Air Race Classic 2011

Finishing the 2011 ARC

2011-06-28T04:52:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I am writing this from Indianapolis. We returned from our great adventure yesterday about 4 pm. Such tailwinds! We sure could have used those during the race.

We were pleased to have won a leg prize....and finished only 7 minutes for the top. Because the race was shorter this year, most were packed up pretty tight in the scoring. But shorter doesn't mean poorer. The racers this year were a happy group who seemed to enjoy the events and each other. As one of the Board, that is a pleasing situation. Even the team with the Maule who had prop governor issues and couldn't finish the race, was happy.....as was the team from Albuqurque who had to put down for thunderstorms 40 miles from the Terminus. Everyone came to the banquet and joined in the celebration.

Thank you all for your support. We now look ahead to 2012 and a Start at Lake Havesu and Terminus at Sporty's, Batavia, Ohio. But first we will get some rest...........

Jo and Meredith

ARC Activity Day

2011-06-26T14:37:00.000-07:00

Hello, all,

Saturday June 25 was a day of activities.....from getting our scores (but not the final rankings), attending tours of Teledyne Continental and the Battleship Alabama....and participating in an Adopt a Pilot graduation for the local Girls Club. It was a busy day. But we had time to take a morning walk around the Market on the Square between scoring and formal touring..... The day was ended with a terrific seafood dinner at Winzell's Oyster House.

Scores were good....no penalties and all but one "positive" leg. We didn't get the phone call to tell us to show up for inspection. That tells us that we didn't do as well as we hoped. We know we did well but not so well as to get in the Top 10. We are however candidates for leg prizes and we believe that we will get some of those.

A true highlight was the Continental Motors tour. Fascinating....

Then it was off to a great buffet and celebration of the end of the Adopt a Pilot program. Our girl, Cailin Rogers is 9. We had some time to meet with her and talk..... There were 50 girls to "graduate" the program which ran from January to June with monthly educational sessions on aviation. There may be a pilot in the midst some day. Cailin is shown below with her older sister. Good kids!

It was a hot day but we enjoyed walking about Battleship Park.......

A full day....and one to go. Sunday will be the full debriefing with all racers where everyone has a chance to offer critique and suggestions. Then the big banquet and the results..... So glad Steve is here to share it.

Cheers!

Jo and Meredith

Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Mobile!!

2011-06-23T20:42:00.000-07:00

Hi, Folks,

This was the final day of the race for us.....we went from Borger, Texas at 100 degrees, to Oklahoma City, on to El Dorado, Arkansas and then into Mobile, following thunderstorms.....amazing day. And the end of the 2011 race for us. There is one more day for the remaining 30 airplanes and their teams to arrive in Mobile. Weather will delay some. Sadly we learned that at least one more team has withdrawn....due to weather conditions.

We left out of Borger about 9 am to out run a thunderstorm that would eventually clobber Oklahoma City. Borger is a town of 12,000 in northern Texas....feed lots, petroleum industry and good folks. We had become concerned in the morning about not being picked up until late. Ended up that we were one of the last airplanes to head out because of it. Nerves! That made for a rough, anxious start....

Oklahoma City has a great airport, fine folks, and an "awesome" controller. This photo above shows the terminal and the fueling service with one of our racers....a team with a Turkish entrant. Turkish airlines paid her way..... We joined the conga line to be release for our departure flyby. Somehow a Pilatus got in there.

Ada, OK where the ARC had an enroute stop in 2007. Good memories.....Team 19 won that leg.

Then it was on from Oklahoma City, across to Arkansas.....(above).

Across the Mississippi River....and down to Mobile just as ARC official sunset was about to happen.....with lots of amazing cloud formations enroute.

Now it's time to fall in bed and enjoy the memories.....we will be doing many things between now and Sunday when we know the results. Until then, it was a great ride among friends.

