The GUESSING game

Ok folks, the fact is that we have not had a time confirmation when Classic 47 launched this morning. However since weather is the MOST IMPORTANT factor, then we can make some general assumptions. As soon as ACTUAL data arrives, I will post it.

Based on the team's start position, the odds are they left Fort Meyers by around 0900H EDT. I looked at the radar and the weather seemed fantastic through Waycross, Georgia so the flight should take around 2 hours or so.

Since the team has not reported in from the ground and due to the large number of aircraft that will need to re-fuel at Waycross, it would not be surprising if Bev and Teresa, simply did a fly-by for the timing station and continued on to Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The ladies are VERY AWARE of fuel burn, so if the plane is drinking like a lady, then they will have more than enough juice to get to Alabama.

The big question mark is weather once again. Currently radar shows a system building coming up from the gulf and starting to push Northeast. The team no doubt saw this system as well and knew that if they don't hightail it into Tuscaloosa in the early afternoon, they may face tough weather delays and even harder choices later.

So to recap - this is all speculation. However, given a typical race run and the weather patterns forming, this is a reasonable expectation of what the flight crew is experiencing currently. More news to follow and pictures as soon as we can upload them! Hang in there!

*BLOGMASTER*

We got up at 5:00 am ET. Just finished breakfast. Lots of compliments on our pink Wings of Hope jump suits. They gave us a data logger to fly with. 37 teams were asked to fly with loggers.

WX should be good to KAYS but there's WX building to KTCL in the afternoon. Only TFR is over Disney World. Should not be a factor. --TAC

Last Photo Post prior to Race TODAY

Well, this will be the last picture post PRIOR to the race. Bev and Teresa report that today has been loaded with planning sessions. They sent over photos from one of those meetings where they describe airport procedures, take-off procedures, fueling etc. Teresa is on the phone planning shipping arrangements for luggage, and they also sent over the handicap sheet for each of the racing teams. Imagine how busy it will be for little old Waycross, Georgia tomorrow by 10AM as 50 planes start descending on them for the first leg of the race.

It will be very exciting. The ladies will report at 8:00AM and will likely sit in a HOT airplane for at least a half hour. At the start, you are released in order. Thereafter, they will fly as efficiently as possible. They can land at the Georgia checkpoint or if they think they have the weather and fuel, they can fly-by to register their leg time and then fly-on to the next leg. Classic 47 is faster than many other aircraft so it is likely they will overtake other racers along the way.

The plane also BURNS more fuel when it is running the race. The team will fine-tune the fuel burn and then calculate the safest way to hit the check-points, beat the weather, and avoid as much traffic as possible. Weather is tough through Central Florida, so the team will have to make a decision in the morning how far they can travel in the first day. Typically teams like to do at least two legs (around 500 - 600) miles per day. It all depends on how nice Mother Nature wants to treat Classc 47. So RACE DAY TOMORROW ... the ladies are bedding down early tonight in anticipation of an exciting and challenging start. Good Luck Ladies!

*BLOGMASTER*

Another Briefing - Very EXCITED!

Here are a couple of pictures from one of the team's get togethers with the other racers. As you can see other racers wear matching clothing as well. There were ribbons displayed on the tables and of course yet ANOTHER briefing. The team has a real possibility of a dual fly-by this year. It is legal this year but everyone has to stay alert because two planes can come in at full clip towards the timer station in a fairly small amount of airspace, especially at 160 miles per hour. Of course Bev brings us one final Florida billowing cloud picture for posterity.

*BLOGMASTER*

We off loaded 28 lbs and shipped it home. We don't need all that stuff. It really simplies the logistics for us.

When we got back to the hotel the power was out but they were serving roasted chicken, potatoes, corn, salad, and rolls. Free! Plus, they had beer, wine and punch. What a deal. The power and air conditioning came on after we finished dinner. The other racers' hotel power was still off when I went over there at 6:30. I'm glad we got our laundry done in the morning.

We just finished planning the first 3 legs and our strategies. There are some interesting areas we'll be crossing. What's that National Security area shaped like a D in Arkansas all about? The charts are marked with cautions about compass deviations in that area. Interesting. --TAC

Took a taxi to Fedex Kinkos and each of us shipped a box home for less than $25. What a deal! Ran into other racers doing the same and caught a ride back with them. It's great when a plan comes together. --TAC

Whew! Finished all our meetings! Had a nice bowl of chowder and a club sandwich for lunch. All the new racers had a mandatory meeting at 2pm that the veterans were not allowed to attend. Bev said that they mainly told stories and gave more hints on what to put on your checklists. I finished packing my stuff to ship and prepped our checklists. Then I took a short nap. I needed that because I keep waking up too early. Must be excited. --TAC