higher – to further share the work, share expenses and add to the fun.

6. How do we decide who is pilot and who is copilot?

   Sometimes, the woman who owns the airplane is the pilot. Sometimes, the woman with the most experience is the pilot. Sometimes the woman with the LEAST experience is the pilot.  And some Teams name one woman the pilot and the other the copilot but switch seats and roles for each race leg. More important than what you call yourselves is having a good working relationship and agreeing on how to divide up responsibilities in the cockpit and on the ground.

7. I don't know any other women pilots. What do I do if I want to race?

   Send a message to ARC General Information. Although ARC does not pair up racers to make a Team, we will share names and contact information of those who have expressed interest in racing. You can also post on the Air Race Classic Facebook page or on the ARC Blog, or call your local 99s chapter about potential partners. Make sure you and your potential partner meet and fly together before you commit to the race. It's important that you both feel comfortable with each other in an airplane before you embark on this incredible journey. Who knows — you might become lifelong friends.

8. Can members of the ARC Board of Directors race?

   ARC Board members are allowed to race. Race planning and organization are enhanced by volunteer directors who experience the issues, first-hand, that come up during the race. They also help to ensure the continuity of the race. It is doubtful that the ARC could continue if directors were not allowed to race. To ensure fairness and prevent conflicts of interest before, during and after the race, members of the Board are bound by a Code of Ethics. For more information about the organization, see https://www.airraceclassic.org/arc-organization.htm

Airplane Qualifications

1. What is meant by STOCK airplane?

   For race purposes, this means an airplane that is manufactured according to FAR Part 23 and/or Part 3 of the Civil Air Regulations (CAR), and is certified with a Standard Airworthiness Certificate in the Normal or Utility category. It basically means a general aviation airplane as it comes off an aircraft factory production line. However, modifications are allowed in accordance with and documented by a Form 337 or similar paperwork. For example, if you have removed items off your airplane such as wheel pants, that's ok, just make sure it's documented and the airplane is flown that way for the handicap flight and for the race. Or if you installed a new engine with a different propeller and it's noted on a Form 337, that's fine too. It just needs to happen before the handicap flight. No modifications can be made to the airplane after the handicap flight. If you are not sure and want clarification, please contact ARC Airplane Division. We would love to help.

2. Can I enter the Air Race Classic with a turbo-charged or supercharged-powered airplane?

   Yes, but it can be flown only in the Non-competition Class. Only "normally aspirated, piston-powered airplanes" are allowed in the Competition Class. The reason is that it is extremely difficult to handicap a turbo-charged airplane in a way that is comparable to a non-turbo-charged airplane.

3. Can I enter the ARC with an amateur-built airplane with an Experimental Airworthiness Certification?
   We are not accepting E-AB at this time due to significant variations in aircraft construction and challenges with inspection and handicapping.

    
4. Can I enter my Light Sport Airplane?

   Yes, we would love to have your LSA in the race. If you have a certified LSA that meets the performance requirements for the race, you may enter in the Competition Class. Otherwise, you would need to enter in the Non-competition Class. If you're not sure if your LSA meets the requirements, please contact ARC Airplane Division for clarification.  

5. Can I enter the ARC with my helicopter?

   Currently, the ARC does not allow helicopters to enter this event – only fixed-wing aircraft. .

EDMA

1. What type of planes are EDMA?

   EDMA planes have electronic engine monitoring so we can determine engine RPM during the race legs. At this time, we have sufficient data to allow factory Cessna 172Ss and Piper P100is to fly as EDMA within the Intercollegiate Class.

2. What about data downloads?

   We must be able to download and process data from the handicap flights and race legs. If we cannot read the data from the race legs there will be no score for that leg.  The data cannot be edited either before or after downloading. The Team is responsible for providing a clean data card and/or data cable for downloading data.

3. Are there any differences for handicap flights?

   At least two handicap flights will be required.  These flights will follow the same format as Intercollegiate Class handicap flights. For the C172S and P100i there will be two flights, one at 2500 RPM and one at 2600 RPM.

4. At what power setting will the EDMA planes race?

   For the C172S and P100i the race will be completed at 2500 RPM.  Continued operation above 2500 RPM will incur a speed penalty.

5. I have a different fixed-pitch prop airplane- can it be EDMA?

   If you have a fixed-pitch prop airplane with primary electronic engine instruments, the ability to download data, and an interest in flying in the EDMA class, please contact timing.scoring@airraceclassic.org to discuss adding your airplane. You will need to fly a series of handicap flights at varying RPMs for data collection. From my experience, a non-primary EIS such as a JPI-830 will not provide adequate data for EDMA class.  The G1000, G500, GI275EIS and other similar primary instruments should provide adequate data.

