Distance to Start: 570 NM

        The Air Race begins on Tuesday, June 21st, departing from Iowa City, Iowa. Aircraft inspections and handicap flights will begin the previous Friday. We scheduled our departure date from Wichita Falls, so far, depending on the weather, for June 16th.    
         Already we watch the weather constantly, watch our fuel consumption, determine how far we can fly with the winds pushing us nortward to Iowa City, or if we will have a wind pushing us against our destination. We account for our weight, which includes us, the pilot and co-pilot, plus our luggage, plus water, safety kits, tools, extra engine oil, and fuel in the tanks. We may set our altitude at 7,500 feet above sea level, or we may go at 5,500 or 3,500, depending on the strength of the winds. A tailwind pushing us up will shorten our journey of 570 nautical miles by a significant amount of time.  
          Cross your fingers for a tailwind!