Teams must include at least two female pilots and fly normally aspirated, piston-powered airplanes. To qualify, pilots and copilots need at least a private pilot certificate and a minimum of 100 hours as pilot-in-command; one of them must have at least 500 hours as pilot-in-command or a current instrument rating. Additional female teammates can join if they hold at least a student pilot certificate.
While speed matters, the competition is designed around strategy and teamwork. A handicap speed system gives each team a unique target, so crews race to beat their own handicap rather than directly matching another aircraft’s speed. Teams plan routes and timing around wind and weather to maximize the margin over their handicap speed.
Representing K-State Salina on the High Plains team are students Alyscea Jackson and Bailey Pierce. Flying with the Little Apple Aviators team are Lydia Maynard and club advisor Sydney Oyer. The event draws female pilots from ages 17 to 90+ and a range of backgrounds, reflecting the broader women’s air racing community.