Galesburg, IL - Home of the Stearman Fly-in

After a deviation around a storm cell, the Hearts' Archer arrived safely in Galesburg with a pair of Cessna 172's all off of similar IFR flight plans from Nebraska. Most of the other teams are there at the hangar waiting for changes in weather yet again. A ruling from the race committee may once again eliminate Galesburg from the official stops. If so, the teams will file IFR flight plans and relocate the planes until they can get in front of the building and annoying weather.

In obvious ways, this is NOT how the race is supposed to go. For the most part, the race has never faced such persistent weather dogging the planned stops along the way. However, in a more stealthy way, the challenges over the last couple of days are EXACTLY what the race is designed to test. It is one thing to simply burn the least amount of fuel and achieve the fastest speed to 'win' the race. Yet, this week has proven that most of the 'winning' is received when the ladies tackle problems, stress, skills, and situations which test their inner mettle and make the team stronger in the end.

The Hearts want to launch if possible today. Look for an update after Noon central. If a VFR window opens up, the racers will get out quickly. If it doesn't we may be in for some more long waits to hear what the next steps will be. Regardless, we all wish the Purple Hearts a continued safe journey and send maybe just an extra smidge of GOOD LUCK!

Purple Hearts satellite location in Galesburg, IL

Waiting in Galesburg - Home of the annual STEARMAN Fly-in