6. I have a constant-speed prop airplane with electronic instruments- can I race EDMA?

   At this time, we are not capable of processing data from constant-speed prop airplanes.  As we gather more EDMA data we are hopeful that we will be able to add those airplanes in the future.

7. Does EDMA compete in the Competition Class?

   At this time, the EDMA can compete only in the Intercollegiate Class and will compete for those prizes.  The list of prizes for each Class is shown on the website.

8. What about Experimental airplanes?

   As these airplanes are not allowed in the ARC we cannot accept Experimental Airplanes as EDMA.

Cost

1. What is included in the entry fee?

   When you complete and submit your Team registration, a fee is charged for the Team. This fee goes toward race awards and prizes, and covers the Race, Start and Terminus, as well as racers' event and banquet tickets. Check the How to Register page for information on current fees.

2. Is racing expensive?

   It is not cheap, but neither was getting your pilot license, right? Anything worth doing costs money. Sharing the race experience with other women pilots is priceless. Talk with any racer, and you will hear why it is one of the most exhilarating learning experiences a pilot can have. Mother Birds – experienced racers who take novices under their wing – can help with calculating race expenses. Below is a sample budget for 2020 for a team of two. Keep in mind that the cost will vary according to how far the Start and Terminus are compared to your home base. Most Teams split the cost of the race, making it more affordable. If you have three women on your Team, the cost per Team member goes down. Food was not included in the cost example below.

   Totals	Entry Fee per Team	Charts	Team Shirts (optional)	Fuel	Hotel	Car Rental	Car Gas	Race Number (optional)	Total
   Totals	$1,398.00	$105.80	$252.18	$2,057.06	$1,366.13	$378.16	$25.28	$125.00	$5,707.61

3. What is the cost of airplane and Team preparation?

   The preparation costs varies with each Team and airplane. Read the Rules, carefully fill out the airplane registration form, and outfit your team and airplane. Ideally, you want to become comfortable flying with your partner before the race, so you have a good working relationship. As partners, you will want to decide how to split the costs.

   The initial pre-race costs are entry fees, which include Start and Terminus events. Other items that need attention: ordering current charts or electronic subscriptions; making Start, en route, and Terminus hotel reservations; estimating fuel costs; completing your airplane annual inspection; arranging for a fresh oil change; making sure all logbooks are in order; and detailing your airplane with a fresh wash and wax. Understanding the Rules and preparing carefully will mean your airplane and your Team will pass handicapping and Start inspection with flying colors.

   One more thing about Team preparation – there is a long tradition of Teams wearing matching outfits, from the Start through the Terminus banquet. In most sports, Teams have uniforms — and matching outfits are a way for your Team to have a uniform too. For many Teams, it is as simple as the matching T-shirt of the day, along with similar pants or shorts. It is not a requirement, but it's a wonderful way to spot your partner across a crowded room or a busy ramp. This is an area where Mother Birds can help.

4. Start signup - what does it entail?

   Events at the Start are sponsored, planned and carried out by volunteers. Plan to spend at least three days at the Start, from Arrival Deadline through Takeoff, for credentials, inspection, and events.  Teams are required to attend a welcome reception, safety briefings, the Start banquet and the takeoff breakfast. For other events, attendance is encouraged but not mandatory. Signing up is the chance to indicate your meal preferences, arrival time, and whether you will want ground transportation.

   You will need to pay the Start for any optional events you schedule and for (optional) shirts, caps or other commemorative items you order. The pilot is responsible for making hotel reservations for her Team in the Start city. Hotel cost is not included in the signup fee. Both the Start and Terminus cities do their best to negotiate reduced rates. The Start and Terminus hotels have enough rooms for all Teams and are usually the location for additional race events. If you want to rent a car, the Start will provide rental information; however, making a reservation and paying for the rental car are your responsibility.

5. Terminus registration - What does it entail?

   Like the Start, the Terminus has volunteers who plan events for race teams and handle money for required and optional costs. Plan for a two-day stay at the Terminus while final scores are calculated, airplanes are inspected and prizes are awarded. Required events usually include a welcome reception, a breakfast or luncheon for debriefing and the Awards Banquet. Also, as at the Start, the pilot is responsible for making hotel and (optional) car rental reservations for her Team at the Terminus. Hotel and car rental reservations are not included in the registration fee.

