News/Press Releases

September 1, 2025

by ARC Publicity Team

September 1, 2025 — The Air Race Classic (ARC) is excited to announce that registration for the 2025 ARC Air Derby is officially open as of 12:00 p.m. ET today, September 1. Pilots and teams have until 12:00 p.m. ET on September 26, 2025, to complete their registration and secure their spot in this year’s event. The ARC Air Derby is a one-day, VFR cross-country flying challenge designed for pilots of all experience levels all around the world. Contestants design their own routes and compete against the clock, flying their aircraft as close to their flight planned times, which levels the playing field for different aircraft types and environments. “The Derby continues to be a fun and flexible way for pilots to test their skills, build confidence, and connect with a passionate aviation community,” said Donna Harris, President of the Air Race Classic, Inc. “We’re excited to launch registration and look forward to welcoming both returning and first-time contestants this year.” The 2025 ...

August 20, 2025

Registration for the 2025 ARC Air Derby Opens September 1: Design Your Route, Choose Your Day, Test Your Precision August 20, 2025 — The Air Race Classic (ARC) proudly announces that registration for the 2025 ARC Air Derby will open September 1. The “Derby” is a distinctive one-day aviation event designed to challenge pilots on precision, planning, and navigation. The event offers pilots the unique opportunity to select their own route and flight day, providing flexibility to work around their schedules and weather conditions. Flights for this year’s Derby may take place from October 1 through 14. Winners will be announced a few days later during the virtual banquet. Unlike traditional races, the ARC Air Derby focuses on accuracy rather than speed. Pilots and copilots team up to create personalized cross-country routes that follow the ARC Air Derby rules. These routes have five unique legs, each at least 65 nautical miles long, including a mandatory “must land” airport that adds ...

October 3, 2023

This event is canceled for 2023. We look forward to seeing you next year!

July 1, 2023

Announcing the ARC Air Derby of 2023 The oldest race of its kind in the United States, the Air Race Classic, Inc. (ARC) traces its roots to the 1929 Women's Air Derby, in which Amelia Earhart and nineteen other daring female pilots raced from Santa Monica, California, to Cleveland, Ohio. That contest, aka the Powder Puff Derby, marked the beginning of women's airplane racing in the United States. Today, the ARC is the epicenter of women's air racing, the ultimate test of piloting skill and aviation decision-making for female pilots of all ages and from all walks of life. The Air Race Classic is announcing the 3rd Annual ARC Air Derby. The ARC traditionally sponsors an annual all-women, amateur, cross-country air race for pilots and airplanes that qualify under Air Race Classic Race Rules and Procedures. In 2021 the ARC added an opportunity to experience air racing to a wider audience. The ARC Air Derby is a one-day event retaining many of the ARC traditions and its mission of ...

June 30, 2023

Air Race Classic Opens Annual Air Derby to All Pilots! https://generalaviationnews.com/ 2023/ 06/ 29/ air-race-classic-opens-annual-air-derby-to-all-pilots/ 

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