Australian Aviation Express - Issue 265

GENERAL AVIATION

* PINK AND PEARLS TO RACE IN AIR RACE CLASSIC: Inspired by the legacy of the late pioneering aviatrix Nancy-Bird Walton, an Australian all-woman team racing under the “Pink and Pearls” name is preparing to take part in the Air Race Classic in the United States.
Comprised of two pilots, 23 year old Heather Ford and 22 year old Soph Lazarou, the Pink and Pearls team is preparing to take part in the race, which will be held in June across nine states and will be comprised solely of women pilots from around the world. The two decided to undertake the race as a tribute to Nancy-Bird's dedication and support of women pilots. “If Nancy and the many other courageous young women of the time had not broken the barrier and been so determined in what they achieved then perhaps we would not be so fortunate today in our endeavours,” Lazarou says on the team's website
The Pink and Pearls team is being sponsored by Melbourne Flight Training and the Rotary Club of Bendigo Sandhurst. For more information see www.pinkandpearls.com.au.

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Bendigo Weekly - 8th April 2009

Flyers race to the US

PILOTS Heather Ford and Soph Lazarou are stepping out of their comfort zone to compete in an air race in the United States.
They’ve called the venture Pink and Pearls in honour of Australian aviator Nancy Walton and women pilots in general.
They leave Australia on June 12 with a view to start the race in Denver on June 20.
“The race is 2,359 nautical miles (4,370 kilometres) and we should manage it in about 20 hours,” Heather said.
“We hope to cover the distance over about four days.”
On top of the race the women have two ferry flights to complete, adding another 30 hours of flying time.
Both are commercial pilots, and aim to share the load of flying.
“We’ll take turns flying and navigating, so it should be a lot of fun,” Heather said.
The pilots are competing in a 2005 Cessna 182 and it will be a big challenge.
“It’s a big step up from what we’ve done,” Soph said.
“It’s all Heather’s fault too, she suggested it and got me hooked on the idea.”
The women are part-funding the trip but would welcome sponsorship in cash or kind.
To find out more, or to help in any way, go to www.pinkandpearls.com

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