Jo and Meredith

Nebraska, Kansas, Texas

2011-06-23T01:42:00.000-07:00

Hello, Friends,

We started the day with a look at where we ended up in Hemingsford, NE...The Patriot Inn. A quiet place run by sisters-in-law who had several fainting goats. We loved it. After greeting the goats and their mistress we headed to the airport for a takeoff about 1pm....

Off with great tailwinds and clear skies to Great Bend, Kansas with it's old Piper hangar and friendly folks. Snacks and drinks, some flight planning and we were off again.

We lost our tailwinds and the heat became oppressive as we flew south to Borger, Texas. Flying low to catch some hopes of speed at 100 degrees. Precious worked hard and so did we. The runway was hard to discern because it blended so with the brown terrain. 35 of the 45 airplanes were there. We met some great folks who drove us to our motel....and then to dinner, waiting for us to finish. Bed by midnight. I'm just up since my face is burned and I was thirsty....

Tomorrow will be Norman, OK and El Dorado, AR. We hope for better winds...but no relief with the heat.

Jo and Meredith

Getting to the Start of the ARC 2011

2011-06-22T09:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

As instructed by the Air Race Classic Board of Directors, the racers including Meredith and I, flew to Alliance, Nebraska yesterday. Iowa is a wide state but Nebraska is even wider. And they have WIND out here....and of course it was on the nose. We crept along in smooth air through heavy rain at times, but always against the wind. We took off from Iowa City about 10:30 am after another briefing and a delicious breakfast. Sheraton folks were wonderful, understanding and obviously flexible with our needs. And we can't say enough for the volunteers who for over 6 months have slaved to make this a perfect Start, only to have that event eliminated at the last moment with the new race schedule. Weather and pilot safety is always a must to deal with. It is only too sad that we had so much interest at Iowa City and they didn't get the hoopla they deserved.

We put down in Omaha for the first fueling point. We had filed IFR in Iowa City and hit heavy weather not far out. So much flooding seen. We ended up flying the ILS into Omaha, spending a lovely 4 hours lunching, shopping and relaxing before leaving again at about 6 for points west....behind the worst of the rain cells....

Then into North Platte and finally into Alliance in the dark!

Then in Alliance with all motels full of racers, we found a cabin available on a "corn farm"....arriving at 11:00 pm we didn't know what the outside looked like. It was called the Patriot Inn. Two cabins about 28 miles north of Alliance. We slept like babes!

Jo and Meredith

Change of Plans at the Air Race Classic

2011-06-21T05:02:00.000-07:00

Hello!

If you've seen the weather channel or watched any television, you know that we are in the center of a terrible weather pattern. A huge Low is centered over Iowa. Winds to 60+ have knocked trains off tracks; tornados have been spawned, heavy rain and hale....and just plain nasty flying conditions. As part of the Board of Directors, I have seen a very professional and concerned group of women make the difficult to change the race "in flight". We had a broadcast several times Monday via Skipe with a weather briefer from the National Weather Service....always with the same poor prognosis. ARC could not release 45 airplanes into the soup.....

The air race will be shortened to cut out the locations of Brookings, Jamestown, Spearfish and Rawlins. We are not able to fly there under safe conditions. So tomorrow we've been asked to fly to Alliance, Nebraska and begin there. From Alliance we will proceed on the races as published. Racers are to get to Alliance anyway they can, VFR or IFR. I expect we will be IFR for sure..... The Terminus still be Friday in Mobile but the end time has been extended to 8pm.

With Steve's wonderful help our airplane is now hangared at Iowa City Airport.

We will keep you posted. Today the formal kickoff breakfast will start at 8 rather than 6. and the Start activities have been cancelled.

Iowa City before the rains came was humid but warm so we walked yesterday. It is a pretty town, neat and interesting. We have been enjoying the food!

Jo and Meredith

Sunday June 19

2011-06-19T19:42:00.000-07:00

Hello, Friends,

It was time for the first mandatory briefing. Roll call first, then welcoming comments from the President, Marolyn Wilson (center), followed by presentations from Gretchen Jahn (left) and Denise Waters (right), both ARC Directors. It was an attentive group.....

