SPOKANE, Wash. – Felts Field is set to host the finish line for the Air Race Classic, a prestigious cross-country race featuring some of the nation’s top female pilots.
Rachel Skirvin, a member of the “Felts Field Sky Queens,” expressed her competitive spirit. “I’m really competitive so we’re hoping to win,” she said.
Skirvin, along with her teammate Sarah Roark, has been working hard to develop a strong bond, which they believe is crucial for success in the race. “We spent a lot of time just building our friendship and our relationship,” Skirvin added.
The race begins in Fairhope, Alabama, and is the largest female-only aviation race worldwide. The Sky Queens hope to inspire others to pursue aviation. “So I fly for work professionally and every time I hear a woman on the radio I’m like yes!” Roark stated.
Women currently make up less than 6% of pilots nationwide. Christina Hassler, a student pilot, finds the Sky Queens inspiring. “I think it’s so cool to see something for just women in aviation and something this big,” she said.
Rachael Ferraro, who specializes in aviation health and safety, is also part of the team. “They’re like a big family. It’s just so collaborative,” she said.
The race kicks off from Alabama on Tuesday, June 17, with teams needing to finish by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 20. Alannah emphasized the local support for the event. “Four teams from our Spokane and North Idaho aviation communities will be representing Felts Field,” she said.
The Spokane community is encouraged to follow and support these teams as they strive to make history. Christina shared her excitement, “I’m just excited to cheer everybody on.”
Flying may be the easy part, but ensuring everything else is in place is crucial for the teams. Spokane is ready to cheer them on as they embark on this exciting journey in the world of women in aviation.
