Six Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University pilots in three Cessna Skyhawk aircraft took off from Fairhope, Alabama, to compete in a storied all-women air race.

Three days and seven legs later, they landed in Spokane, Washington, having traversed a 2,425-mile route across the United States.

The three Embry‑Riddle teams all earned top-10 finishes in the 2025 Air Race Classic, which was held in June and featured 43 competing teams and over 90 racers.

Embry‑Riddle has a longstanding tradition of participating in the Air Race Classic, founded in 1977 to advance the legacy of women in aviation. One of the nation’s longest-running air races, the cross-country challenge is a test of planning, precision and endurance. Success is achieved through teamwork and a solid understanding of aviation fundamentals.

“Aviation isn’t just about reaching destinations — it’s about the people who help you get there,” said instructor pilot Julie Bengoa who was among the Embry‑Riddle competitors from the Prescott Campus. “I’m proud to stand among a community of women who continue to lead, uplift and pave the way for the next generation of pilots.”

First-Time Flyers Soar to Fourth Place Finish

Certified flight instructor Brianna Francis and Aeronautics student Gwendolyn Pasternacki, who flew under the team name “Rattlesnake,” claimed fourth place, with a total flight time of 15 hours, 35 minutes and 14 seconds.

Francis, who graduated in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science and a minor in Applied Meteorology, said the race was an opportunity to challenge herself in the pilot’s seat.

“I was most looking forward to flying in new states and getting outside of my comfort zone,” she said. “I’m also eager to get more experience with different weather conditions than what we see in Prescott.”

Pasternacki, an Aeronautics sophomore, said her passion for aviation began with her dad, who worked for Southwest Airlines, and then took off after an introductory flight in high school.

 “After my discovery flight, I fell in love with flying little planes! I knew I wanted to strive for the best aviation school I possibly could,” she said.

Ringtail Team Finds Meaning in the Journey

Team “Ringtail,” comprising instructor pilot Bengoa and alumna Megan Amoako, landed in eighth place. For Bengoa, the experience went far beyond the final standings.

“Racing in this year’s Air Race Classic was one of the most rewarding and meaningful experiences of my aviation journey,” she said. “I’m truly honored to have participated in this historic race, which celebrates the strength, determination and legacy of women in aviation.”

Amoako, a first-time racer and graduate of the Aeronautical Science program with minors in Aviation Business Administration and Cyber Intelligence and Security, said she was grateful for her coaches, especially since navigating through multiple weather systems presented significant challenges for the racers.

“It was amazing learning how to handle weather conditions outside of Prescott and strategizing how to get our best time,” said Amoako. “I am excited to do this again in the future!”

Roadrunner Team Reunites to Land in Top 10

Teammates Bella Memeo and Yuka Noguchi, who reunited as team “Roadrunner” for their second Air Race Classic, came in ninth overall. A double-major in Aeronautical Science and Air Traffic Management, with a minor in Business Administration, Memeo recently earned her Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII) rating. She piloted the final leg of the race, landing in her hometown of Spokane.

“This is a full circle moment for me, flying back home in my university’s aircraft,” said Memeo.

Noguchi, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics in 2018 and a master’s degree in Safety Science in 2024, studied the team’s performance from 2024 to identify areas for improvement.

“I reviewed last year’s performance — what we did wrong and what we did right. As a team, we split up our duties, practicing and supporting our first-time racers from Riddle,” she said.

Whiskey Row Racers Inspire

The Prescott Campus flyers dubbed themselves the “Whiskey Row Racers,” a nod to a historic block in downtown Prescott, Arizona.

At each refueling stop, the six pilots traded approach tips and weather considerations, while forging friendships amid competition.

“Across the route, we saw camaraderie among racers, encouragement at every stop, and overwhelming support from volunteers and local towns that welcomed us,” said Bengoa. “The energy, dedication and connection among everyone involved was truly something special.”

The racers received dedicated coaching from Shaun Shephard and Sarah Santos, as well as guidance from Prescott Campus Flight Department Chair Parker Northrup.

“Embry‑Riddle’s support of our racers demonstrates the high quality of our entire flight training program,” Northrup said. “I know our teams inspire future aviators to choose Embry‑Riddle as their starting point for a professional career.”