We have been training religiously and have made a lot of progress. Along with the experience gained, there is also some danger involved. They will also have to fly through mountainous regions, and there can be wind problems associated with this type of geologic feature. This gives them a chance to learn how to fly in these areas, and it helps them gain confidence. With the level of training these pilots receive, they should be able to handle anything nature throws at them.
Teams fly only during daylight hours and good weather.
The goal is to be faster than the handicap, and the winner is the team that beats its handicap by the largest margin. Raegan Frazier, co-pilot and a sophomore majoring in aviation technology from Cape Cod, Mass. , said she is excited about the race. We are really nervous because we are a young team. Most of the pilots are much older and have had long careers in commercial aviation. What we lack in experience, we make up for with enthusiasm and training.