Woman pilots launch race at Page Field

Amelia Earhart The first Powder Puff Derby, flown in 1929, featured famous aviatrixes such as Amelia Earhart, Pancho Barns and Louise Thaden. An air race tradition dating back to the heyday of Amelia Earhart comes to Fort Myers in June. One hundred thirteen women will embark on a cross-country race departing Page Field on June 22 and ending in Frederick, Md. on June 25. The Air Race Classic celebrates 100 years of licensed female pilots and takes place 81 years since the first all women's air race, dubbed the Powder Puff Derby. Will Rogers hosted the original event, which featured famous aviatrixes such as Amelia Earhart, Pancho Barns and Louise Thaden. The Air Race Classic celebrates both the transcontinental races and numerous shorter contests that have made women’s air racing history since the first 1929 Women’s Air Derby. The ARC is the only continuous transcontinental race flying fast and strong today.

Page Field and Paradise Coast Chapter 99s, a group of female pilots, are co-hosting the event. There are pre-race events in Fort Myers including a meet the racers barbecue on Saturday, June 19, at 6 p.m. at Paragon Aviation on Page Field and a Take-Off Banquet Sunday, June 20, at 5:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Bell Tower. Planes depart from Page Field on Tuesday, June 22, at 8 a.m. Proceeds from ticket sales fund the Wings Over Paradise scholarship fund. The fund helps young women achieve their dreams of flight regardless of their financial situation.

Louise Thaden COURTESY PHOTOS High-flying history

Women’s air racing began during aviation’s early days, when women were proving both themselves and the airplanes. Thousands of fans were drawn to Cleveland, Ohio, the American pilot’s universe in the late 1920s. They cheered pylon races and watched the fast flyby finishes of races from Florida and California starts. Many of the country’s 100 women pilots wanted to join in, but races were limited to “men only” reflecting the unspoken belief that a women’s place was home. Finally on Aug. 18, 1929, 20 daring women pilots secured their own race, a Santa Monica to Cleveland race via Texas. They proved that women could fly the challenging airplanes and navigate as well as anyone else.

Pancho Barns Today, the Air Race Classic brings racing into a new era while continuing longestablished traditions. The course length for the race is approximately 2,500 statute miles. Aircraft are handicapped by make and model with adjustments for modifications. Racers flying the latest commercially manufactured airplanes showcase new technology and lead women’s air racing into the future. Women of all ages and experience, from the U.S. and internationally, compete. Youth organizations to college student and new pilots, racers provide role models and networking for aviation career possibilities. Like the 1929 Powder Puff Derby and the AWTAR, the ARC carries traditions forward, developing a unique camaraderie.

Locally, there are four racers competing, with many others from throughout Florida. Their ages range from 18 to 92. The Paradise Coast Chapter 99s is looking for volunteers to help during the race events. For more information, call 633-0077 or visit www. paradisecoast99s.org. 