Well the big day has arrived. The ladies checked out of the hotel and headed to the airport to make their last minute checks of the Purple beast before launch. The first plane off was just a tad before 08:30 and FlightAware picked up the ladies at 8:47 leaving Sweetwater, TX.
I arrived ahead in Alva, OK at the airport (on the site of a former WWII German POW camp) to greet the teams if they intend to stop. Most teams are expected to stop at the first leg to assess fuel requirements however with a strong prevailing Southern wind this morning, it is possible that the some of the faster and bigger tanked aircraft may fly-by to continue to take advantage of Mother Nature's extra push from the rear.
Excitement is all around. The windsock is nearly at full extension but it is right down the runway so should pose no unusual threats to the pilots. Nostalgic 1940's dance tunes play over the outdoor loudspeaker between tower calls. It is a beautiful day for an air race. Looking forward to grabbing a few pics of the team and their baby birds as they pass by during the morning.
-ed
 |
| Beautiful Archer Race Day Morning |
 |
| Denise - waiting for fuel, Sweetwater, TX |
 |
Denise prepares the Archer for its 2400 mile journey
|
 |
| Check out the speed that the ladies are getting out of the 'beast' |
Again beautiful pictures!
ReplyDelete