The first posting of flyby diagrams was a big draw. Many wanted to photograph the airport diagrams.....

Steve, Jo's husband, was in town and we made a quick trip to the airport. Everything still and waiting for the big Tuesday release......

Then it was Start Banquet time! Steve as the chick magnet....and so many amazing stories from 100 women pilots.....

We will sleep well......Tomorrow it's more briefings, packing and getting ready for Tuesday!

Jo and Meredith

Saturday June 18

2011-06-19T06:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

It is Saturday. Friday and Saturday have been a blur of activity for Meredith and me. Check-ins and Credentials documentation for 100 pilots was truly a full time job for two. All aircraft made it to Iowa City Saturday at 5 pm. The last three flights, one from British Columbia, one from Albuquerque, and one from West Palm Beach, Florida came in a bit late because of weather enroute. With their arrival there were hugs and cheers. Everyone was now at the Start location. The camaraderie of this group never ceases to amaze me. It might be old friends or total strangers who welcome first time racers. It truly has the feeling of a sorority. I feel so fortunate to be part of it.

Iowa City is the oldest airport in Iowa. The FBO has been refurbished to have modern services but there are the old domed hangars, brick facades, and small ramp areas. The aircraft are parked and tied down on the grass in groups of 8-10, all over the airport grounds. There will be 46 teams who race. For various personal reasons 4 teams have withdrawn. We are always sad when this happens because we know the amount of time they have spent and the dreams that these efforts are a part of.

Once aircraft arrive the process is extensive to inspect all the necessary documents for the pilots as well as the aircraft. The checkin for each pilot takes about 15 minutes where the airplane check in can take much longer. For new airplanes it can be fairly quick as logbooks and entries are reviewed for currency...annuals, transponder checks, etc. The big effort is to physically inspect for speed modifications and to torque seal those areas that might, if altered, affect the race outcome. The older airplanes can have a mound of paper work documenting all the modifications through the years. The mechanics that volunteer for this job are skilled and welcome additions to our air race family.

The cast is incredibly varied. The hundred racers range in age from 20 years to 88 years. They are students, teachers, lawyers, doctors, airline pilots, managers, computer professionals, housewives, authors, and more. They come from all over the US and one province in Canada. Florida has the most racers, with Texas a close second. Then comes Pennsylvania and Virginia...and the list goes on for over 30 states. The oldest
airplanes are several late 1960's model Pipers and Cessna 172's. The newest are Cirruses and Diamonds. There are two taildraggers, a gorgeous Husky and equally nice Maule. Each airplane shows personal
touches of their owners and pilots.

Sunday will have the race briefings.....hours of preparatory information covering every aspect of the race. Rules, flybys, communications, weather, safety, scoring, penalty assessment processess, awards, etc. Sunday evening will be the Start Banquet. Steve Alcorn is driving in and will join Jo and Meredith to celebrate. He knows many of the racers so will enjoy it as much as the racer teams.

More later....

Jo and Meredith

2011-06-16T19:51:00.000-07:00

Today we arrived at Iowa City Airport, our race home for the next 5 days. It was a lovely day with only one issue, stiff headwinds from the west. But we could see for 40 miles....beginning with the familiar sight of Indy Executive Airport.

Then on to other airports and sights in Illinois, like Marshall Airport on the Illinois River, wind farms and a view down the Mississippi.

And then finally into Iowa City...

Along with a dozen other racing teams we will begin the process of checkins tomorrow for the racers and their airplanes. It will be a grand time to get reacquainted with friends and meet new folks. Meredith and I are responsible for Credentials Checkin for 100 racers. It will be a full day!

Air Race Classic 2011

2011-02-28T13:10:00.000-08:00

JoAnne (Jo) Alcorn and Meredith Frederick will be racing in the 2011 Air Race Classic as Classic Racer 19. This will be Jo's fourth race and Meredith's second race. They are excited to race together. During the 2010 race Jo was Meredith's Mother Bird or coach. They will be racing Jo's Cessna 172R which carried their team, Classic Racer 19, to a 5th place winning position in 2010. Jo's airplane, N172JE, affectionately referred to as Precious.

