2003 Air Race Classic 'flight log'
by Amanda Gruden and Michelle Glisan
June 23, 2003
KITTY HAWK, N.C. -- We made it! After three long days of flying across the country, we met our goal and arrived at the end of the race.
We had a great leg of the race this morning from Danville, Va., to Kitty Hawk. It was gorgeous. The elevation is basically sea level on the Outer Banks, so there aren't many obstacles. We flew along the shore looking intently for the runway at First Flight (Kitty Hawk). We found the Wright Brother's Monument right away, but could not find the airport. Finally we spotted it in between two patches of trees. We flew the timing line perfectly and headed on to Manteo, N.C., where we landed. Manteo is only two minutes away.
Flying over the First Flight Airport and right next to the Wright Brother's Monument was an amazing feeling, especially because this is the 100th year of powered flight, and we are a part of it.
We were very relieved to make it safely to the finish and
with time to spare. Many of the other
racers made it in three days as well, even though the race officially
ends Tuesday at 5 p.m.
Kitty Hawk is very commercialized, and the Outer Banks are very narrow, so only one main road goes north and south, which causes some traffic delays. We're finding our way around, and we'll be visiting some of the hot spots in the next couple days. South of Manteo is Hatteras, which has the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. We are going to see that tomorrow, and then we're going to tour the Wright Brothers Museum.
Lots more planned for the rest of the week, including debriefings and official scores. There's a banquet and closing ceremony Thursday (June 26), and we'll find out where we placed in the race that evening.
Media contact: Cheryl Roland, 269 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu