Two Arkansas Women to Compete in Air Race

First posted on 06-22-2009

Arkansas will be represented at the 2009 Air Race Classic from tomorrow through Friday. The air race features all women pilots and is the only all female transcontinental air race in the world.

Laura Berry of Harrison along with Camelia Smith of Hindsville will be competing in the race. Berry directs the Institutional Research and Assessment department at North Arkansas College while Smith is a retired pilot. The pair will comprise one of 35 teams competing in the event.

The Air Race Classic started in 1929 with 20 women pilots, famed aviator Amelia Earhart among them. It was the first event where women could compete in an air race although it was called the Powder Puff Derby then and resembled a foot race as planes were held in a tight pack with the winner being first to cross the finish line.

Today’s Classic is more about flying skills and accuracy than sheer speed. The route starts in Denver, Colorado and ends up in Atlantic, Iowa with eight stops in between. The half-way stop is at the Russellville (AR) Regional Airport. Teams are judged on all aspects of their trip and judging is tough. Not closing a gas cap after fueling or arriving a minute past check-in time could lead to disastrous results.

A handicap speed is assigned to teams based on the type of aircraft used in the race. Smith will be piloting her 1979 Cessna 182RG with Berry acting as navigator and co-pilot. Their handicap speed is 167 mph.

The third time may be a charm for Berry and Smith. They finished 16th two years ago, their first race, and seventh last year.