For the 2011 race route and history of this all womens air race, please refer to http://www.airraceclassic.org/.

Some information about Jo:

A commercial pilot Jo often flies long cross countries to visit family and friends. She finds nothing comparable to the challenge of the ARC. It's high adventure and great camaraderie. Jo is a retired information technology manager who now works with her husband in aircraft sales and serves as president of an aviation business in Winter Haven, FL. Jo serves on the Board of Directors of the Air Race Classic.

Some information about Meredith:
A commercial pilot and a masters student at The Ohio State University, pursuing a degree in atmospheric science. She loves racing because she is pushed to become a better pilot, and she loves experiencing different airports, clying conditions, weather, and people. Meredith is an assistent to the airport director at The Ohio State University Airport with porjects that involve aviation outreach, aviation education, marketing and noise abatement.

More postings to come.

Jo Alcorn

Race Day Plus 5

2010-06-27T19:51:00.000-07:00

The end of an amazing event. The day started with racer debriefings and a few committee meetings....then a few hours of rest....then the gala banquet and awards ceremony. After a superb dinner, there were introductions of all the teams, speeches by sponsors and local officials, and then the awards. We were absolutely delighted. We took 5th place! We had the fastest Cessna 172 of the 14 172's in the race. The 4 teams who were faster flew a C182RG with 235 hp, a C182S with 230 hp, a Grumman Cheetah with 150 hp, and a Piper PA-28 with 160 hp.

This group of 55 teams was a talented group of aviatrixes and to come out 5th overall was gratifying. The winnings included a $950 check and an olympic style gold medal.....but the best reward was the applause and congratulations of our fellow racers. What an amazing group of women...........

The field was incredible. There were many airline pilots, charter pilots, and flight instructors. There was a professor, a fire spotter, several doctors, the head of ATC for New York City, several engineers, teachers, artists, at least two lawyers and countless other professions represented. There were also 8 collegiate teams which did very well. Purdue won the collegiate prize...with ISU from Terre Haute, IN coming in second and ER Prescott, AZ third. What a future these young women have.

The 1st place was Terry Carbonell's team...They wow'ed everyone.

Thank you to all for your support and your contributions. It has been an amazing event and we couldn't have done it without you. Blue skies and tailwinds to you all.........

Our family was wonderfully supportive. Mark Bostick, Michelle's husband, drove in from New York. That was a 6 hour drive to join us, just to turn around and drive back for work early Monday. Michelle's mother, Sunnie, was with us. Steve Alcorn, Jo's husband, had hoped to make it but couldn't. We owe much to Steve for his impecable maintenance of our airplane.

Race Day Plus 4

2010-06-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday....inspection day. We were invited to be inspected which means that we are in the top 12 racers. At 9 am we went to the airport. Inspection was done away from us...but we were told that only a couple cowling screws were missing. If I were a screw, I'd have come loose after that flight over the WV mountains! So we passed one more challenge. Next came the score sheets showing our times. The scorer said.....you did VERY well with NO penalties. Apparently there were a lot of penalties assessed this year. We were thrilled. Tomorrow by 10pm we will know more........

During the day there was a fly-in at Frederick. Michelle made a bee line to the Eurocopter on display. What a beautiful machine!

The afternoon will be the premier viewing of a movie about women's air racing. The film was called Breaking Through the Clouds, a documentary of the first air race and the participants. It was inspiring. Our friend Terry Carbonelle was in the film as one of the speakers. Then it was off to a VIP reception for the racers hosted by an Art Center whose owner is a pilot. Very nice affair and well attended. As we were about to leave for that event, we had a fellow racer take this photo. By midnight we were in bed and dreaming of tomorrow.

