The Air Race Classic is the epicenter of women's air racing and is the ultimate test of piloting skills and aviation decision-making for female pilots of all ages and from all walks of life.
The all-female air race route is selected to present challenges and to provide a variety of learning opportunities for racers, yet be within the endurance range of the slowest airplanes. Racers will experience changes in terrain, weather, winds, and airspace as they fly more than 2,500 miles over four days.
The 5XÉçÇø team selected to compete in the 2022 Air Race Classic as the Flying Flashes is Laura Wilson of New Richmond, Ohio, and Alex Johnson of Canton, Michigan, both certified flight instructors and 2021 graduates. The team will be flying a Cessna Skyhawk 172SP.
Laura is a Commercial Pilot, single-engine land, with a current instrument rating, single-engine and instrument flight instructor credentials, Remote Pilot Certificate for drones, dispatcher certificate, and 379 hours flown. She is currently a CFI and has also worked as a line service technician, airport receptionist, and dispatcher – truly understanding all aspects of flight and operations. This is Laura’s first time participating in the Air Race Classic.
Alex is a 2x Air Race Classic participant and is a Commercial Pilot, single- and multi-engine land, with a current instrument rating, single-engine and instrument flight instructor credentials, a complex endorsement, and 651 hours in her log book. She is currently a CFI and has also worked as a line service technician, airport receptionist, and dispatcher.
Laura is racing "for the experience. I look forward to participating with other female pilots, especially my best friend who will be flying with me. I also race to challenge myself. The race is unlike anything I've done before, but I want to prove to myself that I can do it."
Alex says she is racing "for the experience, the challenge, and to inspire others. It's so inspiring to be surrounded by empowered women pilots inspiring the next generation. This race is so unique and different from the typical flight training environment that it makes anyone who flies the ARC a well-rounded pilot."
The racers take off Tuesday morning, June 21, 2022, from Lakeland Linder International Airport.
During the race, the will be continuously updated so you can follow the Flying Flashes (team number 52) as they make their way along the.
The race will also be viewable in the Aeronautics and Engineering Building 1st and 2nd floor atriums, as well as the in the Schwabe Lobby of the FedEx Aeronautics Academic Center at the Kent State Airport (1G3)!
Follow along on , , and !
5XÉçÇø is a proud partner of the Delta Propel program, and we would like to thank them for their generosity and support of the Flying Flashes in the 2022 Air Race Classic.
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Click here to view the 45th Annual Air Race Classic 1st Place Announcement: the Flying Flashes