Published: June 19, 2007 10:01 pm         

Women’s air race making Lewisburg stop

LEWISBURG , WV — The Women’s Air Race Classic 2007, featuring 49 aircraft with all-female crew, is scheduled to fly into the Greenbrier Valley Airport today.

The race began Tuesday in Oklahoma City, Okla., with a final destination of St. John, Canada. There are 10 stops included in the race. Each racing team has the option of landing and refueling at Greenbrier Valley Airport or do a “fly-by” which must be observed by airport officials, said airport manager Jerry O’Sullivan.

“The decision to stay overnight at KLWB (Greenbrier Valley Airport) will be made by the flight crews based on tailwinds, weather patterns, visibility,” O’Sullivan said in a recent news release about the race. “Flying must be made during the daylight hours and each leg is between 270 to 300 miles, with the last day of racing set for June 22.”

Local aviator Ruth Tolley Gwinn will serve as the “Stop Chair” and will greet each team and log in their exact times of arrival. The Greenbrier Valley Convention and Visitor’s Bureau will present all racers with a gift bag and a special pin.

“I am honored to be the Stop Chair for this great event,” Gwinn said. “The excitement of the race makes me feel young again, as flying was a big part of my life.” Gwinn learned to fly as a teenager at her dad’s grass airstrip in Pence Springs. Gwinn made her first solo flight in 1935 and later earned commercial and instructor certificates.

The Women’s Air Race Classic 2007 is in its 31st consecutive year, but dates back to other such races to the 1940s. Amelia Earhart participated in the early races.

This year’s contestants range from college students to 94-year-old Ruby Sheldon.

Airport officials say racers should begin landing at Greenbrier Valley about 10 a.m. today.

— E-mail: cgiggenbach@register-herald.com