Race Day Plus 3

2010-06-25T20:04:00.000-07:00

Greetings, Friends,

It was a day to chill out and get our heads back. Slept in late, did laundry, went to a spa for a massage and attended a Meltdown Party for the racers. Tomorrow will be the day to get score sheets.....but still no results. There may be inspections. The girl scouts will come and be entertained....and there is another dinner. The final results come Sunday night at the grand banquet. We had a good race, clean and safe so we are confident we did well.....but how well is still unknown.

Photos from Friday....Michelle and her mother Sunnie, and friends at the Meltdown Party.

Race Day Plus 2 - The End!

2010-06-24T18:40:00.000-07:00

The final day for us to race. A start from Elkhart, IN, flying over Ohio and into Parkersburg, WV. Elkhart was the most incredible stop with a storm coming and their service. And though we loved the clear day over Indiana and Ohio and the lovely farm country, West Virginia was the most beautiful. Stunning sights......but oh, the turbulent flight over those hills enroute to Frederick, MD. A trip like this is always full of firsts....and this was the first time Jo really hit her head on the roof, multiple times and hard. Michelle was wondering before the race how turbulence was defined. She now has a very good example.....

We had to wait for clouds to clear after the storm.....great tailwinds across Indiana and Ohio.

West Virginia vistas.............

and great clouds formations.....then on to the welcome view of Frederick. We finished on day 3 and were welcomed by Michelle's mother. It was great to enjoy letting someone else drive!

Race Day Plus 1

2010-06-23T19:26:00.000-07:00

No pictures today. Many taken but none available....technology!

What we can share is a great day of flying. We started in Hot Springs, AR this morning. Hazy and hot but everyone was anxious to get going. We all got to Cameron, MO in the late morning. What a welcome. Fresh strawberries, cookies, chicken salad sandwiches, and cold drinks were offered. Such a treat. And there were free back massages. Jo tried it.....felt like butter afterwards. The town of Cameron put on a very special welcome. We all made many friends and felt honored by their hospitality.

Then it was on to Carbondale, IL into less favorable winds. More heat. But the way was clear and less hazy. Carbondale was our 2nd towered airport to deal with enroute so far. Tuscaloosa was the first. The controllers did their best but it was crazy busy for them. The low flybys were well thought out but no one anticipated so many airplanes at one time. Some chosing to land after the flyby, others chosing to continue on. Like a swarm of bees. We got fuel in Carbondale and more cold water and off we went toward Elkhart. Elkhart had had bad weather until 2 pm. Then there were prospects of tornados at 9 pm. The winds were terrific, strong from the south, being pulled into the stormy low pressure system. We all wanted those winds. 37 racer airplanes landed in Elkhart between 2:30 and 8 pm. With storms coming they took names, fuel orders and moved all of the airplanes into hangars. The storms hit about 9 as predicted but all was good.....airplanes under cover and the pilots fed and showered. We are all beat. But tomorrow is Parkersburg....and possibly the finale Frederick, MD.

There is always the need to keep your sense of humor. It's stressful for everyone. The best line of the day came from the controller at Elkhart. It was dusk and darkish as the storm was approaching. The flyby was over Runway 36 at 200 ft. and they were landing 27...L shaped intersecting runways. We were about 15 nm out for our flyby when we overheard the following exchange. Team A had just finished their flyby and was on final to land. Team B was just about to do the flyby. Controller was "in control" getting everyone in position safely but the calls were coming in fast for more flybys. When he cleared Team B for the flyby, he added....do you see the landing traffic on 27? Answer: Yes. Controller: Don't hit her! Answer: Roger. Priceless.

Race Day

2010-06-22T17:43:00.000-07:00

Race Day started with a breakfast briefing, final weather information and a dash to the airplanes. After checking things out and packing, the 55 airplanes were launched in 30 second intervals. This is our wait for our turn to take off from Fort Myers.

Then it was a race to Waycross with our low flybys, a stop for fuel, tasting some of the best barbecue ever, then back in the airplane for the departure enroute to Tuscaloosa. Hot was the weather all day with light and variable winds. We did our best to find something favorable. Another quick turnaround and on to Hot Springs, Arkansas through thick haze....and more heat. By the time we got to Arkansas we were bushed. It was 5 pm......we ordered pizza and chocolate ice cream. A shower never felt so good.

