TRUCKEE, Calif. – Local pilots Sarah Krammen of Truckee and Raj Karwa of Incline Village took second place in the 47th Air Race Classic (ARC), where they competed against 48 teams and approximately 125 female pilots. Held June 18-21, the ARC is a prestigious all-women air race where female pilots must not only finish first, but beat the previous performance of their aircraft. This article is especially timely because August 19 is National Aviation Day.
Under their team name Tahoe Turbulence, Krammen and Karwa completed a 2,600-mile route that spanned nine states from Carbondale, Illinois, to Colorado, with stops at 11 airports. The active racing portion included approximately 18 hours of flight time, but including travel time, they totaled 50 hours of flight time.
The race was not without its challenges. Pilots faced severe thunderstorms in the Midwest that tested their skills and pushed their aircraft to the limit. “We were trying to figure out how to maximize performance,” Karwa said. “The thunderstorms pushed us to our limits and tested our flying capabilities.” Many competitors had to land because safety regulations prohibited flights through dense clouds.
Despite these challenges, Krammen and Karwa’s careful preparation and strategic approach proved successful. “I wasn’t worried about my physical endurance, but towards the end it hit me harder than I thought,” said Krammen, referring to the oppressive heat and humidity they faced. Despite this, their planes performed perfectly and no engine problems were reported.
The ARC is run entirely by volunteers and supporters go above and beyond, like picking up racers early in the morning and driving long distances to help them. Krammen noted of the camaraderie, “Imagine your favorite hobby and you get to hang out with all these people for a week.”
The spirit of collaboration extended beyond the competition. The pilots regularly checked in on each other, demonstrating mutual respect and sportsmanship. Inspired by the event, Krammen and Karwa are now committed to promoting aviation in their community. Raj has already reached out to Incline High School, which has an aerospace engineering program, to offer lectures and engage students. They are also exploring interactive sessions at Incline Middle School and Truckee High School to encourage a hands-on approach to aerospace education.
Krammen and Karwa will share their experiences at the Air Race Classic (ARC) on October 16 at 5:30 p.m. The presentation will be held in the common room of the Truckee Airport Terminal, 10356 Truckee Airport Rd. This event is part of the Fly Safe program organized by David Van Quest. If you have any questions, please email Van Quest at [email protected].
The Air Race Classic showcases not only individual skills, but also the power of teamwork and support in aviation. Krammen and Karwa’s achievement and commitment to promoting aviation underscore the true essence of the event. As they prepare for the upcoming Air Race Derby, their journey remains a source of inspiration and celebrates the spirit and camaraderie that defines the world of aviation.
Zoe Meyer is a reporter for the Sierra Sun, a sister publication of the Tahoe Daily Tribune. Reach her at [email protected].
