By Mike Greife,
June 16, 2016
WARRENSBURG, MO – The University of Central Missouri’s Max B. Swisher Skyhaven Airport
will play host to women aviators from across the country as it serves as one of seven
designated stops for teams participating in the 2016 Air Race Classic June 21-24.
More than 115 aviators in 47 aircraft will be landing at the airport to refuel and
continue the race or spend the night in the Warrensburg area before continuing the
next day. The race route is approximately 2,300 statute miles in length, with competitors
given four days to complete route. Each leg of the race is 280 to 320 statute miles,
with stops designated for timing.
Each plane is assigned a “handicap” speed, with the goal of obtaining actual ground
speed as far over the handicap speed as possible. The objective is to fly the “perfect”
cross country race, with teams developing their own strategies for compensating for
factors such as weather and the winds.
The race will start June 21 in Prescott, Ariz., and conclude June 24 in Daytona Beach,
Fla. Refueling and timing stops are scheduled for Midland, Texas; Waco, Texas; Arkadelphia,
Ark.; Warrensburg; Champaign/Urbana, Ill.; Murfreesboro, Tenn.; and Americus, Ga.
UCM Department of Aviation and Skyhaven personnel, UCM aviation students and volunteers
will be on hand to provide refueling, information about area restaurants, and transportation
to and information about Warrensburg for those wishing to spend the night before continuing
to the next stop.
“UCM is honored to host these brave female aviators as they take part in this historic
race that has been a part of American aviation since the days of Amelia Earhart,”
said Tony Monetti, UCM assistant dean of aviation and executive director of the Max
B. Swisher Skyhaven Airport.“UCM is at the heartland of America, and ARC has chosen
to ‘Choose Red’ as their mid-point.Our UCM Aviation team is ready and excited to host
them.”
The Air Race Classic began in 1928 as the Women’s Air Derby, which continued into
the 1930s. Following World War II, the race was renewed as the All Women’s Transcontinental
Air Race, also known as the Powder Puff Derby, and continued until 1977. It then continued
as the Air Race Classic, which was reincorporated as a non-profit organization in
2002.
For more information about UCM Aviation, contact the Department of Aviation at 660-543-4969
or visit ucmo.edu/aviation. Learn more about the Air Race Classic at airraceclassic.org.