A view of the Mississippi along the way....and two happy members of Team 19.....

Race Day Minus 1

2010-06-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

The day before RACE DAY! The day was spent in briefings. First was flyby procedures followed by a safety briefing by Amy Laboda of the FAASTeam and ended with a weather briefing from the FSS.

In what free time we had we packed, repacked, arranged shipping of non-essentials, bought "in flight" munchies, washed clothes, organized the cockpit materials, did weather checks and put together the initial flight plans. 6 a.m. will come very early tomorrow.

It will be "Ladies, start your engines" at 8 a.m. We are ready.....

The photo is of Michelle Bostick, Terry Carbonell, and JoAnne Alcorn during a break in the briefings.

Race Day Minus 2

2010-06-20T18:42:00.000-07:00

Hello friends and family! Our day started off with a general Standard Operating Procedures briefing and ended with a delightful banquet. Here we are ready for our briefing!

This is the table of dynamic women that Jo and Michelle sat with at the banquet.

Catherine Adams, Michelle Bostick, Camille Griffin and Ruby Sheldon are the helicopter pilots participating in the race. We belong to the female helicopter pilot club, aptly named, "Whirly Girls." Catherine Adams is the current president of Whirly Girls and Camille Griffin is serving in the US Army flying a King Air.

Race Day Minus 3

2010-06-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

Two days full of arrivals, aircraft inspections, credentials checks, and handicap timing runs. Michelle and Jo checked credentials for more than 45 teams. A great opportunity to meet all the racers. Racers were young and old from a variety of backgrounds. The oldest was Ruby Sheldon at 92 and the youngest were the collegiate teams.

Here Michelle is with Ruby, both helicopter pilots and instant comrads. Ruby flew Dehaviland Beaver, T33, Bell Jet Ranger and a Cessna 182 doing seismic work out of Winter Haven, Florida in years past.

These are the young aviatrixes from Embry Riddle, Prescott, Arizona. Who could resist such enthusiasm?

And while all this paperwork was being collected Jo's husband Steve and Michelle's son Daniel worked with a team of aircraft mechanics to inspect the racer airplanes for safety....

Race Day Minus 5

2010-06-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

A beautiful morning to fly "City of Winter Haven" to Fort Myers. As credentials checker for the racers, Jo needed to be early. It was a day to set up, get organized, practice on those who came early, and meet up with old friends. Jo's husband Steve drove and began duties as part of a team of aircraft inspectors. Team 19's airplane passed well - no undocumented speed modifications, no ferry tanks, appropriate tie downs and all the maintenance documentation in good order. We expect tomorrow's pace to accelerate with the main wave of entrants coming in from all points north. Everyone is to be in Fort Myers by noon Saturday..... You can feel the excitement building.

2010-06-16T02:56:00.000-07:00

The excitement builds as we approach 2010 Air Race Classic start on June 22. Yesterday was a major sendoff by the City of Winter Haven. There was a photo shoot with the Winter Haven Airport Manager, Debbie Murphy, the city mayor, Jeff Potter, city commissioners and other city personnel. The Winter Haven News Chief interviewed for a story and took photos as well. What a treat. Jo and Michelle were presented keys to the city by Mayor Potter. We are indebted to all of our sponsors and supporters, friends, neighbors and family, for their encouragement and generous contributions. We owe special thanks to our corporate sponsors, Concord Battery, Herber Aircraft, and B & C Specialty Products for providing aircraft components.

Now we turn our attention to final packing and preparation. Jo and husband Steve head to the start point for the race, Fort Myers, tomorrow, June 17, where Steve will assist with aircraft inspections and Jo will do Credentials Check-In for racers. Michelle will join on Saturday. With 55 teams it will be busy and exhilerating....

The Mayor of Winter Haven, Jeff Potter, presenting the keys to the city and a photo with the Mayor Potter, airport manager and city commissioners...