Three Kansas teams flying in women's air race

Three Kansas teams are flying in the 2012 Air Race Classic, an all-women race that began Tuesday.

The 2,330 nautical-mile race started in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., and ends in Batavia, Ohio.

Fifty-five planes are registered.

Contestants typically have four days of flying in daylight hours to reach the final destination.

Each plane is given a handicap speed, and the goal is to have the actual ground speed as far over the handicap speed as possible, according to information from race organizers.

Pilots have leeway to work with the elements, such as holding out for better weather.

“The objective is to fly the ‘perfect’ cross-country,” race information said.

Taking part are local pilots Janet Yoder and Joyce Wilson, who are flying a Cessna 182 Skylane.

Two teams are representing Kansas State University: Nicole Lordemann and Tonya Hodson; and Megan Henderson and Summer Gajewski.

Both are flying Cessna 172 airplanes.