BROOMFIELD, Colo. — Two pilots from Colorado are preparing to compete in the 2024 Air Race Classic , an all-women air race.
Alaina Bravo and Amanda Wilson, also known as The Blonde Bombers, will fly their Cessna 172 in the race from Carbondale, Illinois, to Loveland Colorado, beginning on June 18.
“We’ll be taking turns as pilot in command, flying the different legs of the race. The one who’s piloting command will be really in charge of navigating and controlling the aircraft, while the other one will be watching for obstacles along our route,” Bravo told Denver7.
The race spans four days. Teams must make flybys at each timing point and ultimately land at the terminus. Sixty teams are competing this year.
“We’re going to be flying the race, really, at top speed trying to exceed our benchmark speeds,” Bravo said.
Just over 9.5% of pilots are women, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Bravo and Wilson met through the Colorado Ninety-Nines , an organization of women pilots. In October, The Blonde Bombers emerged victorious in a pumpkin bombing competition in Wray, Colorado. They were the only female team to compete.