Air Race Classic pilots fly into Union City
[gtxvideo vid=”kNClrqWz” playlist=”” pid=”OTSe9U1y” thumb=”http://player.gtxcel.com/thumbs/kNClrqWz.jpg” vtitle=”Air Race Classic PKG”]
UNION CITY, Tenn. — Tuesday afternoon, an 86-year-old tradition flew into West Tennessee for the Air Race Classic. The Air Race Classic is an all-women pilot race, and Union City is the 10th stop of the 12 across the nation. The pilots as well as the locals couldn’t be more excited to have a pit stop for the race here in West Tennessee. The tradition of women air races dates back to 1929, the early days of aviation itself. “This is one of the coolest experiences you could ever have in your life,” Alicia Isacson said. Women from 18 to 88 years old took to the sky when it came to this 2,100-mile air race. “We started Monday,” said Krystal Felerman, a first-year flier. “At 8 a.m. the first racer took off, and you have until Thursday at 5 p.m. to get back.” There are 55 teams and 120 female pilots flying single-engine planes during this race. Only 6 percent of all pilots are female, and the Air Race Classic hopes to raise awareness for women in the cockpit. “We’re excited to have a full pack,” said Keri Wright, the director for the Air Race Classic. “And we are seeing that trend increase with the increase in the number of collegiate teams as well as an increase in woman aviators.” This is the 86th year for the air race, but this is the first year there’s a stop in West Tennessee because the course changes locations every year. “We feel very fortunate to be in the community, and they’ve gone above and beyond anything that the Air Race Classic ever expected and hoped for to make it a spectacular event, not only on a national level but here in the community as well,” Wright said. “People are so welcoming,” said Casie Schaffer, a first-year racer. “They’re so excited, and so that makes us even more excited. So that’s been a big excitement, going to each stop and seeing everyone that’s made this whole thing possible.” The second team to arrive at the Everette-Stewart Airport Tuesday are returning flyers from last year, Melody Dowlearn and Alicia Isacson. “It’s been a fantastic opportunity,” Isacson said. “We learned so much last year — so many challenges — and we learned so much stuff.” They were able to place third overall last year and are hoping to win it all this year. They say they are excited to increase awareness for woman pilots. “It’s great meeting all the other women,” Dowlearn said. “Building the camaraderie is great.” The pilots are able to stay the night in Union City if they like or they can continue on to the next stop. Union City will host the race again and be the starting location in 2019.