6. Transportation to and from the race

   Costs vary for each team, depending on where each team member lives, where the airplane is based, where the Start and Terminus cities are, how Team members travel to the Start, and so on. In general, plan for at least 8-10 days "on the road." Racers should budget for normal airplane costs (rental, fuel, etc.), and for the time needed to fly from home to the Start and from the Terminus back home. Make sure to budget for any overnight stays along the way, with associated hotel and meal costs. If at all possible, use this travel time as a Team-building experience. Make it an adventure or mini-vacation with your teammate. Sometimes half the fun is getting to and from the race. If you can, find friends and family to drop in on during your travels. They will love to see you and your airplane.

7. Four days of race expenses

   Four days are set aside for the race. Whether your Team takes all four days or finishes sooner, you should plan for food and lodging expenses for your Team, plus any rental costs and fuel for your airplane, for all the time between the Start takeoff and the Terminus arrival deadline.

Handicap

1. How do Teams flying airplanes of different makes and models compete against one another in the race?

   In the Competition/Intercollegiate Classes, every Team flies a handicap flight and receives a unique handicap for their airplane. Each Team crosses a timing line at the start and finish of each leg of the race; The Team's speed for each leg is calculated based on those times. At the end of the race, the Team's overall speed is calculated based on those leg times and compared to the Team's handicap. The Team that beats its handicap by the largest number wins. In essence, Teams are racing against themselves and trying to beat their handicap by the best margin.

2. How do I get the handicap for my airplane?

   After your airplane registration has been reviewed and accepted for the Competition/Intercollegiate Class, you coordinate with a volunteer to schedule a handicap flight. This flight is required to collect data that is used to calculate your airplane's handicap. Each airplane receives a unique handicap based on the data from that flight. In essence, you will fly a square pattern at 6,000 feet density altitude using full power leaned to peak EGT. The square pattern allows for variances in wind and will give the handicap committee a way to calculate your maximum airspeed. Once the handicap committee has determined that the flight was good (smooth air, no wind gusts, steady altitude and heading), they will assign a provisional handicap. You will be racing against that speed.  EDMA uses different power settings per those procedures to set their race handicap speed.

3. What is involved in an ARC handicap flight?

   Before the race, the pilot reviews the Rules and the Handicap Procedures and then verifies that all major maintenance, annual inspections, waxing and polishing, and any other speed-affecting work on the airplane is complete. Then the pilot connects with the Handicap Flight Coordinator to schedule a flight with a Handicap Check Pilot. The Handicap Pilot reviews with the race pilot what to expect pre-flight, during the flight and post-flight. The Handicap Pilot determines whether conditions are conducive for a good handicap flight. The Race pilot is Pilot in Command of the flight at all times. The Handicap Pilot is there to observe and record data, which is compared to the data from a data recording device.

4. Once I receive my handicap, can it be changed?

   Changes to handicaps are provided for in the Rules and in the Handicap Flight Procedures. Certain situations, such as unfavorable flight conditions, incorrect airplane configuration, post-handicap maintenance, or changes to the airplane or Team may require another handicap flight. The handicap may change based on that new information. After the race, under certain circumstances, you may be subject to a post-Race handicap flight.

5. Will I have to fly more than one ARC handicap flight?

   For most Teams, one flight is sufficient to collect the data needed to calculate a handicap. In some situations, more than one flight may be required. Handicap Flight information and procedures are available in the "Racers" section of the ARC website.

6. If I flew an ARC handicap flight and received a handicap for a previous year, can I use the same handicap?

   Every airplane must fly a new handicap flight each year. It's usually in your best interest if there have been any changes to your airplane or Team to get a new handicap. Even seemingly simple things, like a spark plug change, can affect your speed. The additional year of engine and propeller use may result in a slower speed — or a faster speed! Given the complex interaction of many factors, ARC requires annual handicap flights for each airplane.

7. I still have questions about how the Handicap works.

   Handicapping can seem complicated at first. But once you've done it, it all makes sense. If you have questions about how it all works, and you have not been assigned a Mother Bird, please feel free to contact our ARC Handicap Pilot Coordinator.

Race Planning

1. Should I make hotel reservations during the race?

   The website will have a list of recommended hotels for each Stop. Some racers wait to see where they end up each night during the Race before calling a hotel; other racers make reservations as soon as they get the list. Although hotels may or may not be flexible regarding cancellations, some racers feel that making reservations in advance reduces their worry about having some place to stay overnight. The more you do beforehand, the more you can concentrate on flying safely and well.

