Day Nine. Saturday: Yippee! I'm so happy for a day to finally do what I enjoy most....sleep in! Joyce on the other hand, had to be up early for the first-timers de-brief and the signing of the timing sheets. That's a great part of being plot-in- command (PIC), the lead responsibility. So you see, being co-pilot has its perks!
Another great part of the ARC, is the knowledge you gain from other aspects of the race. The organizers of the air race work diligently to incorporate special events and tours at the start and terminus cities. The tours are generally aviation-related some of which include: aviation museums, aircraft systems companies, avionics corporations etc... The terminus tour today was of the Continental Motors Plant. They build, remanufacture, and supply aircraft engines, fuels systems, and parts and supplies to several aircraft companies like Cessna and Cirrus as well as after-market vendors.
Another great part of the ARC, is the knowledge you gain from other aspects of the race. The organizers of the air race work diligently to incorporate special events and tours at the start and terminus cities. The tours are generally aviation-related some of which include: aviation museums, aircraft systems companies, avionics corporations etc... The terminus tour today was of the Continental Motors Plant. They build, remanufacture, and supply aircraft engines, fuels systems, and parts and supplies to several aircraft companies like Cessna and Cirrus as well as after-market vendors.
The highlight of the tours was of the USS Alabama Battleship & Air Museum. The museum sponsored The Racers & Youth Event for the girls of the local Boys & Girls Club. Each race team sponsored one or two girls. Joyce and I were so excited to meet our girls and we were quite impressed with their shirt designs that featured our race #37 and tail number N9246S.
The girls received awards for their participation in a six-month aerospace/aviation academy. Some of the awards included: communications radios, aviation books and educational materials, tote bags, and more. The girls especially enjoyed the flight simulator rides. Look-out girls!!!!--you're flying a fighter jet!!! Overall, today is exactly what "Team Bessie's" participation in the Air Race Classic 2011 was all about....sharing the Legacy of Queen Bess, while inspiring young girls to FLY!!!!...Athina