2. How can I keep track of all these details?

   One way is to put together a Team race notebook, with sections for registrations/reservations, schedules, timing, financial records, Rules, flybys and so on. One Team member might be responsible for keeping the content up to date, or the duty can be shared. It doesn't matter, as long as you agree and someone knows where the notebook is at all times.

3. With four days set aside for the Race, how many legs should I plan to fly each day?

   It depends! Things can happen — that is one reason the ARC is such a great learning experience. Mechanical problems can surprise the most meticulously prepared airplane (and racers). Pilot fatigue can surprise you and should not be ignored. The speed of your airplane is another factor.

   But remember, Mother Nature holds the trump card for all flight planning. Some years, the wind and weather favor flying three or even four legs in one day. If so, go for it — as long as your Team is on the ground at a Stop by official ARC sundown. Other years, it makes sense to hang back and complete the Race on the final day, just before the Terminus arrival deadline. Flying a winning race takes strategy, planning and the ability to adjust to conditions as they develop. Being flexible and keeping all options open are the keys to happiness.

Airplane Performance

1. What does "continuous operation at maximum engine speed" mean?

   For ARC purposes, this means that there can be no operating limitations on the engine or listed in the airplane operating manual for engine operation. All airplanes entered in Competition Class must be able to fly at the best continuous speed, with throttle and propeller controls full forward and engine leaned for best power. Research your airplane's documents to find out if there are any limitations. The most common limitation is an engine that can sustain maximum power for 5 minutes during takeoff, but then the power must be reduced for the remainder of the flight.  Refer any questions to ARC Airplane Division

2. Why do all airplanes have to start the race with full fuel?

   To ensure all Teams are fully aware of their plane's increased fuel burn in race configuration, ARC requires full fuel at the Start. ARC considers this to be a safety issue. Planes that have larger fuel capacity may be taking off with extra weight from the Start, but the extra fuel may allow them to bypass landing at the first Stop after their timing flyby, which might work to their advantage.

3. Will my fuel consumption during the race be different than during normal cross-country flights? How much different?

   Airplanes flying the Air Race Classic must be rated for continuous maximum power for a reason: Winning depends on maintaining maximum power during each race leg. Maximum power gobbles fuel. How much fuel depends to some degree on altitude and temperature. To be safe, expect your airplane to use as much as 50% more fuel than normal while racing. Practicing this kind of flying in advance of the race is a good idea, so that you can gather information on your airplane's fuel burn during maximum power flight. Your Mother Bird can offer advice in this area.

4. Will fuel be available at every Stop?

   Absolutely! Sometimes, a fuel discount will be available to racers.

5. Does the ARC provide airplane maintenance if I experience any problems with my airplane?

   The ARC does not provide aircraft mechanics to work on race airplanes. While each airport on the route is encouraged to have mechanics available for hire, teams are responsible for ensuring that their airplanes meet all FAA requirements and are properly maintained. Volunteer aircraft mechanics and assistants support the ARC by performing airplane inspections at the Start and Terminus. These volunteers review paperwork and complete visual inspections for safety and verification of compliance with the Rules; they are not available to perform maintenance. As you prepare for the race, consult your airplane mechanic to verify that you have satisfied all ARC paperwork and maintenance requirements. Pay special attention to recurring ADs based on airplane tach time.

6. Whom do I contact if I have a question about airplane performance?

   We have quite a few volunteers who can help out. If you have signed up for the race and have been assigned a Mother Bird, she would be your first resource. 
   If you are thinking about signing up, but don't know if your airplane will meet the performance requirements, contact ARC Airplane Division.

General

1. I don't see my question. Whom do I ask?

   We did our best to include the most common questions in this list. If you still have questions, email ARC General Information. We will get back to you as soon as possible. Please remember that everyone supporting the Air Race Classic is a volunteer. It may take a few days to get a response. If we see questions often enough, we will add them to the list!

2. Is there someone I can talk to about racing?

   Yes. First, you should read all information posted on this website. Second, you can send a question to ARC General Information. Third, if you and another first-time racer have already entered to race, you will be assigned a Mother Bird – an experienced Team of racers who will mentor you through the preparation and the race. You will become their Baby Birds, with an invitation to ask any questions you may have. Your Mother Bird will give you advice, cheer you on, be a friendly face during times of stress, answer questions before, during and after the race and just be a sounding board for you.